In this episode of BRight Minds in Healthcare Delivery, host Eric Tower engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Dr. David Schreiner, former president and CEO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, which merged with OSF Healthcare in January 2025 to create OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center. Dr. Schreiner shares insights on the changes that drove the hospital’s board to reconsider its trajectory and decide that independence was no longer sustainable. He recounts the decade-long journey of preparing for an affiliation, including how he led the board through the transition, the strategic process of finding the best partner for affiliation, and the transparent approach taken with employees and community members. The conversation also touches on current issues and trends in healthcare, such as Medicaid and the fiscal viability of rural hospitals.

Today, Dr. Schreiner is a nationally recognized speaker, mentor, consultant, and author with a mission to inspire leaders, transform organizations, and advance the well-being of rural communities. With more than 35 years of healthcare leadership experience, Dr. Schreiner has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead with integrity, foster resilience, and achieve sustainable success in the face of complex challenges. Drawing from his experiences, he recently authored a book titled “Be The Best Part of Their Day: Supercharging Communication with Values-Driven Leadership,” which focuses on effective executive communications and how to create meaningful interactions with key stakeholders. Learn more about Dr. Schreiner at https://drdavidschreiner.com/.

On this episode of BRight Minds and Healthcare Delivery, Dan Yunker, SVP of Risk and Compliance at Kodiak Solutions, joins host Eric Tower as they explore innovative strategies and trends in healthcare. Dan offers a brief overview of Kodiak Solutions, a technology-driven firm established by Crowe LLP. He outlines the range of services provided to clients, which include the automation of financial close processes, revenue cycle management, and risk and compliance services. Then they delve into the future of healthcare delivery, focusing on improving patient outcomes and operational performance. The conversation highlights how Kodiak Solutions uses data and technology to identify and mitigate risks, improve operational performance, and support value-based care. They also explore the potential and challenges of using artificial intelligence in healthcare, emphasizing its promise in improving outcomes and operational efficiency.

Dan brings more than 30 years of experience providing solutions to and serving in the healthcare provider industry. Prior to Kodiak, he was a principal in the healthcare consulting practice at Crowe LLP. A recognized industry thought leader with an extensive background in leading healthcare organizations to identify and execute process improvement, Dan specializes in finance, revenue cycle, and risk and compliance. Dan holds a B.A. in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago and an M.B.A. in healthcare from the Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University. He is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Healthcare Financial Management Association, and the Association of Healthcare Internal Auditors.

In this episode of Bright Minds in Healthcare Delivery, host Eric Tower interviews Michael Stamatinos, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector. They discuss the importance of innovation in healthcare, focusing on creating access to care, food, and housing, as well as the leadership and collaboration needed to drive innovation. Michael emphasizes the need for building relationship equity and creating small, immersive groups to foster authentic innovation. He also shares insights on overcoming challenges in healthcare innovation, such as aligning resources and maintaining momentum. Listeners will learn about the critical components of successful innovation and the importance of perseverance and consistency in driving meaningful change in the healthcare industry, and beyond.

Michael’s deeply rooted passion for making healthcare accessible inspired him to launch the Advancing Healthcare Innovation Consortium and Omorfi, Inc. With more than 17 years in business development, strategy, and marketing in healthcare, his areas of expertise include building ecosystems for sustainable growth. Michael has applied his Relationship Equity Principle throughout his career, assisting investors and teams by developing growth strategies that build trust and authority with health startups and organizations globally. Michael also hosts the Advancing Healthcare Innovation Show, which promotes knowledge exchange and industry-wide collaboration, fostering growth through innovative discussions. He's written extensively, authored "Getting to the Decision Maker," and co-founded Mastermind Unit, a non-profit supporting children’s charities.