How Great Nurses Become Great Leaders | Kristi Reguin-Hartman, AMSN

How Great Nurses Become Great Leaders | Kristi Reguin-Hartman, AMSN

In this episode of The Healthcast, host Phil Zappone speaks with Dr. Kristi Reguin-Hartman, President of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, about nursing leadership, clinical transformation, healthcare technology, and the future of medical-surgical nursing. Dr. Reguin-Hartman shares the experience that first inspired her to pursue nursing: caring for a college student who had become paralyzed after a traumatic hockey injury. A single line he later wrote—“In the mornings, it was better”—showed her how meaningful it could be to make even a small difference in someone’s life. She reflects on her journey from earning an ADN to completing a DNP, the mentors who encouraged her to accept opportunities before she felt fully prepared, and the philosophy that has shaped her career: say yes. The conversation also examines some of the most urgent challenges facing nurses today, including unsafe staffing levels, excessive workloads, limited autonomy, difficult work environments, and the continued misconception that medical-surgical nursing is simply a starting point rather than a complex specialty. Phil and Dr. Reguin-Hartman discuss why nurses must be included in healthcare technology design from the beginning, how health systems can improve technology adoption, and why clinical workflows should be built around the people who will actually use them. The episode closes with a look at the future of nursing, from virtual and corporate nursing roles to AI, advocacy, professional recognition, and the importance of ensuring that the best voices—not simply the loudest—shape healthcare’s next chapter. In This Episode - How staffing, workload, acuity, and payment models intersect - The risks of assigning one medical-surgical nurse too many patients - AMSN’s fellowships, awards, education, publications, and advocacy - How AI and rapid innovation may reshape healthcare - Why healthcare cannot always put money first Episode Chapters 00:53 – The experience that inspired a career in nursing 03:41 – Learning to care for a patient with complex needs 05:02 – A defining moment in nursing leadership 07:10 – How saying yes shaped Dr. Reguin-Hartman’s career 10:10 – Helping nurses understand that they have a voice 11:27 – When nursing becomes part of your identity 13:09 – Bridging healthcare technology and nursing leadership 14:23 – Why healthcare technology implementations struggle 15:26 – Rethinking staffing, workload, and patient outcomes 17:48 – The biggest issues facing medical-surgical nurses 19:50 – Nursing attrition and evolving career paths 21:34 – Workflows that create the most friction for nurses 22:51 – How AMSN chooses programs and initiatives 23:17 – Fellowships, health equity awards, and professional recognition 24:36 – Expanding recognition beyond traditional medical-surgical units 25:22 – Education, publications, and member resources 26:40 – The greatest opportunities and challenges ahead 28:40 – Where listeners can learn more about AMSN Episode Resources: Website | https://amsn.org/ [https://amsn.org/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-reguin-hartman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-reguin-hartman/] Check out what I do helping small businesses here: Website | https://nxaihealth.com/ [https://nxaihealth.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/] Thank you for watching, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

The Truth About Aging that Every Family Needs to Hear | Emily Coskun

In this episode of The Healthcast, host Phil Zappone speaks with geriatrician Dr. Emily Coskun about how healthcare can better serve one of the country’s fastest-growing and most medically complex populations: older adults. Dr. Coskun shares how caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the direction of her career and ultimately led her to geriatrics. She also reflects on the mentors and patients who shaped her approach to medicine, including the responsibility physicians have when guiding people through serious diagnoses, cognitive decline, end-of-life decisions, and other defining moments. The conversation explores what makes geriatric medicine different from traditional adult medicine, including the Four M’s of age-friendly care: what matters most, medications, mobility, and mind. Dr. Coskun explains why deprescribing, fall prevention, cognitive screening, social connection, and care planning are essential to helping older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. Phil and Dr. Coskun also discuss ageism, the shortage of geriatricians, gaps in long-term care coverage, caregiver burden, and the growing need for home-based services. They examine practical programs that can improve outcomes and reduce costs, including adult day services, comprehensive geriatric assessments, frailty screening, hospital-at-home models, and the Hospital Elder Life Program. The episode closes with a look at how technology—including telemedicine, point-of-care ultrasound, fall-detection wearables, and AI—can support the deeply human side of geriatric care. Episode Chapters 00:43 – How Dr. Coskun found her calling in geriatrics 02:18 – A personal example of aging in place 03:47 – The mentor who became her professional North Star 05:10 – The national shortage of geriatricians 06:45 – Ageism and how society values older adults 08:01 – Handling difficult diagnoses and defining moments 09:43 – What older patients teach us about life 11:12 – Understanding the Four M’s of geriatric care 13:51 – Why good physicians know when to stop medication 15:10 – Evidence-based approaches to longevity 16:47 – The greatest gaps in outpatient and home care 17:44 – The cost of long-term care and caregiver burden 19:37 – Adult day services, socialization, and cognitive health 20:57 – Misconceptions about the cost of geriatric care 23:04 – Rising hospital demand and patient complexity 25:05 – Rural healthcare shortages and specialty access 26:57 – Telemedicine and consultative geriatric care 27:40 – Comprehensive assessments and frailty screening 29:38 – A high-impact investment for hospital leaders 31:06 – Point-of-care ultrasound for older adults 32:42 – Wearable technology and fall detection 33:39 – Opportunities to reduce readmissions and costs 35:25 – Hospital-at-home and remote monitoring 38:52 – Combining high-touch care with high-tech tools 40:11 – The exercise shown to reduce fall risk Episode Resources: Website | https://xacweillcornell.org/emily-brooke-coskun-md [https://xacweillcornell.org/emily-brooke-coskun-md] Check out what I do helping small businesses here: Website | https://nxaihealth.com/ [https://nxaihealth.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/] Thank you for watching, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Teaching the Doctors of Tomorrow | Bei Zhang

In this episode of The Healthcast, host Phil Zappone sits down with Dr. Bei Zhang, an MD-PhD educator working at the intersection of pathology, medical education, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Zhang shares how a lifelong curiosity about living things led her to pathology—a field where biology and detective work come together to uncover how and why disease develops. She also reflects on her early passion for teaching, the mentors who shaped her career, and why she views education as both a privilege and a responsibility. The conversation explores where traditional medical education is struggling to keep pace with a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Dr. Zhang explains why future physicians need more than clinical knowledge: they must learn how to filter overwhelming amounts of information, understand emerging technologies, collaborate across disciplines, and apply what they learn in authentic patient-care settings. Phil and Dr. Zhang also discuss online education, virtual patient simulations, barriers to innovation within academic medicine, and the importance of introducing patient-centered learning from the beginning of medical school. When it comes to artificial intelligence, Dr. Zhang describes AI as a powerful but “wild horse”—capable of taking healthcare and education to extraordinary places, but only when both the technology and its users are properly trained. She shares how she incorporates AI into learning sessions with her students to strengthen their questioning skills and critical thinking rather than allowing the technology to replace the learning process. Episode Chapters 00:48 – What drew Dr. Zhang to medicine and pathology 01:34 – Discovering a passion for teaching and innovation 04:42 – The teachers and mentors who shaped her career 07:35 – Why pathology is essential to patient care 08:51 – Finding personal purpose through teaching 11:50 – Where traditional medical education is falling behind 12:49 – Building a strong foundation for future physicians 15:06 – The skills today’s medical students need 17:19 – The lasting impact of online medical education 19:08 – AI as a powerful but “wild” tool 21:01 – The biggest barriers to educational innovation 23:24 – Bridging classroom learning and clinical practice 25:14 – Virtual patients and practice-based learning platforms 27:17 – Redesigning physician training around the patient 31:13 – Why medical schools must invest more in educators 32:43 – The greatest opportunity and challenge facing healthcare education 33:56 – Bringing students, teachers, and AI into the same learning session Episode Resources: LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bei-zhang-96235b3a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bei-zhang-96235b3a/] Check out what I do helping small businesses here: Website | https://nxaihealth.com/ [https://nxaihealth.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/] Thank you for watching, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

The Best-Kept Secret in Senior Care? Adult Day Services Explained | Bill Zagorski, Centennial

On this episode of The HealthCast, Phil Zappone sits down with Bill Zagorski, CEO of Centennial Adultcare Center, to explore one of healthcare's most overlooked solutions: adult day services. Bill shares his journey from scientific research into healthcare leadership and discusses how adult day programs improve quality of life for seniors while reducing caregiver burden. They explore person-centered care, aging in place, healthcare innovation, AI applications, and why adult day services may be the missing piece in addressing America's growing caregiver crisis. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Bill transitioned from scientific research to healthcare leadership The origins and growth of Centennial Adultcare Center Why adult day services remain underutilized nationwide The impact of person-centered care on seniors and caregivers How transportation improves access to care The role of AI and technology in adult day healthcare Why caregiver support is critical to long-term health outcomes How therapeutic programming improves engagement and quality of life The future of value-based care and community-based healthcare Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Meet Bill Zagorski 00:35 From Scientific Research to Healthcare Leadership 02:05 Early Lessons Running a Healthcare Business 03:57 Why Person-Centered Care Matters 04:19 Centennial's First VA Contract & Expanding Care for Veterans 06:50 What a Typical Day at Centennial Looks Like 08:46 Adult Day Services vs. In-Home Care 09:54 Expanding from One Location to Three 12:31 The Critical Role of Transportation in Healthcare Access 13:49 What Makes Adult Day Services Successful? 15:45 Why Adult Day Care Remains Underutilized 21:06 The Biggest Challenge: Awareness 23:40 Understanding Caregiver Burnout 26:56 AI, Technology & Healthcare Innovation 30:24 Growth Plans for Centennial Adultcare Center 33:00 Measuring Outcomes Through Art, Music & Movement Therapy 35:58 Advice for Families Considering Adult Day Services 37:46 Where to Learn More About Centennial Adult Care Center 39:19 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks Episode Resources: Website | https://centennialadultcare.com [https://centennialadultcare.com] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-zagorski-5a158a8/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-zagorski-5a158a8/] Check out what I do helping small businesses here: Website | https://nxaihealth.com/ [https://nxaihealth.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/] Thank you for watching, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! #HealthCast #HealthcareInnovation #SeniorCare #AgingInPlace #CaregiverSupport #AdultDayServices #HealthcareLeadership #ValueBasedCare #HealthcareTechnology #AIinHealthcare #LongTermCare #SeniorHealth #HealthyAging #CaregiverBurnout #HealthcarePodcast #PatientCenteredCare #HealthcareBusiness #HealthTech #InnovationInHealthcare #AgingWell #CommunityCare #HealthcareTransformation #DementiaCare #AlzheimersCare #Caregiving #HealthcareEducation #MedicalInnovation #PodcastInterview #NXAIHealth #HealthcareFuture

How AI Is Predicting Preterm Births Before They Happen | Robert Bunn, Ultrasound AI

What if doctors could predict pregnancy complications months before they happen? On this episode of The Healthcast, Phil Zappone sits down with Robert Bunn, Founder and CEO of Ultrasound AI, to discuss how a personal family experience led him to develop groundbreaking AI technology that is changing maternal healthcare. After leaving the oil industry, Robert set out to solve one of medicine's most challenging problems: predicting miscarriages and preterm births before they occur. Despite years of skepticism from clinicians, researchers, and investors, his team developed an AI system capable of analyzing routine ultrasound images to predict delivery timing and identify risks long before traditional methods. Now, following FDA De Novo approval, Ultrasound AI is poised to transform pregnancy care, helping clinicians move from reactive treatment to proactive intervention. In this episode, you'll learn: How AI can predict preterm births from ultrasound images The breakthrough discovery that changed everything The FDA approval journey and what it means for healthcare How predictive medicine could reshape patient care The future of AI-powered diagnostics and maternal health Lessons on perseverance, innovation, and building a healthcare startup Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, or maternal health, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the future of medicine. Chapters 00:17 Introduction to Robert Bunn & Ultrasound AI 00:53 The Personal Story Behind Ultrasound AI 03:37 Building AI to Predict Preterm Births 06:25 The Breakthrough Discovery 07:22 Understanding the AI Experiment 11:51 What Ultrasound AI Actually Analyzes 14:38 FDA De Novo Approval Explained 15:59 Life After FDA Approval 18:26 Perseverance Through Setbacks 19:47 The Mission Behind the Technology 21:00 Scaling a Healthcare AI Company 23:28 Real-World Adoption & Global Expansion 24:39 Beyond Pregnancy: Future Applications of AI 25:51 Growth, Funding & IPO Plans 27:46 The Vision for Predictive Medicine 28:45 Where to Learn More About Ultrasound AI Episode Resources: Website | https://ultrasound.ai [https://ultrasound.ai] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbunn/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbunn/] Check out what I do helping small businesses here: Website | https://nxaihealth.com/ [https://nxaihealth.com/] LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-zappone-647957379/] Thank you for watching, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! #Healthcare #ArtificialIntelligence #MaternalHealth #Pregnancy #UltrasoundAI #HealthTech #MedicalInnovation #TheHealthCast #NXAIHealth #FDAApproval