Rural Health Leadership Radio

  This week on Rural Health Leadership Radio, we announce our final episode after eight fantastic years on the air! We have a one last conversation honoring RHLR by sharing reflections, insights, and stories about the podcast’s origins and journey. We share the most listened-to episodes from the past eight years, the growth that RHLR has seen, and celebrate all the amazing guests and support we have received along the way. As always, we talk about the future of rural healthcare, the importance of resilience, and the power of using one’s voice to make a difference. “Use your voice. Don't be afraid to speak up. I don't care what your role is, what your title is, what your self-confidence is. Use your voice and speak up, and you, too can make a difference.” – Dr. Bill Auxier Bill is the President & CEO of the Center for Rural Health Leadership, responsible for NRHA’s Rural Hospital Certification programs for CEOs, CNOs, CFOs, CMOs, HR Directors, Board Trustees, and a program for rural health nurses. Bill is

This week on Rural Health Leadership Radio, we are wrapping up our series on NRHA’s 2023 Fellows Program Policy Papers with Fellows Michelle Fortune and Abby Radcliffe. Michelle and Abby explored one of the hottest topics in healthcare, particularly impactful in rural – healthcare workforce shortages. The Fellows share short and long-term strategies in handling workforce shortages, as well as pragmatic and policy-based recommendations. “Everybody in every community can take some action in some way, and it doesn't have to be looking for that gigantic next step. The big is in the little, so do something.” – Michelle Fortune Michelle Fortune, MBA, BSN, FACHE is the President of Surgery and GI Service Line for Mercy Health in St Louis, MO. Prior to joining Mercy, Michelle led the Perioperative and Anesthesia Service Lines for Atrium Health and then served as a CEO for a Critical Access Hospital managed by the system which needed an operational turnaround. Michelle is a Certified Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Nurse an

On this week’s episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we talk to a physician who came out of retirement to rekindle his passion for rural healthcare at a critical access hospital in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Dr. David Alcindor shares his incredible journey, from his childhood in France to his volunteer work in rural nations across the world, as well as the U.S. as a traveling ED physician. David is Chief of Staff at South Lincoln Hospital District and practices in Emergency Medicine and Med-Surg. “It’s a small system, you could to the CEO, CFO, COO, CNO in the same hallway – or you could visit them in their homes…everything is approachable, everything is scalable.” – Dr. David Alcindor David grew up in Paris, France, and moved to the U.S. to start studies focused on helping disadvantaged persons, first by obtaining a degree in architecture and pursing research in housing for the poor. Construction research in a developing Caribbean nation led David to cross paths with rural medical volunteers. In joining them, he

This week’s episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio continues our series of exploring the Policy Papers of NRHA’s 2023 Rural Health Fellows. In this conversation, we talk to Lex Pierre and Jeff Dunbar who researched the intricacies of long-term care in rural healthcare. The pair broke their paper down into financing, staffing, and regulations to uncover the importance, possibilities, and difficulties of supporting long-term care in rural areas. “Bringing awareness is the main thing and it's great that we have all these different avenues and different ways of doing it..” – Lex Pierre Jeff has been in the healthcare field for nearly 30 years in a range of roles from Sales to HR in pharmaceuticals, medical device, dental, fitness, and telemedicine. Currently and for the last 15 years he’s been running a telemedicine company providing physician services to rural and critical access hospitals. He derives great satisfaction providing access through technology to critical care specialists, hospitalists, infectious

Continuing our series on NRHA’s 2023 Fellows and Policy Papers, this week we’re talking to another group of Fellows that explored pediatric vaccination rates in rural America. Nitika Moibi, Andrea Stephenson, and Cynthia Calixte each touch on the current state of pediatric vaccination rates from the unique perspectives of a provider, through the lens of data, workforce and access, as well as community trust. The Fellows share personal experiences, historical data and information, as well as the importance of increasing these rates and tactics to make a difference. “If you don’t have trust in your healthcare provider, then progress can't be made and you're not going to get the good care that you deserve. So please advocate for that and find a healthcare provider that you trust and can have these conversations with.” – Dr. Cynthia Calixte Cynthia Calixte, MD, MPH serves the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland as a Family Physician and the Physician Deputy for Wicomico County and Somerset County Health Departments.

On this week’s episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we kick off a series focused on NRHA’s 2023 Rural Health Fellows and their policy papers. The first group we chatted with includes Lisa Rantz, Kevin Lambing, and Dr. Carrie Shaver who had the task of examining Medicare Advantage. In our conversation we discuss the intricacies, impacts, as well as personal experiences that the Fellows uncovered in their research. “Get involved and advocate and educate on these issues. It will require all of us working together to create the change in policy and funding mechanisms that we need to ensure that our rural Healthcare is supported and continues to be strong.” – Dr. Carrie Shaver Kevin Lambing serves as the Senior Program Officer for Health at the T.L.L. Temple Foundation. In this role, he helps ensure East Texas children, adults, and families are healthy and have access to quality healthcare. He organizes and convenes stakeholders and develops community partnerships with potential health related grantees in Eas

Medical residency in a rural area is one of the key influencing factors for providers to stay and continue practicing in a rural area. This week on Rural Health Leadership Radio we are talking to Yoana Cruz, Clerkship and Sub-Internship Coordinator in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. We talk with Yoana about the growing need for more providers in rural healthcare, and how she is bringing awareness to the need with up-and-coming medical students and working to connect those students with rural residencies.  “Although I may not be the person that gives direct care for patients, I hope to encourage medical professionals at an early stage of their career to provide the best quality care for patients.”  – Yoana Cruz Born and raised in southwest Kansas, Yoana Cruz grew up in a welcoming community, full of hard-working immigrant families from more than thirty countries. Despite its rich heritage and tolerant culture, this agrarian city has many health disparities due to its growi

This week on Rural Health Leadership Radio we’re talking to Karen Brown, Revenue Cycle Director at Mountrail County Medical Center. Karen shares the intricacies of revenue cycle, particularly in rural hospitals, and how revenue cycle professionals can work to maximize their efforts. Karen also shares the work she does coaching her staff on revenue cycle matters and offers advice for other rural healthcare financial leaders dealing with similar challenges. “In rural hospitals, we wear so many hats that sometimes you could have one on and walk through the door and it has to change. Just give yourself some grace…”  – Karen Brown  Karen Brown is currently the Revenue Cycle Director for Mountrail County Medical Center. She is originally from Chicago and attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Karen enjoys bowling, golfing, and working puzzles.

On this week’s episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we talk to Nick Derusha, Director and Health Officer of the LMAS District Health Department in Newberry, Michigan. Nick gives us a glimpse into what life was like for a rural district health department before, during, and after the pandemic and tells us about the lessons learned from that journey. Nick also shares the impact and importance of leadership development and growth for his organization’s culture, community, and leadership team.  “Your organization will become a reflection of you….So I would leave people with that insight, and also treat your employees well and take care of your communities.” -Nick Derusha I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and I am married with four daughters. I enjoy hunting, fishing, football, hockey, and spending time with my family. I am a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, have a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health from Ferris State University, Graduate Certificate in the Foundations

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we are happy to welcome Norberto Orellana, the Public Relations Lead at Campbell County Health in Gillette, Wyoming. Norberto shares his inspiring journey from overcoming personal challenges, including cerebral palsy and homelessness, to influencing rural healthcare through public relations. The episode highlights Norberto’s approach to leadership, which focuses on empowerment and utilizing personal narratives to inspire change and build trust within the community. “A large part of public relations is getting that message out there. Sharing and cheering what we're doing, where we hope to be, where we're going” - Norberto Orellana Norberto Orellana defies the odds with a life marked by resilience. Born with cerebral palsy, he rose above chronic homelessness and is on a meteoric rise. His journey, characterized by unwavering belief in individual potential, has inspired countless others at TEDx events and speaking engagements across the country. Devoted to commun

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, Dr. Bill Auxier reflects on his recent experience at the Coaching and Leadership in Healthcare event co-hosted by Harvard Medical School, the Institute of Coaching, and McLean Hospital. He discusses the concept of "intelligent failure" as presented by Harvard Professor Amy Edmondson, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing intelligent failures, which are well-considered and lead to valuable learnings, from mere sloppy mistakes. The discussion explores how embracing intelligent failures can foster innovation and growth within organizations and the pivotal role of leadership particularly in rural settings. “Intelligent failure happens all the time. It happens in science, in industry innovation projects, in sports, and even in ordinary life."  -Dr. Bill Auxier "The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth" by Amy Edmondson is a pivotal guide for fostering an environment where innovation and en

When you think about rural healthcare, you may not think about Scotland, but Scotland has some very rural areas that deal with similar issues we deal with in rural America.  Hear about what they are doing in rural Scotland to deliver health and wellbeing to their residents, by listening to our conversation with Dr. Emma Watson, 2021-22 U.K. Harkness Fellow in Health Care Policy and Practice Deputy Medical Director at NHS Highland. “NHS Highland delivers integrated health and social care, so it is not just about illness.” ~Dr. Emma Watson Dr. Emma Watson MSc, FRCPath, FRCPEd is a 2020-21 UK Harkness Fellow in Healthcare Policy and Practice.  A Consultant Medical Microbiologist by background and a senior clinical systems leader in Scotland, she is an expert in quality improvement and in medical education and workforce planning.  Emma is Deputy Medical Director in NHS Highland which is, geographically, one of the largest and most sparsely populated combined health and social care systems in the UK.  She is also

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, Michael Hassell, CEO of Melissa Memorial Hospital in Colorado, discusses his journey from paramedic to hospital executive. Hassell discusses his strategic focus on community-centric initiatives, like enhancing local orthopedic services and integrating telemedicine. He also shares insights on effective collaboration through the Eastern Plains Health Consortium, underscoring the value of collective action in addressing rural healthcare challenges. “Being rural should be seen less as a location and more like a proclamation of our dedication to creating stronger, sustainable healthcare.” -Michael Hassel Michael Hassell is the CEO of Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colorado. His experience includes roles in healthcare leadership, incident command, and consulting. Notable positions include Deputy Incident Commander for Region 7 All Hazards Incident Command in Florida during the COVID-19 crisis. He has also held management positions at various healthcare facili

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, Kevin Stansbury, CEO of Lincoln Community Hospital in Colorado, shares his diverse and extensive experience in healthcare, including his time working internationally and his transition into rural healthcare leadership. He emphasizes the critical role of rural hospitals in providing essential services and the personal connections that enhance community healthcare. Kevin passionately advocates for more significant investment in rural healthcare infrastructure and policies that support the sustainability and advancement of health services in rural areas. “The people who work in rural and frontier healthcare, we're so connected to our communities... It's that connection with community that is delightful and really reassuring” -Kevin Stansbury Kevin Stansbury serves as the CEO at Lincoln Health in Hugo, CO. Kevin has over 35 years in healthcare, primarily in community hospitals.  He has served in roles in hospital administration, strategic planning, healthcare proj

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, hosted by Bill Auxier and Sydney Grant, guest Kristen Juliar, a capital resources consultant with the National Organization for State Offices of Rural Health, discusses her journey into rural healthcare. In our discussion with Kristin, she talks about the importance of understanding rural healthcare needs and highlights various successful partnerships and projects that integrate healthcare with broader community services. Kristin helps rural communities sustain healthcare services by engaging partnerships and accessing capital resources. “There is a ton of expertise out there, so don’t be afraid to tap into that” -Kristin Juliar Kristin Juliar is a seasoned consultant with the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, where she leads the Rural Health Capital Resources Council and Center. She has an extensive background in rural health and community development, having previously directed the Montana Office of Rural Health and the Montana Area Hea

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, hosted by Dr. Bill Auxier and Sydney Grant, we welcome another young rural health leader, Alana Monson Administrative Fellow at Trinity Health in Des Moines, Iowa. Just months after graduating with a Master's in Health Administration, Alana found herself in the role of interim CEO at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, a critical access hospital close to her hometown in Iowa.  In our conversation, she discusses how she rapidly transitioned her leadership skills, adapting to the role thanks to a lot of trust from her team. Her story is a testament to the potential for young leaders to make significant contributions to healthcare in rural settings. “If you were ever facing a challenge or responsibility that might seem daunting to you, just do it because your future will thank you for the growth” -Alana Monson Alana Monson is an administrative fellow with Trinity Health – MercyOne in Des Moines, Iowa and recently served as Interim Chief Executive Officer for Mann

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, Aidan Hettler, CEO of Sedgwick County Health Center, shares his unique journey from a recent college graduate with a background in supply chain management to becoming the CEO of a rural hospital at the age of 22. We discuss the importance of servant leadership and the impact young people can have in rural healthcare even without significant experience. Aidan shares the highlights of his role as CEO including the growth of services and his role in the community. Rural America is a really good place to work if you are young and aspiring to make a really big impact."  - Aidan Hettler Aidan Hettler is a Pittsburgh native, who moved to Colorado for his college education. Aidan is now the CEO of Sedgwick County Health Center (SCHC), a critical access hospital system serving a rural community on the Colorado Eastern Plains and extending into neighboring Nebraska. As the largest employer in Sedgwick County, SCHC not only offers crucial medical services through its cli

Capital funding plays a crucial role in the success of rural hospitals. This week, we feature Brian Haapala, CEO of Stroudwater Capital Partners, who is at the forefront of assisting rural healthcare organizations in overcoming the hurdles of securing capital funding. Brian emphasizes the pivotal role of healthcare in small communities and shares his dedication to empowering these communities to drive healthcare improvements from within.  Our discussion with Brian sheds light on the significance of updating rural healthcare infrastructure. He provides insights into effective strategies for obtaining funding and implementing capital improvement projects in rural environments, underscoring the transformative impact these investments can have on community health support and rural economic vitality. “Rural Healthcare is the cornerstone of rural economies” -Brian Haapala Brian is the CEO of Stroudwater Capital Partners helping improve access to capital for rural health care providers nationally. He is passionate a

On Rural Health Leadership Radio, we are always discussing innovation in rural healthcare, and this week our conversation is through the lens of the new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) model. We are delighted to welcome Anna Anna who serves as the Program Director at the Rural Health Redesign Center (RHRCO) and works to promote access to quality healthcare in rural communities.  In our conversation, Anna discusses the REH model and shares her insights on how hospitals can make a successful conversion, and what it means to their communities. Learn more about how organizations like RHRC can help rural hospitals on their website here! “Although the Rural Emergency Hospital’s Designation is new, it’s already saved hospitals from closure” -Anna Anna  Anna Anna is a transformational leader and Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience in rural healthcare. Anna’s position at the Rural Health Redesign Center includes the role of Program Director for the Rural Emergency Hospital Technical Assistance Center. In her r

Looking to test your knowledge of rural health? This episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio is exactly what you need! Join Sydney and Bill as they put their rural health expertise to the test with a series of trivia questions. Covering topics from community health workers to rural health clinics, this episode is full of learning. Listen in, play along, and see how much you know about rural health. “This was a wonderful way to learn. Good conversations, learning, and research were done by all of us today.” Sydney Grant