It's Time to Transform our Health System

Healthcare Reinvention, Impact Networks, and the Two Loops Model

In this episode, we dive into three fascinating ideas: the Two Loops Model of paradigm shift, the Impact Networks playbook by David Ehrlichman, and the Healthcare Reinvention initiative. We break down how systems evolve, why collaborative networks are key to large-scale change, and whether healthcare reform is truly addressing health or just fixing a broken system. Plus, we explore insights from Dr. Eric Bricker and Dr. Vinay Prasad on why medical schools and payment structures resist transformation—get ready for a lively, thought-provoking discussion! https://youtu.be/Ozg-X0R5Uh4?si=mbDwM5P7LF1oeagz https://youtu.be/crrYsUPLn1Q?si=3l-B5UzY3VrMwx14 https://www.healthcarereinvention.com/ https://www.converge.net/book Disclaimer: This AI-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information.

The Interprofessional Primary Care Institute: Transforming Healthcare Through Collaboration, Community, and Collective Action

The Interprofessional Primary Care Institute (IPCI) exists to address these challenges by promoting a team-based, community-oriented model of care. Rooted in the principles of relational care, collective action, and community engagement, IPCI trains and organizes healthcare professionals to work collaboratively, equitably, and with a shared sense of purpose. By harnessing the power of interprofessional teams and engaging deeply with communities, IPCI seeks to revitalize primary care and make healthcare work better for everyone—especially those most in need. Disclaimer: This AI-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information. https://www.linkedin.com/company/interprofessional-primary-care-institute/about/ https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Aorganization%3A76609624&keywords=interprofessional%20primary%20care%20institute&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=d3125536-cb92-400a-8358-bdefcda610b1&sid=V6g&spellCorrectionEnabled=false

RFK Jr, NIH, USAID: Complexity Right Before Our Eyes

The upheaval in health politics continues. In this episode, our AI hosts discuss the recent events with RFK Jr, NIH, and USAID. References: https://www.science.org/content/article/senate-confirms-robert-f-kennedy-jr-vaccine-opponent-health-secretary https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5294591/rfk-jr-trump-health-human-services-hhs-vaccines https://www.reuters.com/world/us/usaid-disruptions-leave-oxygen-tanks-tb-drugs-stuck-ships-warehouses-2025-02-13/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/politics-news/trump-usaid-upheaval-paralyzing-global-delivery-food-medicine-rcna190565 https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/post-reports/the-battle-over-usaid/ Disclaimer: This AI-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information.

Casey and Calley Means: Champions of Metabolic Health

What happens when a Stanford-trained doctor and a former food industry insider team up to challenge everything we think we know about health? Dr. Casey Means walked away from a career in surgery to revolutionize metabolic health, while her brother, Calley Means, went from consulting for Big Food and Pharma to exposing their deepest secrets. Together, they’re calling out the system’s failures—ultra-processed food, overmedication, and profit-driven healthcare—and offering a radical new vision for disease prevention. In this episode, our AI hosts break down their provocative ideas, the science behind their claims, and the controversy they’ve stirred. Are they the heroes modern medicine needs, or just disruptors with an oversimplified message? Tune in to find out. Disclaimer: This AI-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information.

Is Greed Driving Our Health Systems Woes?

Greed is certainly a major factor, but there are many more, as our AI hosts explain in this episode. Disclaimer: This AI-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information.

We've Tried a Ton. And Here We Are. We Need to Do Things Differently

Managed Care. ACA. Healthcare reform has been stuck in a cycle of tweaks and patches, but the system itself is the problem. We don’t need more pilot programs or managed care tweaks—we need a total rewrite of how we define, finance, and deliver health. Just like the radical transformation of medicine in the early 1900s, it’s time to stop playing within the old rules and start building something entirely new.

Fee for Service Has to Go! Bundled Payments, Capitation, etc

Fee for Service? Pay for Performance? Bundled Payments? Capitation? Global Payments? We discuss them all in this AI-generated and hosted podcast, created, edited, and managed by Dr. Chad Swanson.

Buurtzorg’s Healthcare Revolution

Discover how Buurtzorg, founded by Jos de Blok in the Netherlands, reinvented healthcare with self-managed nurse teams and a patient-centered approach. With over 90% patient satisfaction and reduced costs, the model has gained global attention, inspiring adaptations in countries like the USA and Japan. In this episode, the hosts analyze Buurtzorg’s success, challenges in scaling, and potential lessons for healthcare systems worldwide. https://www.buurtzorg.com/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4311562/ Disclaimer: This AI-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information.

Rippel Foundation: These Folks Really Seem to Get it!

The Rippel Foundation is a diverse group of changemakers pursuing an ambitious vision for health and well-being. They join with partners who believe in the power of shared stewardship – people, organizations, networks, and communities coming together to reimagine our systems and work toward a future where all people can thrive. https://rippel.org/about/ Disclaimer: This AI-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information.

Generative AI in Healthcare with Hippocratic AI

Dr. Robert Pearl recently interviewed Munjal Shah, CEO of Hippocratic AI, on the podcast "Fixing Healthcare." We summarize their discussion here. They discusses how generative AI is addressing the healthcare worker shortage with virtual agents that enhance patient care and chronic disease management. Learn about real-world AI applications, from preventing health emergencies to improving crisis response, and discover the safety measures ensuring reliable AI use in healthcare. This episode explores the impact of AI on making patient support scalable and accessible. https://www.fixinghealthcarepodcast.com/2025/02/05/fhc-164-hippocratic-2/ Disclaimer: This Ai-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey for Dr. Swanson, not a definitive source of information.

3 Insights for Action in Chaos

The public health world is, it seems, living in chaos. In this episode, my AI hosts provide an overview of the events over the past few days, and provide 3 insights for action: keep relentlessly focused on what's most important; control what you can control; and connect with others around high leverage points. Your Local Epidemiologist: https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/data-and-communication-are-gold Inside Medicine: https://insidemedicine.substack.com/p/breaking-as-doge-reportedly-descends?utm_source=substack&publication_id=1183526&post_id=156572415&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&r=302vvs&triedRedirect=true

Nanoplastics in our Brains

In this episode, our AI-hosts discuss the discovery and potential public health implications of nanoplastics in (nearly?) every organ in our bodies. References: Eric Topol "There's Plastic in My Plaque!": https://erictopol.substack.com/p/theres-plastic-in-my-plaque Eric Topol "The Microplastic Concerns Elevate—To the Brain": https://erictopol.substack.com/p/the-microplastic-concerns-elevateto Disclaimer: This Ai-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information.

Learning Health System: A Response to Linkedin Comments

Disclaimer: This Ai-generated and hosted podcast is created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. See chadswanson.com. He considers this an informal conversation with the world about health systems transformation. It should not be considered medical advice. While Dr. Swanson reviews and edits all of the text, given the nature of AI, there will be errors. Dr. Swanson welcomes questions, corrections, and criticisms. This is a learning journey, not a definitive source of information. References: Aiken, L. H., et al. (2021). "Effects of nurse staffing on hospital mortality and adverse outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis." BMJ, 374, n2083. Bashshur, R., et al. (2016). "The empirical foundations of telemedicine interventions for chronic disease management." Telemedicine and e-Health, 22(3), 163-175. Buchan, J., et al. (2022). "Nurse pay and workforce retention: International policy lessons." Health Policy, 126(7), 654-670. CMS (2023). "Alternative Payment Models: The Next Generation." Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Eibner, C., et al. (2021). "Modeling the Impact of Health System Reform." RAND Health Quarterly, 9(2). Frakt, A. B., & Mayes, R. (2021). "Beyond Capitation: How New Payment Models Are Reshaping Healthcare Economics." New England Journal of Medicine, 384(5), 407-416. OECD (2022). Health at a Glance 2022: OECD Indicators. USPSTF (2022). Guide to Clinical Preventive Services.

Should physicians unionize?

More and more physicians are joining unions. Is that a good thing? Dr. Vinay Prasad's youtube video "Why the NIH is a broken funding system.": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjUXbUXYZFI Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Trump's nominee for NIH Director: https://youtu.be/I0O0_Xbmvw4?si=06KBwfyLh2ugnY3i. Dr. Erik Bricker: https://youtu.be/ZyvxnH72Leg?si=D1CyBzaBb2kWeOq_ Dr. Eric Topol on physicians organizing: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/why-doctors-should-organize 5 Physician Unions in 2024: https://www.beckersphysicianleadership.com/news/5-physician-unions-in-2024.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com Is it time for surgeons to unionize?: https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2024/november-december-2024-volume-109-issue-10/is-it-time-for-surgeons-to-unionize/?utm_source=chatgpt.com ACEP Unionization: An Information Paper: https://www.acep.org/siteassets/new-pdfs/information-and-resource-papers/unionization.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Cityblock Health's Vision for Equitable Healthcare

Cityblock Health is transforming care for underserved communities by integrating healthcare with social services. Hosts discuss how addressing social determinants like housing and food access results in better health outcomes, while exploring the challenges in scaling this tech-enabled, community-driven model. They ask whether this approach represents the future of primary care or remains a targeted solution. Dr. Swanson read, listened to, and consulted the following sources when preparing, and editing AI-generated content for this episode: Transforming Primary Care with AI with Dr. Kameron Matthews, MD, JD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-other-80/id1670734016?i=1000686631251 Dr. Matthews' website: https://www.drkamleigh.com/about City Block Health Website: https://www.cityblock.com/ AMA Return on Health Case Study: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/case-study-cityblock-health-complex-care-coordination.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Rewriting the Rules of Healthcare: What If We Put Health First?

What if an entire community decided to stop just treating disease and instead went all in on health—radically rethinking how care is delivered, who’s involved, and what actually gets prioritized? In this episode, with AI hosts, we dive into a bold thought experiment: a city that ditches the status quo and builds a health system that actually works for everyone. We’re talking doctors, schools, businesses, policymakers—everyone aligning toward a single goal: the best health outcomes at the lowest cost. What happens when we shift incentives, reimagine roles, and measure success not by profits, but by people actually thriving? Let’s find out.

Trump Administration is Moving Fast and Breaking Things

The confirmation hearings of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are contentious, with implications for health equity and policy stability. Sofia and David, AI-hosts, discuss the chaos within HHS under Trump-era policy shifts, including executive orders and internal operational turmoil, highlighting the risks of unstable leadership on public health. Insights into systemic dysfunction and strategies for resilience are explored to shed light on navigating such crises. Dr. Swanson, an ER physician and creator of this podcast, appreciates the analysis of Sandhya Raman of CQ Roll Call, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner on the KFF Health News' Podcast "What the Health," episode titled "RFK Jr. in the Hot Seat." He relied on their analysis, and AI's interpretation of their episode for this episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rfk-jr-in-the-hot-seat/id1253607372?i=1000687274436

ASU? UCLA? Where is transformation in health systems education and training happening?

We respond to some comments and questions on Linkedin. Our AI hosts also describe our understanding (based on web sources) of a health systems class at UCLA, and the learning health ecosystem at ASU.

All Premed Students Should Major in Health Systems Transformation

Our health system needs historical transformation. If we keep doing the same things, that won't happen. In this episode, our AI hosts discuss the idea of requiring all premedical students to major in "health systems transformation."

Learning from New Zealand

Concepts like the Viable System Model and adaptive learning systems can reshape the U.S. healthcare system, with insights from New Zealand's implementation and ophthalmology services. The AI hosts address equity imperatives, profit-driven challenges, and the need for cross-sector collaboration to create a resilient, health-centric system. Real-world examples highlight pathways to scalable and efficient reform. The academic paper discussed can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39847741/.

"Blind Spots" Book Review

In today’s episode, we as AI hosts explore Blind Spots by Dr. Marty Makary, a hard-hitting critique of systemic inefficiencies in U.S. healthcare. Dr. Makary exposes critical failures in medical practices—from misguided peanut allergy guidelines to the opioid epidemic—and challenges the status quo with evidence-based solutions that prioritize transparency, collaboration, and patient empowerment. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to rethink how medicine serves society. We read reviews from Undark: https://undark.org/2024/11/01/book-review-blind-spots/, amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blind-Spots-Medicine-Wrong-Health/dp/1639735313, and the New York Post: https://nypost.com/2024/09/16/health/four-things-doctors-and-modern-medicine-got-totally-wrong/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Rethinking Healthcare Credentialing

Sofia and David, AI hosts, discuss the inefficiencies of credential-focused systems in healthcare and their impact on the workforce and patient care. They explore competency-based models, drawing on examples like scenario-based assessments and condensed residencies, and address the barriers to implementation. Together, they propose actionable steps to create a more adaptable and effective system for healthcare professionals.

Converging Forces, Co-Evolution: Could Utah be Approaching a Tipping Point?

There are many reasons to celebrate the health ecosystem in the state of Utah. In this episode of It’s Time, our AI hosts dive into how Utah could take things to a new level, by leading the charge in revolutionizing community health systems. Inspired by six converging forces shaping the state’s future, we explore a bold vision: shifting healthcare from episodic treatments and profit-driven models to a competency-based, efficient, and fair system. Those forces are: the current national political environment with the new Trump administration; the rapidly accelerating relevance of artificial intelligence in health and medicine; the new medical school announced at Brigham Young University; a burgeoning culture of entrepreneurship, disruption, and innovation, including "Silicon Slopes"; Intermountain, Select Health, and the University of Utah; and a trans-sectoral collaboration called the "One Health Collaboration." From rethinking professional pathways for clinicians to fostering flexibility and embracing AI, this conversation is about how transformative change could ripple across the entire healthcare landscape. Could Utah become the model for community health systems of the future? Tune in to find out how it could happen!

GLP-1s, Metabolic Health, and Systemic Change

In this episode, AI hosts unpack the significance of GLP-1 receptor agonists in managing metabolic health and their broader societal impacts. From issues of inequitable access and profit-driven motives to envisioning systemic healthcare reforms, we analyze how these drugs highlight systemic gaps and opportunities for a prevention-focused, equitable healthcare framework.

Public Health Gag Order, Ochsner Health, We're all invested!

In this episode, the AI-hosts dive into topics ranging from personal health choices to systemic healthcare challenges. The conversation highlights the transformative work of organizations like Ochsner Health, which achieved significant cost savings and improved outcomes through value-based care and chronic disease management. The hosts also address alarming developments, such as the recent federal gag order on public health agencies, which limits critical data sharing during peak virus season, and explore the interconnected roles of politicians, healthcare professionals, and citizens in shaping the health system. They discuss the importance of individual actions like diet, exercise, and social connections, noting that only 5-20% of health outcomes are influenced by clinical care. Ultimately, they emphasize collaboration and accountability as key to driving meaningful change.

Calling All Mid-Level Managers in the Health System

In this episode of "It's Time to Transform our Health System," the AI hosts explore the concept of "mid-level managers as stealth innovators" in transforming the health system. They highlight the unique power of hospital department leaders, academic chairs, and public health managers to challenge the status quo by hiring visionary staff, fostering innovation, and shaping team culture. The discussion also expands to community-driven efforts, such as the Camden Coalition, demonstrating how addressing social determinants of health can lead to better outcomes and lower costs. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that meaningful change in the health system is possible when individuals at all levels—managers, academics, and community leaders—align their efforts toward a shared vision of equity and better health for all.

We're on the Edge of Chaos! RFK Jr, Withdrawl from WHO, AI, Oh My!

RFK Jr. AI. WHO Withdrawal. Chronic disease management. We're on the edge of chaos in our health system. Right now. And that's not necessarily all bad.

Mark Cuban on How to Save up to $2.5 Trillion on our Healthcare System

David and Sofia discuss a Linkedin post by Dr. Graham Walker, and a blog post by Mark Cuban: inefficiencies in the $5 trillion U.S. healthcare system caused by administrative overhead, pricing opacity, and profit-driven motives. They examine how simpler models like cash pay and public financing could create more equitable care and transparency. The conversation highlights proposals for reform, advocating for transparency, collective advocacy, and lessons from global healthcare systems.

Should the health system "move fast and break things?"

What can - and should - our health system learn from tech entreprenuers? This is a daily health systems transformation podcast with AI hosts, created, managed, and edited by Dr. Chad Swanson. chadswanson.com

Could a Medical School Catalyze Transformational Health Systems Change? One did in the 1890s

BYU is starting a new medical school soon. And many more new schools have popped up in recent years. Could these schools catalyze a historical transformation of our entire society toward health and well-being? Johns Hopkins played a significant role in transforming medical practice, hospitals, healthcare education, and more in the 1890s. In this AI-hosted pod cast, we discuss lessons for today.

Universal Health Insurance? Absolutely. But that's just the beginning...

Here are the eight actionable steps discussed by AI hosts in the podcast episode: Universal Health Coverage: Simplify and provide basic healthcare access to everyone, modeled on successful systems in other countries, to reduce inefficiency and inequity. Reform Healthcare Worker Compensation: Transition from incentivizing volume (more tests, procedures) to rewarding better health outcomes and preventative care. Competency-Based Licensing: Shift licensing and certification processes to recognize experience and proven skills rather than relying on outdated, rigid educational pathways. Health Systems Transformation Education: Introduce training in systems thinking, public health, and policy for future healthcare professionals to prepare them for leading systemic changes. Community Partnerships: Integrate local organizations, nonprofits, and churches into the healthcare ecosystem to bridge gaps between formal systems and real-world community needs. Transformational Leadership: Identify and elevate innovative, unconventional leaders who challenge the status quo and push for systemic change. Hubs of System Stewards: Establish interdisciplinary hubs within organizations to focus on systems-level strategies and connect the dots across healthcare operations. A Bold Health Innovation Fund: Create a $400 billion fund to invest in transformative ideas and scalable solutions, fostering competition and innovation to reshape health systems.

Dr. Gooby and Our Health System is a Sick-Care, Profit-Maximizing System

In this episode, AI hosts Sofia and David explore the deep systemic flaws driving our health system, focusing on how short-termism, individualism, profits, and elitism undermine health, equity, and efficiency. They discuss how the system prioritizes immediate results over long-term investments, individual responsibility over collective well-being, and profit motives over patient outcomes, often at the expense of marginalized communities. Through powerful examples, like a neurosurgeon’s viral resignation and the undervaluation of community health workers, they highlight the human cost of these misplaced priorities. Ultimately, they call for a transformative shift in values to create a health system centered on accessibility, equity, and collective well-being.

Dr. Swanson Responds to Your Feedback on this Podcast

Utilizing AI for this podcast has it's trade-offs for sure. At least one of my listeners doesn't enjoy it. I'm not sure what to think. I provide my rationale in this podcast. I also respond to your comments about insurance and greed in healthcare, and politics. I'm hoping to contribute to positive change through this daily podcast on transformational change in our health system, and I hope that you'll keep the feedback coming.

Meet Dr. Chad Swanson, the creator, editor, and manager of this podcast

In this episode of "It’s Time," Sofia and David recap three transformative ideas shaping healthcare: prioritizing universal health at the lowest cost, empowering "system stewards" to navigate complex adaptive systems, and leveraging connections to drive meaningful change. They explore Dr. Chad Swanson's journey from emergency medicine to global health advocacy, his embrace of systems thinking, and his mission to transform our health system. The episode takes a twist with the AI-generated hosts revealing their origin, while Dr. Swanson shares his vision for a collaborative, community-driven podcast that invites listeners to reimagine the future of our health system.

Leverage Points for Health Systems Transformation

In this episode, we explore the concept of leverage points in complex systems and how small changes can create ripple effects to drive meaningful transformation. From the game-changing passage of Medicare and Medicaid to the grassroots fight for HIV/AIDS treatment and the journey toward mandatory seat belt laws, we examine the key figures, barriers, and pivotal moments that shaped these movements. Join us as we unpack Donella Meadows’ hierarchy of leverage points and explore how individuals and communities can create lasting impact by identifying where to push for change. I created this episode by entering the follwing prompt into ChatGPT 4o: "describe in detail how 3 major events in the history of health care and public health demonstrate the concept of leverage points as described by Donella Meadows: the passage of Medicare and Medicaid; mandatory seat belts; and grass-roots advocacy for HIV/AIDS treatment" I then redrafted several times, before entering that information into jellypod.ai, and edited.

Our Health System is Complex

A complex, adaptive systems (CAS) approach to the U.S. health system brings together five key ideas: shared vision, emergence, feedback loops, nonlinearity, and adaptation. By adopting a more holistic, systems-thinking perspective across policies, research, education, clinical practice, and public health, we could treat health as a dynamic outcome shaped by interconnected social, economic, and environmental factors, not just isolated medical treatments. This shift could create a health system that's more resilient, equitable, and adaptable, leading to better outcomes in ways we can hardly envision today. To generate this text, I entered this prompt into Chat GPT4o mini: "prepare an approximately 1000 word essay describing a complex, adaptive systems approach to the US health system (not only health care, but all of the determinates of health). Consider 5-7 key complex systems concepts such as shared vision and emergence. Provide specific applications of those concepts with data, including the opioid epidemic, COVID, insurance (recent homicide of United's CEO), and mental health." Then I edited, and entered that text into jellypod.ai, and edited again.

Who's Lookin' Out for the System?

In this episode of It's Time, Sofia Ramirez and David Caldwell - two AI hosts - explore the complexities of the U.S. health system and the need for a transformative approach to improve it. They discuss how various players, like doctors, administrators, community members, and politicians, often operate with conflicting agendas, which results in a fragmented system that struggles to prioritize long-term, systemic change. The conversation delves into systems thinking—viewing healthcare as a complex adaptive system—emphasizing the importance of understanding interconnectedness, feedback loops, and root causes rather than just fixing isolated issues. Finally, they introduce the concept of systems stewardship, a mindset that encourages everyone in healthcare to think beyond their own role and work together for a more sustainable, equitable, and effective system.

The Power of a Shared Vision, Part 2

In this episode, we again explore the power of a shared vision in health systems transformation. While we discuss theory and systems, we pause to remember that it’s about real people—people who don’t need to suffer unnecessarily or undergo endless treatments. Each host shares personal stories of how the health system has deeply impacted them or their loved ones. Reflecting on the 1890s, we discuss how the era's focus on reductionism and mechanism, influenced by thinkers like Frederick Taylor, placed emphasis on the parts rather than the whole. We argue that every decision in healthcare—from clinical encounters to policy—should be aimed at a unified vision of health, equity, and efficiency. The shared vision is the first of three key principles for transforming our health system, along with becoming a systems steward and identifying leverage points for change. Join us as we explore how we can start from where we are and make this vision a reality.

The Power of a Shared Vision

In this episode, we explore how a shared vision of health, equity, and efficiency can radically lower healthcare costs while improving outcomes. Our current system, driven by fragmented treatment episodes, profit incentives, and elitism, is costly and inefficient. But innovation in roles, policies, institutions, and technology can transform how we deliver care—eliminating waste and making health a universal priority. We discuss how rethinking traditional roles, adopting new policies, and leveraging technology can streamline care and reduce overhead. By aligning stakeholders around a common vision, we can create a more efficient, equitable system that lowers costs and ensures access for all. Tune in to learn how innovation can drive systemic change and shape a healthcare future that prioritizes people over profits.