To Care is Human

Stay connected to the changing landscape of Patient Experience through the To Care is Human Podcast Series. The Beryl Institute is committed to elevating the human experience in healthcare by providing a platform for all voices in patient experience to be heard. Join us twice a month as the Institute shares conversations with those leading, delivering, and receiving care. Hosted by Jason Wolf, PH. D., CPXP, President; Stacy Palmer, CPXP, Senior Vice President & COO; Amy Kwiatkowski, Director of Community Experience; and Terri Ipsen, CPXP, Director of Content and Editorial Coordinator of the Patient Experience Journal. Tiffany Christensen, CPXP, Vice President Experience Innovation The Beryl Institute.

Leading with Kindness: A Conversation on Courage and Human Connection

In this episode of To Care Is Human, host Jason Wolf sits down with Anne Marie Hadley, Chief Experience Officer for New South Wales Health, to explore what it means to lead with courage, compassion, and authenticity. From her personal journey shaped by resilience and empathy to her groundbreaking work designing kindness into one of the world's largest healthcare systems, Anne Marie shares how small acts of humanity can spark profound change. Her message is clear: be brave, be kind, and keep showing up.

11-10
36:19

FAST Connections: Transforming Patient Experience in the ED

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Swati Mehta of Vituity and Dr. Terrance McGovern and the Director of Nursing, Robyn Dodds, from Marian Regional to talk about how they're helping teams reconnect with the human side of emergency care. They share how a simple communication tool called F.A.S.T.—First impression, Acknowledge, Sit/Say/Slow down, and Teach-back—has strengthened teamwork, reduced burnout, and made a real difference in how patients feel seen and heard.

10-27
35:30

Making Healthcare Simple: Data, Access, and the Power of Patient Stories with Kristen Valdes

In this PX Marketplace edition of To Care is Human, Stacy Palmer speaks with Kristen Valdes, CEO of b.well, about her personal journey as a mother advocating for her daughter and how it inspired a mission to simplify healthcare. Kristen shares insights on patient rights, data transparency, and the future of digital access, highlighting how empowering people with their health information can transform the care experience.

10-06
23:15

Shaping the Future of Human Experience with Tyler Gegen

Jason Wolf sits down with Tyler Gegen to discuss his intentional path into patient experience leadership. Tyler shares how curiosity, relationships, and a focus on humanity continue to shape his work and the future of healthcare.

09-29
35:54

The Impact of the ED Service Ambassador Program

In this episode, Amy Kwiatkowski talks with Liddy Deacon of Sutter Health about their Emergency Department Service Ambassador Program. Liddy shares how ambassadors support patients and staff, foster meaningful connections, and improve care experiences across the ED.

09-15
19:29

Leading with Love: Edison Bond on Advocacy, Resilience, and the Future of Human Experience in Healthcare

Jason Wolf sits down with Edison Bond, Chief Patient Experience Officer at Episcopal Health Services, to explore his inspiring journey in patient advocacy and leadership. From personal stories of resilience to insights on love, equity, and community in healthcare, Edison shares a powerful perspective on what it truly means to elevate the human experience.

09-02
35:28

Empathy in Motion: Growing the Next Generation of Care Through Pediatric Volunteering

In this episode, we explore the unique impact of volunteer programs in a pediatric setting. Hear how proximity to a major medical school helps shape a strong student volunteer pipeline, creating early pathways to patient-centered care. Learn how volunteers support families, staff, and patients through programs in child life, the ED, and beyond—while building lasting connections and future healthcare careers.

08-04
19:20

Words Matter: Transforming Care Through Better Communication

In this episode of To Care Is Human, Terri Ipsen talks with Susan Osborne about the power of words in healthcare. Based on her PX blog, "Say this instead of," Susan shares practical tips and real examples of how small language changes can ease anxiety, build trust, and improve patient experience. Learn how intentional communication can make a lasting difference in patient care across all healthcare settings. 

07-14
13:29

We're all patients, or we're about to be.

Jason Wolf, President and CEO of The Beryl Institute, speaks with Jennifer Bright, MPA, President of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM). In this insightful conversation, Jennifer shares her personal journey and passion for transforming healthcare. Together, they explore the vital role of patient centricity and why embracing a global perspective is essential to advancing healthcare experiences worldwide.

06-23
40:13

The One Friend They Miss the Most: The Impact of Pet Interactions on Pediatric Experience

When his son, Brayden, passed away due to complications from a congenital heart defect, John Otten harnessed the power of his grief into action to found Brave Like Me. Listen in as he and Amy Cielak, board member, discuss the profound impact an interaction with a pet can have on a patient, and how they hope to bring that experience to more and more children across the country.

06-09
23:11

Reviving Humanity in Healthcare: The Power of Story-Sharing

Join Dr. Alexi Puran and Dr. Sherry Kroll as they introduce the Humanity in Healthcare project — a groundbreaking initiative harnessing the power of story-sharing to rebuild trust, foster connection, and restore compassion between patients and physicians. Hear their personal journeys, insights, and the simple yet transformative steps helping bring human connection back to the heart of healthcare. 

05-12
22:32

Elevating Pediatric PX: Culture, Champions & the Power of Parent Advisors

This episode explores the evolution of a pediatric Patient Experience. Dive into core values, shared ownership, and practical strategies for building trust, driving change, and creating meaningful experiences for children, families, and staff.

04-28
18:30

To Care is Human – LIVE! A Conversation with Dr. Owais Durrani

Recorded live at ELEVATE PX 2025, this episode of To Care is Human features Jason Wolf and Dr. Owais Durrani. Listen in as they discuss his journey in healthcare, the role of AI, and the importance of equitable care. Key takeaways included the need for ethical AI use, the critical role of communication in hospitals, and AI's potential to enhance patient care.

04-07
40:32

Conversational AI: A New Frontier In Improving Patient Experience

Israel Krush, CEO and co-founder of Hyro, sits down to discuss the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in healthcare and how it impacts the patient experience. Listen in as he shares how Hyro's focus on the patient journey is helping provide AI solutions for patients and healthcare workers alike. 

03-17
26:11

Communicating at an Elementary Level: Lessons from Young Learners

Join us as Katelyn Moser, Senior Director of Patient Experience at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, shares insights from Career and Communication Day—an innovative initiative that brings elementary school students to her campus. This program not only reinforces essential communication skills among staff but also introduces children to the diverse career opportunities within healthcare. Don't miss this engaging discussion on how a fresh perspective from young learners can enhance workplace communication.

02-24
18:43

Work-Life Balance in Healthcare: Caring for Yourself to Care for Others

Achieving work-life balance is essential for overall well-being, especially in healthcare. Join us as Robert Cote, a patient advocate for the VA, shares his personal journey through imbalance and the steps he took to restore stability. Discover the warning signs, practical strategies for self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries. Cote's powerful message reminds us: caring for yourself is the first step in being there for others.

02-03
27:36

Safeguarding What Matters: A Deeper Dive into Managing Patient Belongings

Listen in as Gabriel Bolivar of Maui Memorial Medical Center shares how his passion for finding healthcare improvement strategies drove him to find solutions to better manage patient belongings. From policies to procedures, Bolivar emphasizes effective practices to manage this recurring and often elusive challenge.

01-13
12:35

Green, Yellow, Red: Creating an Experience with Feedback Buttons

Stacy Palmer, Senior Vice President and COO of The Beryl Institute, joins Steven Peltzman, CEO of FeedbackNow, to explore how their innovative feedback devices are transforming the healthcare experience. Tune in as Peltzman discusses the profound impact of empowering patients with a sense of control in situations that often feel beyond their grasp.

12-16
20:25

Beyond Shiny Amenities: Markers of Quality in Essential Hospitals

As Denver Health strives to become Colorado's most trusted healthcare provider, its mission is grounded in core values of respect, belonging, and responsibility. In this conversation, Amy Friedman and Sharif Abdelhamid, leaders in Denver Health's experience department, share insights on how a committed workforce and robust community partnerships enable the essential hospital to deliver high-quality, safe care. Together, they discuss how these guiding values help Denver Health foster trust, bring hope, and promote healing among marginalized populations.

11-18
31:37

Leading through Listening: A Conversation with Garrett South

Join us as Garrett South, Director of Patient Experience at California Hospital Medical Center, shares his inspiring journey from fifth-grade class representative to healthcare executive. In this episode, Garrett discusses the power of connection and belonging in a world reshaped by post-pandemic social isolation.

11-04
32:13

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