What if reducing emergency department readmissions wasn’t about working harder, but about leading smarter through data, teamwork, and innovation?

In this episode of PEMBA On Demand, host Dr. Norman A. Chapin speaks with Dr. Max Baumgardner DO, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer at AdventHealth Apopka and current student in the University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA program. Dr. Baumgardner shares the transformational journey of leading a multidisciplinary initiative aimed at reducing emergency department readmissions. He explains how his team leveraged data, care coordination, centralized case management, Epic integration, and innovative emergency department interventions to improve patient outcomes and move system performance from bottom quartile to top quartile. Dr. Baumgardner discusses the leadership lessons gained through PEMBA, the power of frontline engagement, and strategies for balancing administrative and clinical responsibilities while creating sustainable, scalable improvement.

Key Topics Covered

• Reducing emergency department readmissions through multidisciplinary collaboration
• Identifying high risk patients using real world data insights
• Leveraging Epic tools and alerts to improve care coordination
• The value of centralized case management and live Epic chat support
• Innovative emergency department solutions including infusions, dialysis, and direct facility placement
• Strengthening transitions of care using care plans and team based communication
• Maintaining quality and performance metrics while implementing major change
• Leadership strategies for empowering teams and sustaining improvement
• Balancing clinical work and the Chief Medical Officer role
• How the PEMBA program accelerated leadership capabilities and project success

Links and Resources

• Dr. Max Baumgardner on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-baumgardner-do/
  
• ‍⚕️ Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
  
• ▶ PEMBA On Demand YouTube
  https://www.youtube.com/@PEMBAON-DEMAND
  
• AdventHealth Apopka
  https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-apopka
  
• Physician Executive MBA Program – University of Tennessee
  https://haslamgradprograms.utk.edu/programs/mba/physician-executive-pemba/
  

How does a practicing surgeon turn a simple idea into a global platform transforming how surgeons connect, learn, and lead?

In this episode of “PEMBA On Demand,” host Dr. Norman A. Chapin interviews Dr. Mark Soliman, surgeon, entrepreneur, and graduate of the University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA (PEMBA) program. Dr. Soliman shares his inspiring journey from clinical surgery to co-founding Surgeon, a secure social networking and education platform built exclusively for surgeons.

He discusses the rapid growth of the platform, how it’s transforming peer-to-peer collaboration in surgical practice, and the realities of leading a healthcare startup. Dr. Soliman also reflects on how business education reshaped his leadership mindset, empowered his entrepreneurial goals, and provided the tools to innovate in an evolving healthcare ecosystem. His story offers valuable lessons for physicians seeking to combine clinical expertise with business acumen to create lasting impact.

Key Topics Covered

• The founding story and mission behind Surgeon, a secure networking and education hub for surgeons
• Challenges and rewards of transitioning from clinical practice to entrepreneurship
  
• Navigating early-stage startup challenges, funding, and strategic growth
• Building community and engagement through a physician-led digital platform
  
• The role of trust, collaboration, and security in medical networking
• How the PEMBA program provided business, leadership, and strategic skills for success
• Lessons in innovation, risk-taking, and perseverance from the startup journey
• Balancing the dual identities of clinician and entrepreneur
  
• Practical advice for physicians seeking to innovate or launch their own ventures
• The future of healthcare technology and physician-led digital ecosystems

Dr. Mark Soliman's Bio:

Dr. Mark Soliman, MD, MBA is a colorectal surgeon, entrepreneur, and PEMBA graduate from the University of Tennessee. He is the co-founder of Surgeon, a secure, physician-only platform designed to connect surgeons globally for education, case collaboration, and professional development. With a deep passion for innovation and leadership, Dr. Soliman combines his surgical expertise with business insight to advance healthcare through technology and community-driven solutions.

Links & Resources

• Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
  
• PEMBA On Demand Podcast on Apple
  
• SurgeOn – Surgery Unified Platform
• SurgeOn App
• Dr. Mark Soliman on LinkedIn
• AdventHealth

What does it take for a physician to redefine success and build a career that truly aligns with purpose, passion, and leadership?

In this episode of “PEMBA On Demand,” host Dr. Norman A. Chapin sits down with Dr. Pamela Sullivan, founder of National Healthcare Solutions, PLLC and former Chief Clinical Officer at Landmark Health. Dr. Sullivan—an accomplished physician leader, author, and consultant—shares her remarkable journey from physical therapy to emergency medicine, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship. She discusses the inspiration behind her new book, Career Prescription Guide: A Physician’s Guide for Career Transformation or Advancement, and the deeper motivations physicians should explore before making major career moves.

Together, they unpack key themes from her book, including identifying your “why,” recognizing the arrival fallacy, navigating cultural fit, and building a fulfilling leadership path aligned with your values. Dr. Sullivan also reflects on her PEMBA experience, lessons from consulting, and how her MBA boosted her confidence, perspective, and leadership impact.

Key Topics Covered:

• The inspiration and process behind writing Career Prescription Guide
  
• How imposter syndrome and personal stories shaped the book’s message
• Recognizing the arrival fallacy—why new roles don’t always equal happiness
• Evaluating career pivots and transitions objectively, not emotionally
• Assessing organizational culture and finding the right professional fit
• The founding of National Healthcare Solutions, PLLC and lessons from consulting
• Balancing entrepreneurship with full-time leadership opportunities
• How the PEMBA experience transformed her confidence, mindset, and peer network
• The importance of mentorship, self-awareness, and resilience in career growth
• Advice for physicians seeking leadership roles or pursuing new credentials (MBA, CPE, FACHE)

Dr. Pamela Sullivan’s Bio:

Dr. Pamela Sullivan, MD, MBA, CPE, FACP, FCUCM, PT is the Founder and Principal Consultant at National Healthcare Solutions, PLLC, and the former Chief Clinical Officer at Landmark Health. A board-certified physician and accomplished healthcare executive, she has led transformative initiatives in value-based care, clinical operations, and physician leadership. Dr. Sullivan is also the author of Career Prescription Guide: A Physician’s Guide for Career Transformation or Advancement, published by the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL). Through her work, she empowers physicians to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Links & Resources

• Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn

• PEMBA On Demand Podcast on Apple

• Dr. Pamela Sullivan on LinkedIn

• American Association for Physician Leadership

• PEMBA On Demand on YouTube