Conflict in Healthcare: From Avoidance to Competence
Medvale – June 4, 2025 In healthcare, conflict is often the topic no one wants to name. It’s rarely part of medical training. It’s not listed in job descriptions. And yet, it’s everywhere—especially in high-pressure environments where resources are limited, teams are diverse, and the stakes are high. That’s precisely where Medvalista Jeff Stuart, MD, has chosen to focus his energy. With decades of experience as an anesthesiologist, medical staff leader, and chief medical officer, Jeff has seen firsthand how unaddressed conflict corrodes trust, damages teams, and—perhaps most dangerously—gets quietly normalized. In his conversation with Dave Self on Megaphone from Medvale Media, he invites us to stop avoiding conflict and start treating it like the clinical challenge it is: something that can be understood, approached systematically, and improved with the right training. At Resolved Conflict, the organization Jeff co-founded, the goal is to support young physician leaders by building what he calls conflict competence—a set of skills and perspectives that allow clinicians to engage difficult conversations with confidence and empathy. As Jeff notes, “Nobody wakes up in the morning saying, ‘Today’s the day I’ll go solve some conflict.’” But the consequences of avoidance are real: damaged relationships, poor decisions, even financial loss. What if we taught physicians to approach interpersonal tension the same way they approach a clinical problem? What if collaboration, not avoidance, became the default? Drawing from both research and experience, Jeff shares why building conflict competence early—in training and at the start of clinical leadership—is one of the most underutilized strategies for improving not just team performance, but also physician wellness. The episode is also a reminder of the unexpected clarity and teamwork that surfaced during the early days of the pandemic—a time when a shared purpose cut through bureaucracy and brought people together. Conflict doesn’t have to be the family secret of healthcare. It can be a catalyst for better outcomes. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Medvale Radio (Spotify) or Medvale TV (YouTube), and hear how Medvalista Jeff Stuart, MD, is helping physician leaders face conflict with clarity—and lead with confidence.
The Power of Showing Up: How Purpose and Connection Drive Impact
Medvale – May 7, 2025 When Medvalista Saul Marquez joined Dave Self on Megaphone, he brought more than just his perspective as founder and CEO of Outcomes Rocket. He offered a thoughtful take on how meaningful connection, strategic clarity, and responsible innovation can shape the future of healthcare. In the episode, Saul reflects on a childhood visit to the hospital that sparked his fascination with the care experience—and how that early moment planted a seed. Years later, through roles in medical device sales and marketing, he found himself drawn not just to the work, but to the people shaping it. That led him to launch Outcomes Rocket, a podcast-turned-agency that now partners with healthcare leaders across the country. Innovation, Acceleration, Growth, and Super Connection These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the pillars that guide Saul’s work. In the episode, he explains how his team built their brand house by listening closely to clients, identifying what truly set them apart, and then using those insights to sharpen both messaging and strategy. A central theme of the conversation is the role of AI—particularly agentic AI, which doesn’t just generate responses, but takes action. Saul urges leaders to be intentional: not to chase the next shiny tool, but to define their strategic objectives first, and only then choose the right technologies to support them. “Tactics are the noise you hear before the war is lost. Step back. Be intentional.” A Lesson from the Mayor of Medvale Saul also shares a defining moment early in his relationship with Jim Trounson, the Mayor of Medvale. After a brief phone call, Jim chose to reroute his travels and meet Saul in person—an act that deeply impacted him. “When Jim did that, he taught me the power of showing up.” It’s a value Saul now weaves into everything from his client work to his annual conferences. Because in a world of digital noise and automation, being present still makes a difference. “You can do something in a one-hour dinner that no six-month digital campaign can achieve.” 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Medvale Radio (Spotify) or Medvale TV (YouTube), and hear how Saul Marquez is helping healthcare leaders connect with purpose—and scale with clarity.
Using AI to Close Care Gaps—And Make Sure No Follow-Up Is Missed
Medvale – April 14, 2025 In the latest MEGAPHONE episode, Angela Adams, CEO and founder of Inflo Health, shares how a deeply personal loss inspired the creation of a platform with a clear mission: ensuring that no follow-up ever is missed. Angela’s journey began in the ICU at Duke University, where she cared for transplant patients and witnessed the complexity—and vulnerability—of health systems up close. After transitioning out of bedside care, she spent years reviewing malpractice cases, identifying preventable harm, and helping organizations strengthen safety systems. But it wasn’t until she entered the startup world that she saw the potential to scale that impact. With Inflo Health, her team has tackled one of healthcare’s most persistent blind spots: the failure to close the loop on follow-up care. Using AI and automation, Inflo parses radiology reports (regardless of structure or wording), alerts providers and patients, and ensures that each case is tracked from detection to resolution. “Our mission is never miss a follow-up. We automate the full process—from identifying a finding in a report, to notifying the right people, to helping patients take the next step.” The impact is tangible: fewer missed diagnoses, reduced liability, increased revenue through recovered appointments—and perhaps most importantly, fewer clinicians burdened by broken processes. One care navigator told Angela that for the first time in months, she was able to leave work on time and attend her daughter’s volleyball game. This isn’t just about operational efficiency. It’s about human lives—and giving time, clarity, and accountability back to the people who care for them. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on MEGAPHONE (29 min):
Integrated Care: Creating a More Efficient and Connected Healthcare System
Medvale – March 26, 2025 Healthcare today is more fragmented than ever. Patients navigate between primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and outpatient services—often with little coordination between them. This lack of integration leads to inefficiencies, higher costs, and, ultimately, poorer patient outcomes. In the latest episode of Megaphone, Medvalista Edward McEachern, MD, Chief Medical Officer at St. Luke’s Health System, joined the conversation to share his perspective on how integrated care is transforming the way healthcare is delivered. As a leader in a major health system, Dr. McEachern highlighted the urgent need to break down silos, improve communication across care teams, and create systems that prioritize efficiency and patient experience. What is Integrated Care? Integrated care is more than just a buzzword—it’s a shift toward a patient-centered, collaborative approach to medicine. At its core, it involves: ✔ Seamless communication – Ensuring that all providers involved in a patient’s care share information efficiently. ✔ Care coordination – Reducing duplication of tests and procedures while improving follow-ups and transitions between providers. ✔ Holistic treatment – Addressing not just medical conditions but also behavioral health, social determinants, and preventive care. The Challenges of Fragmented Healthcare Dr. McEachern pointed out that one of the biggest barriers to integrated care is the traditional healthcare structure, which often rewards volume over value. Many organizations still operate in silos, making it difficult for different teams to share patient information or collaborate effectively. Additionally, technology—while a powerful tool—can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Electronic health records (EHRs) are designed to streamline care, but when systems don’t communicate with one another, they can create even more inefficiencies. Building a More Connected System So how do we move toward true integration? Dr. McEachern emphasized a few key strategies during the conversation: 🔹 Incentivizing collaboration – Healthcare payment models should reward coordination and patient outcomes, not just procedures. 🔹 Leveraging technology – Interoperability between EHR systems must improve to enable real-time data sharing. 🔹 Empowering care teams – Physicians, nurses, and specialists need structured ways to communicate and collaborate effectively. A Conversation You Can’t Miss If we want to create a healthcare system that is more efficient, more connected, and truly patient-centered, integrated care must be the way forward. Listen to the full discussion with Dr. Edward McEachern, Chief Medical Officer at St. Luke’s Health System, on Megaphone, available now on Medvale Radio. 🎧 Tune in here:
The Evolution of Reproductive Medicine: Science, Policy, and Social Change
Medvale – March 20, 2025 Reproductive medicine has undergone transformative changes over the past few decades, reshaping the way individuals and families approach fertility and reproductive health. In the latest episode of MEGAPHONE, Medvalista David Adamson, MD, CEO of ARC Fertility, clinical professor at Stanford University and UCSF, and a globally recognized leader in reproductive endocrinology, joined Dave Self to discuss the past, present, and future of fertility care. From his pioneering work in assisted reproductive technology to his advocacy for expanding access to fertility treatments, Dr. Adamson shared invaluable insights on how science, policy, and social attitudes have shaped reproductive healthcare—and where it’s headed next. Breaking Barriers in Reproductive Medicine Dr. Adamson highlighted key moments in the evolution of reproductive medicine, from the advent of birth control and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to advancements in endoscopic surgery and fertility preservation. He emphasized how these medical breakthroughs have not only improved clinical outcomes but also redefined social norms, giving individuals greater control over their reproductive choices. One of the most striking points in the conversation was how reproductive health is deeply personal, often carrying emotional and cultural significance that influences public perception and policy. Dr. Adamson noted that, unlike other areas of medicine, almost everyone has a direct connection to reproductive health, whether through personal experience, family, or societal expectations. For more insights from David Adamson, MD, click here and listen to the full episode of Megaphone on Medvale Media. The Economic and Social Dimensions of Fertility Care Beyond clinical advancements, Dr. Adamson also addressed the financial barriers that prevent many people from accessing fertility treatments. He explained how ARC Fertility was founded on the principle of making reproductive care more affordable and accessible, providing structured financing options and employee benefits programs to help individuals pursue treatment without overwhelming financial strain. He also underscored the impact of employer-sponsored fertility benefits, noting that companies offering these programs have seen increased employee retention, productivity, and workplace satisfaction. Despite growing awareness, fertility care remains unequally accessible, with many health insurance plans failing to cover essential treatments. Shifting Perspectives on Fertility and Parenthood Dr. Adamson traced the social evolution of reproductive medicine, from early controversies around contraception and IVF to more recent discussions on donor conception, single parenthood, and LGBTQ+ family building. He described how fertility treatments have expanded the definition of family, challenging long-standing norms and prompting deeper conversations about reproductive rights and access. One of the most powerful moments of the episode came when he reflected on the stigma still associated with infertility. Even among highly educated professionals, the emotional burden of infertility often leads to feelings of shame or isolation. What Comes Next? As reproductive medicine continues to evolve, Dr. Adamson remains focused on the future—pushing for greater awareness, emotional support, and equitable access to fertility care. His work emphasizes that advancing reproductive healthcare is not just about science—it’s about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue parenthood on their own terms.