More Health, Less Healthcare – Détails, épisodes et analyse

We’re so excited to announce our latest episode on More health Less Healthcare! This time, Peter Boland sits down with the amazing Julie Andrieni —an inspiring leader with not just one, but multiple hats at Houston Methodist. If you’re interested in what’s working on the frontlines of healthcare transformation, especially around physician leadership and population health, you’ll love this insightful conversation.

Here are 5 keys you’ll learn in this episode:

1.     The Power of Physician Buy-In

Julie Andrieni shares exactly how involving primary care physicians from the very beginning—and giving them a voice—can spark real culture change and transform results.

2.     Data Transparency & Trust

Discover how unblinded, transparent data (yes, everyone sees everyone’s results!) has built a level of trust that helps practices improve year after year.

3.     Real Financial Incentives

It’s not all about pride (but that matters too!). Julie Andrieni breaks down how their incentive structure rewards top performers and motivates everyone to strive for better quality care.

4.     Supporting the Whole Patient

Learn how Houston Methodist partners with community organizations—like food banks and even real estate agents—to address social needs that impact patient health.

5.     Patience, Persistence & Progress

The secret sauce? It’s a long game. Julie Andrini reveals how their best results came after years of steady improvement—and why having leadership’s support from day one is non-negotiable.

Fun fact from the episode:                                                                                                                                                                                

When Houston Methodist started sharing performance data transparently at practice meetings, the initial reaction from docs was, “The data isn’t right!” But after personally sitting down to review the numbers, what did they find? The data was right—and friendly competition (with trophies and honor rolls!) went through the roof.

Julia Andrieni, MD is the Senior Vice President of Population Health and Primary Care at Houston Methodist. She is a physician executive leader with national recognition for Value-Based Care with innovative patient care models improving quality and reducing costs at a system level. Her multi-disciplinary team at Houston Methodist is responsible for over 100,000 Medicare lives and over 50,000 commercial lives. Dr. Andrieni is the Founder and CEO and President of Houston Methodist Coordinated Care (HMCC)  Accountable Care Organization (ACO) in collaboration with over 350 Primary Care providers. In 2024, HMCC ACO ranked #1 nationally for Academic Medical Center ACOs for total Savings Per Patient. HMCC ACO is also in the Top 2% nationally (476 ACOs) for Medicare Shared Savings Programs for both Quality Performance and Earned Savings. For the past 9 years, HMCC ACO has sustained 90th percentile quality performance and earned savings while taking financial risk. In 2024 and 2025, Pearl Health recognized Dr. Andrieni as one of the Top 50 Value-Based Thinkers.

We’re excited to announce that Part 3 of our podcast series is now live! In this episode, Peter Boland brings us a whirlwind tour of best practices, lessons, and case studies from some of the most forward-thinking healthcare organizations across the country.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Mission & Values Matter: Discover why having strong mission and value statements is essential for driving strategy, guiding investments, and sustaining long-term commitment. Peter Bolland dives into the importance of figuring out: are you all in, or just testing the waters?

2. Collaboration Is Non-Negotiable: Unpack how cross-cultural and cross-sector partnerships are absolutely necessary for success. No one comes to the table with a perfect record, but working together is the only way forward.

3. The Challenge of Power Sharing: Find out why sharing power between healthcare professionals, executives, and the community isn’t just nice—it’s crucial. Peter Bolland gives real-talk on why it’s one of the hardest shifts for any organization.

4. Listening to the Patient & Community Voice: Learn the art (and importance!) of deep listening—not just checking a box. Systems can only be improved when both patient and community perspectives are truly heard and valued.

5. The Pivotal Role of CHWs & Cultural Health Navigators: Get inspired by stories of Community Health Workers and Cultural Health Navigators who bridge the gap, build trust, and drive health equity—often standing shoulder to shoulder with doctors and nurses in shaping healthier communities.

Fun Fact: Did you know that at University Hospital in Kansas City, this whole movement started with just a little card table by the hospital entrance? That’s right! From those humble beginnings, their team of Cultural Health Navigators has grown, becoming an absolutely key asset, especially for serving immigrant and refugee populations.

Today's Guest is Jan Ruma, Senior Advisor at the Pathways Community HUB Institute, is a leader in community health innovation and experienced at facilitating and resourcing outcome-oriented community partnerships to measurably improve health status. Jan has firsthand experience implementing and sustaining community care hubs and contracting with payers utilizing the Pathways Community HUB Institute® Model (PCHI® Model). Jan provides guidance on all aspects of developing, implementing, and sustaining a community care hub, including partnership, fund, and community resource development; governance; payer contracting; addressing health related social needs; defining populations of focus; operations; and the value proposition.

Discover how the Pathways Community Help Institute is transforming health equity with a practical, outcomes-driven approach. Learn the essential elements that make the Pathways model a powerful tool for addressing complex health and social needs in communities.

• What the Pathways model is and how it simplifies access to health and social services
• The role of community health workers (CHWs) and why they're central to success
• How risk factors and pathways are tracked and measured for real results
• The funding, structure, and technology needed to launch a successful community hub
• The tangible return on investment (ROI) and long-term impact seen from this model

Discover the latest episode of More Health, Less Healthcare with Peter Boland—a thought-provoking journey into the urgent distinction between health and healthcare. In this episode, Peter challenges long-held assumptions by spotlighting the disproportionate investment in sickness care versus health promotion, urging a cultural shift toward prevention and wellness.

Key highlights include:

• A candid look at the cultural and financial realities driving our healthcare “sickness industry.”
• Critical examination of why the U.S. lags behind other developed nations in social health outcomes.
• Real-world case studies and health equity initiatives that prove investing in preventive health saves lives and resources.
• Insights from Peter’s 45 years as a healthcare management consultant, addressing the legacy of cost containment, wage stagnation, and rising chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension.
• A call for courageous, long-term intervention at scale—backed by data and ethical imperatives—to reshape public health for the next generation.

Tune in as Peter asks the tough questions about profit-driven healthcare practices and explores intelligent, value-centered solutions. If you’re passionate about shifting the paradigm from “sickness care” to true health—and want practical, inspiring examples—this episode is a must-listen.

Join the conversation, reflect on what it means to truly “do no harm,” and be part of shaping a healthier future!

We’ve just dropped Part 2 of our latest video on Promote Profit Publish, hosted by Peter Boland—and trust us, this one’s packed with inspiring takeaways from some of the most innovative healthcare organizations across the country!

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, advocate, or just love learning about powerful systems change, this episode is a must-watch. Here’s what you’ll learn:

5 Keys You’ll Discover in This Episode:

1. Community-Centric Change: Find out how Presbyterian Health in Albuquerque flips the traditional model by making local councils THE trusted conveners, and how bottom-up collaboration creates more equitable communities.
2. Value-Based Care Done Right: Houston Methodist's blueprint for quality improvement, monthly physician meetings, and a $50 million rebate—proving great care really can pay off.
3. Systems Change at Scale: Dive into Common Spirit’s mind-blowing Total Health Roadmap, a masterclass in how you flip an entire organization (2,200 facilities!) to drive health outcomes countrywide.
4. Functional Medicine Innovations: See how Cleveland Clinic uses shared medical appointments for high-need diabetic patients, boosting outcomes and community peer support while cutting costs.
5. The Hidden Power of Health Literacy: Vanderbilt’s team takes on the health literacy crisis with a simple screening device—showing how understanding patients’ needs leads to better, safer care.

Fun Fact: Houston Methodist’s value-based care approach not only improved patient outcomes, but in just one year, it generated a $50 million rebate for the organization! Talk about healthy profits.

In Part One, Peter Boland unpacks the high points from the first third of the book, focusing on healthcare delivery systems, and spotlights innovative, purpose-driven organizations aiming to generate more health—not just treat sickness.

Here are 5 keys you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Why Our System is Stuck (and How to Get Unstuck)
2. Discover the root causes behind America's sickness-focused healthcare spending—and the insanity of pouring 97% into treatment and only 3% into prevention.
3. How Boston Medical Center Transformed Patient Care
4. Learn the inside story of their pioneering food pantry, rooftop gardens, and true “patient first” philosophy (hint: they even teach families to cook healthy meals!).
5. Breaking the Cycle with Nationwide Children's
6. Find out how this pediatric hospital in Ohio took on the audacious goal to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty through housing, workforce, education, and economic initiatives.
7. The Power of Zero Defects at Cleveland Hospital
8. Hear how a creative “fractal management” system demanded everyone—yes, everyone—be accountable for perfect care, slashing errors and saving millions.
9. Why Collaboration is Everything
10. See how the best hospitals aren’t just treating patients—they’re partnering with local communities to share power and expertise, tailoring programs to real needs.

Fun Fact of the Episode:

Did you know the Boston Medical Center’s food pantry started in one doctor’s desk drawer? Today, it distributes over a million pounds of food per year and features rooftop gardens growing fresh produce for their patients!

Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation in this week’s Promote Profit Publish episode: “More Health, Less Healthcare” featuring Brenner Williams and host Peter Boland.

In this episode, Brenner pulls back the curtain on how social determinants of health (SDOH)—factors like food access, transportation, and financial stability—shape wellness outcomes far beyond the doctor’s office. Together, Brenner and Peter break down how proactive, data-driven strategies can empower employers, health plans, and entire communities to create real change.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why quantifying social risk unlocks smarter resource allocation and cost savings.
• How an “analyze first” mindset redefines the way organizations act on data.
• Ways self-insured employers use social risk data to build benefits that truly meet people’s needs.
• A behind-the-scenes look at Socially Determined’s Socialscape platform and how it visualizes community risk in powerful new ways.
• Why evidence and integration are essential for sustainable health innovations.

Bonus insight:

You’ll also hear how Brenner’s early experiences during the dot-com boom—and even a failed startup—shaped his forward-thinking approach to healthcare technology today.

Tune in and be inspired to rethink what health really means. Whether you’re leading a business, managing a health plan, or simply passionate about innovation, this episode will leave you ready to measure smarter, act faster, and invest more wisely in better health for all.

Dr. Williams is a family physician, entrepreneur, former health system executive and consulting leader, and past founder and CEO of Clinovations, sold to the Advisory Board Company in 2014. In 2017, Dr. Williams co-founded Socially Determined to create an analytics platform that integrates the social determinants of health with clinical and claims data to quantify and visualize social risk and the specific impacts on health and healthcare outcomes. Dr. Williams’ unique perspective is formed at the intersection of healthcare and technology. He has an extensive understanding and knowledge in the implementation of healthcare technology, health plan market growth, and SDOH strategy development for leading healthcare stakeholders. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and received his Medical Doctorate from Marshall University.

This episode of More Health, Less Healthcare explores how University Hospital in Kansas City is breaking barriers to health equity through innovative, on-the-ground programs that truly meet patients where they are.LinkedIn-Newsletter.docx​

Hosted by Peter Boland, with guests Gabriella Gardner, Director of Language Assistance, and Deborah Sisco, Manager of Patient Advocacy and Engagement, the conversation spotlights a powerful new hybrid role: cultural health navigators who go far beyond language interpretation to guide immigrant, refugee, and limited English proficiency patients through every step of their care. You’ll hear real stories about how understanding social determinants of health, using Plan-Study-Do-Act cycles to “fail forward,” and adapting approaches to sensitive conversations are transforming experiences across multiple clinics.

Listeners will also learn the three essential traits every cultural health navigator needs—lived experience, cultural humility, and a passion for advocacy—and why these qualities are critical in communities where more than 200 languages are spoken each year. The episode closes with an inspiring look at their emerging arts and loneliness initiative, revealing how holistic care can extend far beyond medicine to create connection, trust, and lasting impact.

Deb Sisco is the Manager of Patient Advocacy and Engagement for University Health, Kansas City’s Safety Net Hospital and the teaching hospital for the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Deb holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She spent 25 years in the field of education, serving first as a teacher of children with behavior disorders and emotional disturbances, then as an alternative school principal. During her career in St. Joseph, MO. Deb was named Teacher of the Year, the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Educator of the Year, and received honors from the Buchanan County Juvenile office as well as being named one of “20 Who Count” by the St. Joseph News Press.

Deb began a second career at University Health concentrating her efforts on managing special projects throughout the organization that elevate the voice of the patient and inspire compassionate, patient centered care. She manages the processes for screening and assisting patients with the Social Drivers of Health and leads the effort to elevate the voice of the patients and their families through the creation and management of a Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Gabriella Gardner is the Director of Language Access, Multicultural Health Navigation and One World Pantry at University Health. She is a professional linguist with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field as an administrator, interpreter, translator and instructor. Gabriella studied Language and Literature at Arizona State University and at Université Catholique de Lille in France. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and is an American Essential Hospitals Fellow. She is also a graduate of the first Truman Medical Centers Executive Fellowship program where she received a UMKC-Cerner Certificate for Healthcare Leadership from the Bloch School of Management. Gabriella is known for implementing high quality services and programs in multicultural healthcare environments to reduce health disparities and ensure equal access to healthcare for diverse populations. Gabriella Gardner, MBA | Director of Language Access, Multicultural Health Navigation and One World Pantry

gabriella.gardner@uhkc.org

University Health | Truman Medical Center

This episode of the “More Health, Less Healthcare” podcast features host Peter Boland in conversation with Ann Somers Hogg, Director of Health Research at the Christensen Institute, for a lively, practical look at what real innovation in healthcare takes—and why even good leaders often struggle to make it happen.

Listeners will hear how the Christensen Institute applies Clay Christensen’s innovation theories to healthcare, the core components of business model theory, and why the “Innovator’s Dilemma” keeps successful organizations from disrupting themselves when it matters most. Summers walks through a six-question test to assess whether an idea is truly disruptive, illustrates why business models—not technology alone—drive meaningful change, and shares examples like MinuteClinic to show how “good enough” solutions can transform access and convenience. The episode closes with cautious optimism about the role of generative AI in supporting clinicians and mental health through augmentation rather than replacement, offering leaders concrete ways to rethink innovation and make care better, not just more expensive.

Ann Somers is the director of health care research at the Clayton Christensen Institute where her research focuses on the structural pathways to improve health. This includes business model design, leadership approaches, customer orientation, and innovation strategy.

Prior to joining the Institute, Ann Somers worked for Atrium Health (now Advocate Health), where she served as the AVP of Strategy and Transformation. She started her career in consulting at Oliver Wyman, working to develop value-based care strategies for large payers.

Ann Somers holds an MSPH in Health Policy and Management from UNC-Chapel Hill and a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two children.

Discover how Presbyterian Health in New Mexico is putting community priorities at the center of its health equity work. In this episode, Leigh Caswell shares practical insights on scaling programs, leveraging partnerships, and tracking real community impact.

• The unique “incubator” approach to developing and scaling community health initiatives
• How behavioral health became a cornerstone priority based on community data
• Defining and measuring “community health” across diverse populations and counties
• Funding strategies, sustainability challenges, and lessons learned on managing grants
• Looking ahead: plans for scaling, sustaining programs, and deepening community engagement

Tune in for real-world examples and actionable strategies to drive healthier communities beyond hospital walls.

Leigh Caswell serves as Vice President of Community and Health Equity with Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS). 

Leigh coordinates and directs initiatives, strategy, and operations that support the community health priorities and health equity strategy of the largest non-profit, integrated health system in New Mexico. This work includes systems change initiatives, building programs, convening cross sector partnerships and leveraging grant and private funds for greater collective impact on barriers to health in communities across the state.

Leigh has a B.S. in Environmental Health from Colorado State University and a Masters of Public Health from the University of New Mexico.