The CereCore Podcast

What happens when a former clinician becomes the architect of digital transformation? You get bold, practical innovation that actually works. In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, we talk with Julie Demaree, Executive Director of Clinical Innovation and Transformation at St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam, about how she’s turning tech frustration into clinical empowerment. From rebuilding trust in the EHR to rolling out ambient AI and automation bots, Julie shares how her team is making digital tools work for—not against—providers. If you're a healthcare CIO, informatics leader, or tech strategist, this episode is your blueprint for: - Building a digital strategy that clinicians actually love - Creating governance that fuels innovation (not red tape) - Using data, AI, and automation to solve real-world problems - Bridging the gap between IT and clinical care—without burning out your teams Julie’s experience proves that clinical innovation isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving problems with purpose. Listen and get inspired to lead your own transformation journey.

How do you strike the right balance with IT governance? Peyman Zand, chief strategy officer at CereCore, talks about developing strategic plans and IT governance to drive innovation and growth. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore, Peyman shares how to align strategic planning and governance with enterprise goals. Hear why it's important to establish a multidisciplinary governance structure, the pitfalls of overly complex or simplistic models, and how emerging technologies like AI can be integrated without hindering progress. Tune in to discover how effective IT governance builds strategic alignment so your leadership team can better navigate today's pressures. Key topics - Achieving the right balance of IT governance - How strategic planning and IT governance work together - Pitfalls of governance models - Decision making tool for navigating challenges like tight capital budgets Explore resources Connect with CereCore to collaborate on strategic roadmaps that will help you drive innovation and move your organization forward. Get strategic guidance with our advisory team.

Clinical staff want more from their EMR explains Judy Krupala, Chief Nursing Officer at Cuero Regional Hospital. In this episode, hear what’s important to clinical leadership and staff when it comes to technology, their experience transitioning to MEDITECH Expanse and approach to integrating technology into patient care. In this conversation with Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer at CereCore, Judy covers a wide range of important topics for nurses in rural health, from training and leadership programs for the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders to the importance of partnerships. Tune in to hear stories of community, devotion, and words of wisdom from Judy Krupala, a nurse leader who's been serving Cuero, Texas for more than 30 years. Key topics - Technology and innovation in nursing – what nurses want, what’s important and what’s changed - MEDITECH Expanse – the challenges and successes of transitioning to a new EHR - Training and equipping nurses in rural health - The multiple hats a CNO wears - Cuero Regional Hospital’s family-like culture - The importance of community and collaboration with organizations like TORCH (Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals) Explore resources CereCore brings unique perspective as hospital operators with deep expertise in the major EHR platforms, MEDITECH, Epic, and Oracle Health (Cerner). Learn how you can maximize your EHR investment, regardless of your technology roadmap or stage of the journey.

AI is going to change our entire healthcare system, and so are strategic approaches to EHR optimization and continuous improvement. Darrell Bodnar, CIO of North Country Healthcare, unpacks top of mind healthcare leadership topics from operationalizing new technologies like AI and machine learning to optimizing the EHR for clinical efficiencies and workflow optimization. Hear practical leadership advice for navigating today’s cost pressure challenges and creative approaches to employee development and satisfaction. And, hear how Darrell’s career pivot from culinary arts to CIO comes full circle with his passion today for hospice care and giving back to the community. Key topics: - Adoption of AI and ambient listening - CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program - Aligning technology with organizational goals - Challenges and lessons learned with merger and acquisition - Empowering employees and satisfaction with Yellow Belt training - Importance of partnership

Focus on what’s most important for a health system. That’s what Kevin Olson, CIO at Jupiter Medical Center, explains as he talks about their Epic implementation, the challenges and opportunities of unifying fragmented systems, and governance in IT decision-making. Kevin also delves into the role of AI in healthcare, the significance of understanding market dynamics, and much more in this conversation with podcast host, Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore. Listen for practical advice from a healthcare IT leader with 20+ years of experience and whose heart runs deep in serving others. Key topics include - Epic implementation and legacy EHR support - The important role of governance in IT project prioritization and execution - Practical applications and governance of AI in healthcare - Understanding AI models, bias, and risk management - Market dynamics, competition and its impact on IT strategy - Recharging during intense IT projects - The value of mentorship, peer collaboration, and continuous learning in healthcare IT

How can we make the EHR implementation process less manual? Krischan Krayer, VP of Expanse Implementation & Operations at HCA Healthcare, discusses ways healthcare organizations can evaluate and use automation for EHR implementations. He shares experiences working with stakeholders and teams to educate them on what’s possible with automation. Hear more about EHR adoption trends, insights from his role as physician advocate and IT “translator” and career advice. Key topics include: - Improving the EHR experience for physicians - Why use automation for EHR implementation - How to evaluate the value and potential use of automation - Evolution of EHRs and the effect of generational changes on adoption Automation is a solid strategy for scaling IT services and resources whether focused on an EHR implementation or other more day-to-day IT operations. Tune in to hear leadership perspective from Krischan who stands in the gap and serves as liaison between healthcare providers, operations and technology—with the goal to leverage EHR technology to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to communities.

Dr. Patrick Woodard is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Monument Health. Monument Health operates the busiest ER in South Dakota, serving a remote area where the nearest comparable trauma center is over 300 miles away. In this episode, hear how Dr. Woodard’s background as practicing internist ignited a passion for healthcare technology and health policy. He discusses how healthcare technology like policy can impact thousands of patients, emphasizing the importance of reliability, invisibility and quality IT support. Key topics - The evolution of healthcare technology and its adoption by physicians - Balancing clinical practice with IT leadership - The role of AI in improving documentation and reducing physician burnout - Strategies for effective healthcare IT support - The importance of listening to frontline caregivers to drive meaningful tech improvements Dr. Woodard's personal anecdotes provide a compelling look at the intersection of medicine and technology. Whether you're a healthcare professional, IT specialist, or simply interested in the future of healthcare, this episode offers real world insights on the critical role of clinical IT support. Tune in to hear how Monument Health is leveraging technology to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to its diverse patient population.

Dr. Aaron Parker Banks, Chief Medical Informatics Officer (CMIO) at UK St. Claire Healthcare treats patients in the clinic four days a week and he's using technology throughout the day to help him provide the best care to his tight-knit community in Kentucky. Listen to this “day in a life” episode to hear how this CMIO led physicians, nurses and staff through technology change during their EHR go-live. Dr. Banks shares personal stories that will leave you inspired by his passion for taking care of his community and encouraged in the ways you serve yours. Key topics: - Physician experiences with technology in patient care - Maximizing use of technology - Patient-centered decision making - Rural and community healthcare - Bridging the generational technology gap

A highly customized EHR in need of costly updates challenged the new CIO at Oklahoma Heart Hospital (OHH) to evaluate the technology stack he inherited and chart a new course at this award-winning healthcare organization. In this episode, Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer, talks with David Miles, Chief Information Officer of OHH, and Jim Wetzel, the facility’s director of clinical systems. The duo shared valuable insights from their recent Epic implementation that was completed in just 11 months (earlier than the 12-month goal established at the onset of the project). Key topics: - Guiding principles for evaluating your healthcare technology stack - Keys to OHH’s Epic implementation timeframe - What’s next at OHH

“Every project you might be involved in is still a business project at the end of the day,” says Nayan Patel, CIO at Upson Regional Medical Center. Nayan explains how simple tools like a top 10 list can foster transparency and trust, highlighting technology’s impact on and value to healthcare projects. During this conversation with host Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore, Nayan shares examples from the decades he has spent leading organizations during times of growth and transition. How does a health IT professional earn a seat at the executive table? What makes or breaks IT governance? Stream this episode for leadership advice you can apply in your healthcare organization. Key topics - How to align with the business - Using governance to guide strategy and priorities - Why technical debt and application rationalization deserve attention - Mentoring others and professional development

Ajai Sehgal, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Mayo Clinic, discussed the building blocks of healthcare data strategy and the value of data analytics from examples of physicians and patients who experienced better care, time savings and reduced cost. “Early detection of disease is a way of both curing patients and delivering better healthcare, but also scaling our physicians,” said Sehgal in this interview with host Phil Sobol, Chief Commercial Officer of CereCore. Hear more about Mayo Clinic’s approach to data governance, stewardship and literacy programs, and physician engagement. If you’re wondering where to begin or how your healthcare organization can take advantage of data analytics, stream this episode for Sehgal’s advice. Key topics: - Career highlights and transition to healthcare at Mayo Clinic - Data management and governance principles - Examples of solving health problems with data and early disease detection - Strategic direction, data governance and physician engagement - Quantifiable value of data analytics - Startup principles apply to data analytics - Advice for managing technology change

Listen to this masterclass in healthcare IT leadership from Marty Paslick, retired SVP and CIO of HCA Healthcare. He shares experiences from his nearly four decades in HIT and covers topics from workplace culture where “technologists see themselves as healthcare professionals first,” to financial and operational resiliency during adversity. He's not shy about sharing what worked and didn't work when mentoring leaders. Plus, he explains his approach to achieving innovation and quiet operations, authentic communication and three fundamental leadership principles. Enjoy this story-packed conversation with Marty and host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore. Key topics 00:02:12 - Becoming a CIO 00:06:10 - Quiet Operations and Continual Improvement 00:10:10 - Evolution of Healthcare IT and CIO Role 00:11:38 - Building Authentic Relationships 00:14:03 - Communication Strategies 00:17:09 - Leadership Style and Flexibility 00:18:05 - Storytelling in Leadership 00:20:44 - Final Words of Wisdom

Strategic plans and EHR technology fueled with data are key for rural healthcare operations today. And what else? Step into the shoes of Alma Alexander, CFO from Cuero Regional Hospital. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore, Alma shares what she’s learned as a healthcare finance leader in both large health systems and rural healthcare settings and how each are different and unique. How does a chief financial officer (CFO) tackle top challenges in rural healthcare today? What’s the secret to financially preparing for and managing large IT investments like EHR systems? Alma gives practical advice on using strategic plans as communication tool to align C-suite leaders and the board of directors. Hear first-hand CFO advice as Cuero embarked on a multi-year process to prepare, plan and implement a modern EHR. Key Topics 00:05:04 - Financial operations across different healthcare settings Alma compares financial operations in reference labs, metropolitan, and rural hospitals. 00:08:16 - Top challenges for rural healthcare leaders Alma talks about specific challenges faced in managing finances in a rural healthcare setting. 00:10:35 - Technology's impact on healthcare Discussion on how IT advancements like AI and telemedicine are influencing rural healthcare. 00:14:43 - EHR implementation and strategic planning Alma discusses the strategic planning and implementation process for a new EHR system. 00:18:37 - Decision making in EHR modernization Hear about key decisions and pivotal moments in the EHR modernization process and what success looks like from a CFO perspective. 00:22:40 - Maintaining leadership alignment Learn how this leadership team maintains alignment and communication regarding strategic plans. 00:25:59 - Closing thoughts and advice Alma offers final thoughts and advice about the people side of healthcare.

Cyber criminals only have to be right once to wreak havoc. In healthcare, we have to be right 100% of the time to manage the risk of cyberattack. In this episode, Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development talks to Darcy Corcoran, Principal for Cybersecurity Advisory Services. Hear how she uses her extensive background in the Department of Defense and work with NATO and the Pentagon to inform organization-specific tactics and industry best practices for cybersecurity in healthcare. In their conversation they cover the must haves and explore an often-overlooked aspect of considering AI use cases. Key topics:   - Thoughts on cybersecurity in healthcare through lens of extensive cybersecurity background in defense  - Misconceptions about malicious actors - Factors to include in cybersecurity strategy - The AI considerations leaders may overlook - Leadership responsibilities for cybersecurity in healthcare organizations

Many healthcare organizations are facing single digit or negative EBITDA and are searching for strategies to improve profitability, patient care and sustained growth. Examining revenue cycle is often a great place to start because of its far-reaching impact, explains Kim Waters, Principal Consultant for Revenue Cycle at CereCore. In this episode with host Phil Sobol, Vice President of Business Development at CereCore, Kim shares her unique perspective having worked with healthcare leaders in managed services, revenue cycle, payer disciplines and now CereCore clients. Kim explains how her conversational approach uncovers quick wins, identifies root causes, and helps teams navigate complex changes. She brings business acumen and healthcare experience working with a variety of C-suite roles, health system boards of directors, and clinical teams. What common problems warrant an outside perspective? How can you achieve a productive partnership with a consultant? Kim answers these questions and explains why evaluating change readiness is important to innovation. She wraps up the conversation with a client story that highlights the impact care navigation can have on positive financial results for a health system, a patient and their family. Key topics - How to derive the most value from a consulting engagement - Top areas C-suite leaders are looking to improve today - Data, storytelling and the why behind decisions - Revenue cycle optimization can be ripe with opportunity - Care navigation client story: strategy yields savings for health system and patients