The Treasure Hunt: A Healthcare Changemakers Interview Series

Meet Community Member Jaspreet Loyal, MD, MS Chief of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital; Associate Professor in Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine Yale New Haven Health

In this episode of The Treasure Hunt podcast, enjoy an engaging and thoughtful conversation with Dr. Jaspreet Loyal, Section Chief for Pediatric Hospital Medicine and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Yale. Dr. Loyal, who also serves as Medical Director for Inpatient Pediatrics at Yale New Haven Hospital, shares her experiences balancing roles as both a clinician and hospital administrator. Learn about Dr. Loyal's transition from clinical medicine to leadership as she recounts her experiences as an immigrant and working mother in medicine, her unexpected entry into administrative roles, and the importance of being tapped for leadership by trusted mentors. A significant focus of the episode is Dr. Loyal's research on medical communication with families, particularly regarding the complex and sensitive topic of newborn vitamin K refusal and vaccine hesitancy. She explains the public health importance of interventions such as vitamin K and hepatitis B vaccination, and shares insights into the root causes of mistrust within families and communities. Also hear reflections on her experience with the Carol Emmott Fellowship, particularly regarding the unique challenges and deep, lasting bonds forged with her cohort, Fellowship Class of 2020, during the pandemic-era.

Meet Community Member Afia Asamoah, JD, MPP Co-Founder, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Head of Strategic Alliances, Waymark, Inc.

In this episode of The Treasure Hunt, Doug Riddle welcomes Afia Asamoah, a dynamic leader in healthcare innovation, policy, and equity. Afia shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family with strong service values to pursuing a career in healthcare, not as a physician, but by shaping systems that advance access and equity. Her experiences, from grassroots public health work in Ghana to regulatory policy roles in Washington and executive leadership in technology-enabled care, reveal her commitment to breaking barriers for underserved communities. The conversation highlights Afia’s work at Waymark, a company she co-founded, dedicated to improving access and outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries amid changing policy and political landscapes. She explains how Waymark’s community-based model leverages technology and local expertise to address health-related social needs, prevent avoidable ER visits, and drive meaningful change. Afia offers insights on maintaining focus and motivation in demanding roles, emphasizing the value of celebrating progress, trusting her support network, being present, and staying grounded in gratitude and purpose.

Meet Community Member Cynthia Barginere, DNP, RN, FACHE Chief Operating Officer UMass Memorial Health

Cynthia Barginere joins this week’s episode of The Treasure Hunt. Currently, Cynthia serves as the System Chief Operating Officer at UMass Memorial Health and as President of UMass Memorial Health Community Entities. With more than two decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Cynthia shares insights from her journey, from her early days as a nurse at the University of Alabama Hospital to her transformative roles at organizations such as Rush University System for Health and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Cynthia discusses the principles that have guided her career, including the importance of servant leadership, the power of building lasting professional relationships, and the necessity of clarity and accountability in leading large teams. Hear her philosophy that “love is a verb” as she reflects on her commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders, with a special focus on supporting women and people of color within healthcare.

Meet Community Member David Blumenthal Former President, The Commonwealth Fund; Professor, Practice Public Health Harvard Chan School of Public Health

Dr. David Blumenthal, a leader who has made significant contributions at the intersection of medicine, policy, and innovation, sits down with host Douglas Riddle on this episode of The Treasure Hunt.  Cited as one of Modern HealthCare’s 100 most influential healthcare leaders and 50 most influential physician executives several times throughout his 35 year career, Dr. Blumenthal is an inspiration and mentor to many in the healthcare industry. With a career marked by groundbreaking research, renowned teaching, and pivotal roles in health policy, Dr. Blumenthal's insights offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in healthcare. Join us as we explore his journey from his unexpected path to medicine shaped by the Vietnam War era, to his impactful work in both clinical practice and administrative leadership. His experiences not only highlight the importance of integrating medical knowledge with policy, but also shed light on the essential role of empathy in healthcare reform.  With a remarkable career that has spanned academia, government, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Blumenthal brings invaluable insights to the most pressing challenges in the healthcare system today.

Meet Community Member Monica Davy Senior Vice President and Chief Culture, Belonging, and Impact Officer Vizient, Inc

In this episode of The Treasure Hunt, host Doug Riddle talks with Monica Davy, Senior Vice President and Chief Culture of Belonging and Impact Officer at Vizient. Listen as Monica reflects on the motivations that led her to law school, including inspiration from an unlikely and unconventional source: her great-aunt’s love of soap operas. She candidly discusses the importance of self-reflection and awareness of external pressures in career choices and highlights how she encourages her own children to pursue their passions authentically. You’ll also hear about her transition from traditional legal work to conflict resolution, as well as what led to her current focus on belonging and culture. Drawing on her rich experience at the Food and Drug Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, along with her long-standing commitment to social justice, Monica emphasizes the need for fairness and equity in healthcare. She offers perspective and insight into creating a system that delivers for all stakeholders.