In this episode of After the Chaos, Kandice and Angela discuss their conversation with Blair Childs, focusing on the macro and micro levels of healthcare, the implications of rural healthcare funding, and the challenges and opportunities presented by recent policy changes. They emphasize the importance of understanding the details of healthcare reforms and the need for proactive engagement from healthcare professionals to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.

Episode chapter guide:

02:35 Understanding Macro and Micro Perspectives in Healthcare

05:19 The Impact of Rural Healthcare Funding

08:39 Navigating Change in Healthcare Systems

Policy veteran Blair Childs, CEO of Childs and Associates, joins hosts Angela Adams, RN, and Kandice Garcia Tomkins, RN to make sense of D.C.’s latest “big beautiful bill” and the forces reshaping U.S. healthcare. Blair distills three defining shifts—market-based total-cost accountability, fixing perverse fee-for-service incentives, and true consumerism via interoperable data—and explains what leaders should do now. The conversation dives into the Rural Transformation Fund timeline, why to engage state Medicaid offices immediately, and how accelerating value-based care can reduce chaos and improve outcomes.

Episode chapter guide:

01:42 Meet Blair Childs: A Healthcare Policy Expert

05:38 Blair's Journey in Healthcare Policy

10:46 Transitioning to a Market-Based Healthcare System

16:45 Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill

23:19 The Future of Rural Healthcare

28:08 Accelerating Value-Based Care

To access the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, visit congress.gov.

In this "After the Chaos" episode, Angela and Kandice reflect on their conversation with Melonie Lagalante, FACHE—a powerhouse leader driving community-focused transformation at St. Tammany Health System. From her ability to fast-track the implementation of innovation to her deeply rooted leadership philosophy, Melonie exemplifies what it means to lead with urgency, purpose, and humility. Angela and Kandice discuss how Melonie’s commitment to decentralizing decision-making and empowering teams fuels a culture of trust, action, and long-term retention. They also reflect on the evolving role of hospitals as community anchors and how Melonie's team models excellence in both care and collaboration.

Episode chapter guide:
04:34 Melonie's Leadership Journey
11:52 Community-Centric Healthcare Success
17:50 Navigating Healthcare Challenges
22:29 Building a Culture of Innovation
29:31 Leadership Insights and Advice