Radio Advisory

• 275: Why (and how) you should prioritize veterans' health

  Nearly 16 million veterans live in the United States, and while 9 million receive care through the Veterans Health Administration, about 40% rely entirely on civilian healthcare. That’s where the challenge begins: many veterans are navigating a system that isn’t designed for their unique health needs. Veterans outside the VA system often face barriers that lead to poorer outcomes—delays in diagnosis, fragmented care, and overlooked service-related conditions. The healthcare system must do better. In this episode of Radio Advisory, host Rachel (Rae) Woods talks with Optum Serve experts Christi Kruse and Christine Erspamer about what it takes to close this gap. Drawing on their in-depth ethnographic research, Christi and Christine explore why understanding the veteran patient journey is critical, how to integrate data-driven population health strategies, and the role of publicly available tools and guidelines, along with other practical solutions. The conversation doesn’t stop at veterans. These insights can help healthcare leaders better serve other vulnerable populations, too. Stay tuned through the end of the episode for a special message from Optum Serve CEO Ed Weinberg, as he shares how Optum Serve is honoring the lived experiences of veterans and military families, and calls on clinical providers to lead with compassion, consistency, and purpose. We’re here to help: Research Study: Caring for Veterans and Military Families Devoted to Improving Lives Across the Nation | Optum Business Military & Veteran Health Care Journey: Infographic Join us for an upcoming State of the Industry webinars, where Advisory Board experts will challenge three long-standing assumptions about the healthcare industry — and reveal the powerful new dynamics reshaping the future. Learn more about Optum Advisory: Healthcare consulting services A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

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• 274: The nurse engagement tactic leaders may be missing

  Nurse turnover rates have improved since the pandemic peak, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods: 40% of nurses report that they intend to leave their job within five years. As nurse leaders turn their attention from fighting fires to finding strategic levers for nurse retention, they may be missing a surprising opportunity: career pathing. Nurse career pathing has traditionally aimed at a core goal: to keep nurses at the bedside for as long as possible. But our research found that, to build a sustainable nursing workforce, nurse leaders need to focus on nurse engagement—not just retention. This week, host Abby Burns sits down with Advisory Board nursing experts Miles Cottier and Allyson Paiewonsky. They break down the state of the nursing workforce and what it looks like to do career pathing in a way that better balances nurses’ needs with those of the organizations. Hint: the path may look less like a ladder, and more like a branching river. We’re here to help: Radio Advisory Nursing playlist Ep. 245: Headcount might not explain your labor challenges. What will? Survey insights: Strategic imperatives for a sustainable nursing workforce New nurses say they're struggling. Here's how to help them. 4 ways to retain early career nurses Explore how Advisory Board resources can support your organization's journey A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

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• 273: MaineHealth isn’t just surviving against the odds — it’s thriving

  In 2025, health systems are facing a relentless set of headwinds—from policy upheaval and shifting demographics to rising costs and rural access challenges. For some organizations, these pressures form a perfect storm. At Advisory Board’s Chicago Summit, host Rachel (Rae) Woods sat down with MaineHealth COO Kelly Elkins to explore how the $4B, 13-hospital Academic system is navigating these pressures without defaulting to survival mode. MaineHealth has achieved three consecutive years of $100M margin improvement by focusing on operational efficiency, scenario planning, and a three-lane growth strategy: strengthening core services, expanding into ambulatory care, and investing in adjacent businesses. Learn more about their approach—including their partnership with Optum Advisory—to sustain and scale care delivery across Maine and New Hampshire. We’re here to help: MaineHealth | Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America Healthcare Policy Updates Timeline One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Understanding the healthcare impacts Strategic Planner's survey 2025 Want to be at our next live Radio Advisory recording? Learn more about upcoming Advisory Board events. A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

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• 272: How leaders need to rethink their approach to philanthropy

  To make philanthropy a reliable revenue stream, health systems need more than just generous donors—they need strategy, structure, and sustained investment. In this episode, Abby Burns speaks with Advisory Board philanthropy expert and founder of Twin Point Insights, Erin Lanahan, about how not-for-profit health systems can build high-performing fundraising programs. They explore the “four Cs” of effective philanthropy—clear expectations, consistent resourcing, compelling priorities, and committed allies—and unpack how leaders can apply these principles to boost ROI, strengthen donor relationships, and ensure long-term financial sustainability. We’re here to help: Healthcare Campaign Survey #1: Campaign Context 4 imperatives for successful fundraising campaigns [Ongoing research] Twin Point Insights: Healthcare Campaign Survey Series [Roundtable] HOME - Modernizing grateful engagement in a time of healthcare transformation [On-demand webinar] What the future of health system growth means for philanthropy leaders [On-demand webinar] Using market data to inform your philanthropy strategy [On-demand webinar] State of the industry: Exploring the future of healthcare philanthropy Key findings from the Medicare Advantage vision insurance consumer survey Oral oncolytics: Strategies for improving adherence and persistence A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

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• 271: Inside Ochsner Health's strategy for successful VBC

  Ochsner Health has been pushing the envelope on value-based care for decades. The New Orleans-based system has succeeded in driving significant cost savings—while improving quality— states that traditionally rank lower in America's Health Rankings The question is: how do they do it? This week, host Abby Burns invites Ochsner Health Network’s Eric Gallagher, CEO and Dr. Beau Raymond, CMO to unpack their approach to building out a successful value-based care engine. Throughout the conversation, they share: How they measure success (and what they’ve achieved) How they evolved their system to the one they have in place today What true payer-provider partnership does—and doesn’t—look like to them How they are fine-tuning their value-based care tactics to meet oncoming headwinds We’re here to help: Expert Care in Louisiana and Beyond | Ochsner Health How Ochsner Health grounded its VBC success in a culture of innovation Radio Advisory Value-Based Care playlist Ep. 243: What’s now and what’s next in value-based care Ep. 250: VBC success is possible. Here's how Advocate Health does it. Value-Based Care landing page Help manage the long-term effects of COVID-19 with timely care A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.

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