Inside the Practice

In this episode of Inside the Practice, Olivia Wolf and Matt Shortt sit down with Nikki Slusher and Michelle Chouinard of Thrive Payments to talk about one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of medical practice operations: patient payments and front-end financial communication.Together, they explore how payment technology, patient expectations, and operational workflows intersect, and why clear communication around balances, copays, and payment options matters for both the patient experience and practice sustainability. The conversation also covers implementation challenges, staff buy-in, security concerns, and the future of mobile-first payment tools in healthcare.This episode offers practical insight for practice leaders looking to improve collections, reduce administrative burden, and create a smoother financial experience for patients.

In this special Inside the Practice episode, Olivia Wolf turns the mic toward her co-host, Matt Shortt, for a candid conversation about his path through healthcare. From working the front desk in high school to a 15-year clinical career in orthopedics, launching a private practice, and stepping into executive leadership with an MBA.Matt shares the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way: why people-pleasing isn’t leadership, how honesty and accountability build trust, and why sustainable systems matter more than “burnout” narratives. The conversation also explores the realities physicians face in today’s healthcare environment; high expectations, limited room to fail, and systemic pressures that require advocacy and coalition-building.You’ll hear what brought Matt to KZA, how he views KZA’s consulting approach as “surgical” and actionable, and why he’s optimistic about the future of private practice; especially for leaders willing to be bold, stay curious, and “embrace their rebel.”

In this episode of Inside the Practice, we’re joined by Karen Simonton, CEO of The OrthoForum, for a wide-ranging conversation on collaboration, advocacy, and what it will take for independent physician practices to thrive in the decades ahead.Karen shares how The OrthoForum supports physician-owned and physician-led musculoskeletal practices across the country through peer networking, shared learning, and collective problem-solving. We explore the power of collaboration—from building clinically integrated networks and direct-to-employer strategies to strengthening governance and leadership within practices.The conversation also dives deep into advocacy: redefining what it means, why it must extend beyond federal policy, and how issues like downcoding, corporate practice of medicine, pricing transparency, and patient access directly impact physician autonomy and patient care.Looking ahead, Karen offers candid insight on the opportunities and challenges facing private practice, including value-based care, AI, purchaser preparedness, culture, governance, and the critical leadership skills required for the future. Her message is both grounded and energizing: independence is possible, but it requires humility, strong communication, collaboration, and a willingness to be a little rebellious.This episode is a must-listen for physicians, administrators, and practice leaders committed to preserving independent practice while building sustainable, patient-centered models of care.

In the pilot episode of Inside the Practice, we sit down with Cathy McDowell, President and CEO of KZA, to explore where KZA has been—and where it’s headed next. With more than 40 years of history supporting independent physician practices, KZA is entering its next chapter with a renewed commitment to helping practices remain financially strong, operationally sound, and focused on patient care.Cathy shares her vision for the future of KZA, including the evolution of education, data-driven insights, and practical tools that help practices navigate constant change. From leadership lessons and culture to the common traits of high-performing practices, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what truly makes medical practices thrive.Whether you’re a physician, administrator, or practice leader, this episode sets the foundation for the conversations to come—and offers a clear reminder that good medicine and good business don’t have to be at odds.