WittKieffer Impactful Leaders Podcast

If Not Us, Then Who? CHA’s President on Advocacy and Impact in Children’s Care

What does it take to lead children’s healthcare during one of the most challenging periods in its history? In this special episode of our Accelerating Physician Leader Impact series, Michael Anderson, MD, MBA welcomes Paul R. Haut, MD, President of the Children’s Hospital Association, for a powerful conversation on leadership, advocacy, and purpose.  Dr. Haut shares his journey from pediatric oncologist to national healthcare executive, reflecting on early leadership failures, the transition from authority to influence, and the importance of understanding one’s “why.” Together, they explore the urgent issues facing children’s hospitals today—including funding pressures, Medicaid sustainability, workforce shortages, and the evolving role of physician leaders.  Grounded in values of respect, integrity, and trust, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for senior healthcare leaders committed to making a lasting impact for children, families, and communities.

The Secret Sauce of Science Leadership: A Conversation with FSU’s VP for Research

What does it take to lead a modern research enterprise in an era of funding uncertainty and growing demand for real‑world impact? In this episode, Stacey Patterson, Vice President for Research at Florida State University, shares how research leaders can build interdisciplinary ecosystems that drive innovation, economic growth, and societal value.  Drawing on her non-linear path from scientist to senior administrator, Patterson discusses why persistence, communication, and team science are essential leadership competencies. She explores the cultural and structural barriers that prevent promising discoveries from reaching application and explains how programs like Ignite FSU help mature early‑stage ideas. Patterson also offers a candid perspective on return on investment in academic research and why universities must better articulate their value to funders and the public.  This conversation is essential listening for presidents, provosts, research executives, and higher education leaders shaping the future of research.

Embrace the Chaos: Integris’ CPE on Fostering Physician Engagement, Buy-In, and “Anti-Fragility”

What does it truly mean to create a physician‑led culture? In this Impactful Leaders Podcast episode, Senior Partner Daniel Young and Principal Vinny Gossain are joined by Dr. Scott Ellner, Chief Physician Executive at Integris Health, for a candid conversation on leadership, clinician engagement, and purpose.  Dr. Ellner shares his journey from general surgeon to enterprise leader, highlighting the mindset shifts physicians must make to influence systems, not just care delivery. He challenges common misconceptions about physician engagement, explains why real engagement goes far beyond surveys, and offers practical insights on aligning clinicians around strategy, accountability, and results.  The discussion also explores augmented intelligence in healthcare, the evolving role of the physician executive, and Dr. Ellner’s PEAK Health philosophy for sustaining leadership performance amid constant change. This episode is a must listen for senior and aspiring physician leaders navigating today’s complex healthcare environment.

How Scientific Thinking Shapes Leadership: Wisdom from CHOP’s Pediatrician‑in‑Chief

What does it take to lead one of the world’s premier pediatric institutions during a time of extraordinary scientific change? In this episode of Impactful Leaders, Michael Anderson, MD, MBA (a pediatrician) sits down with Dr. Jordan Orange, Pediatrician‑in‑Chief and Chair of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Orange shares his journey from physician‑scientist to executive leader, reflecting on the mentors, inflection points, and moments of discomfort that shaped his path. Together, they explore how scientific training informs leadership decision‑making, why genomics and informatics are transforming children’s—and adult—health, and what health systems risk when pediatrics is deprioritized. Dr. Orange also offers powerful guidance for developing the next generation of physician leaders and closes with advice every senior leader needs to hear: seek out ideas that challenge your thinking, not just those that feel comfortable.

Taking Flight: UC San Diego's Pharmacy Dean Aims Higher and Inspires

UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Brookie Best joins host Jeff Schroetlin for an in-depth conversation on the future of pharmacy education, leadership, and scientific discovery. Dr. Best reflects on her journey from clinician and researcher to senior academic leader, shaped by early mentorship, founding-faculty experiences, and a deep commitment to patient-centered training. She shares how the role of pharmacy dean is rapidly evolving—requiring crisis navigation, policy fluency, interprofessional collaboration, and a bold vision for innovation. Dr. Best discusses the school’s curriculum redesign, advancements in AI-driven drug discovery, breast milk therapeutics, pharmacomicrobiomics, and how academic institutions can remain engines of community impact. With clarity and candor, she offers leadership advice, insights on emerging practice models, and a forward-looking perspective on preparing the next generation of pharmacy professionals to lead in a transforming healthcare landscape.