Southwest General may be a long-standing community hospital, but its AI program is years ahead. In this episode, Aaron Wootton sits down with Jae Zayed from Southwest General to unpack how a small, independent health system is using AI to reduce readmissions and no-shows, streamline pre-registration and radiology scheduling, and free clinicians to focus on patients instead of paperwork. You’ll hear how they embedded AI into their corporate strategy, chose the right partners, branded AI “agents” like HOPE and AVA to build trust, and created a culture where staff see AI as a teammate—not a threat.

In this episode, Nancy Ripari (Executive VP and Managing Partner, Huntzinger Management Group) hosts a conversation with Mark Nantz (President and CEO, Valley Health). Together, they discuss the most pressing challenges in healthcare today — from regulatory pressures and workforce shortages to the role of technology in shaping the future.

Mark shares how leaders can adapt to changes in the healthcare landscape, particularly in rural areas, and why CEOs must lead with purpose and keep people at the center. He also offers valuable insights on the future of consulting in healthcare and advice for emerging leaders navigating the industry.

Listen today for more insights and perspective from this engaging conversation.

In this episode of "The Hunt for Excellence," Aaron Wootton sits down with Paul Zieske to explore the intersection of healthcare and technology. They discuss the concept of "care traffic control," the role of AI in healthcare, and the exciting potential of digital twins. Paul shares insights from his career journey, including his work on location-based services and his upcoming book, "Where Matters."

Tune in to discover how these innovations are shaping the future of healthcare.

In this episode of The Hunt for Excellence, William C. Reed, PhD—Vice President and Partner at Huntzinger—talks with longtime healthcare executive and Huntzinger advisor Jon P. Burns about leadership, career evolution, and the future of healthcare.

Jon reflects on his journey from finance to IT leadership and into broader C-suite roles, sharing lessons on navigating mergers, driving operational change through technology, and preparing for transformative trends like AI, digital health, and workforce retention.

🎧 A valuable listen for healthcare leaders, IT professionals, and anyone shaping the future of care delivery.

We're excited to launch the first episode of Huntzinger's new podcast series- The Hunt for Excellence!

Leading the conversation is our Chief Digital Officer, Aaron Wootton joined by Meriah Gille, CIO of the Seattle Indian Health Board.

This powerful episode explores the integration of traditional Indigenous medicine with modern healthcare technology, and how innovation, cultural respect, and data-driven strategy are creating meaningful change in health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Meriah shares insights on building culturally aligned EHR solutions in Epic, driving health equity, and leading with intention and impact.

It's an inspiring conversation that highlights the future of integrated care, cultural respect, and the power of data to drive real change.