Pete McCanna, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health, joins Tom and Kyle for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about transforming healthcare. From starting out in finance to leading one of the nation’s largest health systems, Pete walks us through his career, the system’s biggest flaws, and how Baylor is flipping the script—focusing on customer-centric care, embracing AI, and challenging the status quo. With stories from his own family’s healthcare experiences, Pete explains why the future of healthcare hinges on better access, smarter tech, and rethinking what care really means.

In This Episode

[00:00 ] Introduction & Why Healthcare Is “a Mess”

Pete McCanna shares his personal and professional reasons for transforming healthcare.

[03:30 ] A Personal Journey to Purpose-Driven Leadership

How family health struggles shaped Pete's mission and how his career evolved from finance to operations.

[11:30 ] Rethinking Healthcare: From Assets to Access

A shift in mindset: moving from hospital-focused strategy to customer-focused care, inspired by personal experience and systemic inefficiencies.

[19:00 ] Tech, AI & the Modern Healthcare Experience

Exploring how Baylor is using technology, apps, and AI to make healthcare frictionless and more personalized.

[24:00 ] Challenges of Reform: Payment Models & Policy Friction

The disconnect between prevention and payment, the burden of outdated systems, and how Baylor is pushing forward despite systemic headwinds.

[34:00 ] Empowering Physicians & Employees to Transform Care

How Baylor is restoring meaning in medicine, energizing staff, and innovating with new delivery models and partnerships.

[43:00 ] National & Global Context: What Needs to Change

A comparison to international systems, the impact of lack of access, and ideas for smarter U.S. healthcare reform.

[51:00 ] Baylor’s Vision for the Future

Pete outlines Baylor’s next chapter: deeper integration of digital care, smarter navigation, and building a true health partner for life.

GUEST RESOURCES

https://www.bswhealth.com/

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Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠