Most physicians follow or supplement their clinical practice with physician leadership roles, and wind down their careers by scaling back to part time executives or clinical consultants before official retirement. Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACP, suggests an alternative. After retiring from CEO and executive roles at several large health systems, Dr. Afable now advocates for community wellbeing and the development of others as the President and Board Chair of BeWellOC in Orange County. In this episode, we interview Dr. Afable about how physicians can (and should) plan for a type of “third career” - one that focuses on significance and service. He also shares concepts that physicians can consider as they work towards a retirement plan. 
 
Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACP
President and Board Chair, Be Well Orange County, www.bewelloc.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-afable-m-d-mph-84722b162/
 

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An Alternative to Traditional Retirement: Considerations for Physicians

Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACP

Self-Management

Self-Awareness

Motivations and Thinking Style

Adaptability

Healthcare is changing faster than ever, but it is not just about new technology. It is about patients becoming active, equal partners in their own care. In this episode, Mike Sacopulos sits down with Bertalan Mesko, PhD, director of The Medical Futurist Institute and author of The Guide to the Future of Medicine, Technology, and the Human Touch, to explore how patient empowerment is reshaping the future of medicine.

Mesko explains why the biggest shift in modern healthcare is not AI or digital tools — it is the idea of patients becoming “members of their own medical team” and working side-by-side with their doctors. He shares practical advice for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patients on how to navigate this new era, from mastering AI tools to building stronger doctor-patient relationships.

Key topics include:

- Why patients are the most underutilized resource in healthcare

- The importance of starting with partnerships, not technology

- Predictions for remote care and the challenges ahead

- Surprising insights into skills doctors will need in the future (hint: it involves AI prompts!)

This episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas about the evolving doctor-patient relationship and what it means for the future of primary care. Tune in to hear Mesko’s vision for a healthcare system that puts patients at the center, and why he believes medical future studies should become a scientific discipline.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org.


The Future of Medicine with Dr. Bertalan Mesko

Bertalan Mesko, PhD

Operations and Policy

Technology Integration

Problem Solving

Strategic Perspective

Communication Strategies

In this episode of SoundPractice, host Mike Sacopulos sits down with Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics and molecular virology, Baylor College of Medicine and the co-author of the new book (with Michael Mann) Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World.

Hotez pulls back the curtain on the alarming rise of anti-science movements that are costing lives and threatening public health. From vaccine misinformation that led to 200,000 preventable COVID deaths in America to a tragic measles outbreak fueled by unvaccinated populations, he reveals the five powerful forces driving the war on science:

- Plutocrats: Wealthy donors funding anti-science think tanks.

- Petro-states: Governments opposing climate and health science for profit.

- Pros: Credentialed experts pushing contrarian agendas.

- Propagandists: Media amplifying misinformation.

- Press: Outlets promoting false "both sides" narratives.

Hotez also traces the evolution of the anti-vaccine movement, from debunked autism claims to today’s wellness influencers profiting off pseudoscience. He challenges medical professionals to embrace the "art" of medicine and step up as defenders of scientific truth. His call to action is clear: silence and invisibility allow bad actors to win. Physicians remain heroes on the frontlines, but they must help turn the tide against misinformation.

This must-listen episode is for anyone passionate about science, medicine, and the fight for public health. Tune in to learn how we can push back against disinformation and secure a healthier future for all.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org.


The Physician’s Voice: Combating Misinformation with Dr. Peter Hotez

Peter Hotez, MD, PhD

Professional Capabilities

Integrity

Strategy and Innovation

Environmental Influences

Quality and Risk

Quality Improvement

Physician leadership is evolving from informal, "oldest doctor gets the job" to rigorous, accredited training programs that could reshape healthcare administration.

Mike Sacopulos interviews Daniel A. Handel, MD, MBA, MPH, CPE, chief medical officer at Atrium Health, to discuss the basics of the new Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (HALM) fellowship. The exam, first held in November 2024, will now be offered annually because of increased physician demand; it was previously biennial.

Handel is the editor of the new textbook, Healthcare Administration, Leadership and Management: The Essentials, First Edition, with 44 expert contributors covering finance, compliance, HR, among other executive topics. He is also a contributor to a board review course that AAPL is developing for HALM.

Handel’s overarching advice for physician leaders: “Stay focused on your why — the purpose that drove you to leadership in the first place.”

Resources:

- Healthcare Administration, Leadership and Management: The Essentials, First Edition

- Connect with Dan Handel, MD

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org.


The HALM (Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management) Credential and New Textbook with Dr. Daniel Handel

Daniel A. Handel, MD, MBA, MPH

Action Orientation

Finance

Economics

In this expanded episode of SoundPractice, host Mike Sacopulos sits down with Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, the 20th Surgeon General of the United States, to discuss his remarkable journey from a rural community in Maryland to becoming the nation's top doctor. Adams shares personal anecdotes, professional insights, and the challenges he faced while serving as Surgeon General. This episode covers the nuances of the role of the Surgeon General and is a must-listen for anyone interested in public health, physician leadership, and the evolving role of physicians in society. Tune in to this insightful conversation that sheds light on the critical issues facing our healthcare system today.

Episode Highlights

- Path to Leadership: Explore Adams’ unexpected journey into medicine, including parental influence, personal health challenges, role models, and the impact of professional organizations.

- Role and Responsibilities of the Surgeon General: Understand the historical and modern roles of the Surgeon General and key initiatives during Adams’ tenure, such as promoting Naloxone to combat the opioid crisis.

- Trust in Physicians and Institutions: Learn strategies to rebuild trust in healthcare through personalized care and patient concern.

- Balancing Individual Freedom and Public Health: Examine the balance between individual freedom and public health, emphasizing empathy and communication in addressing issues like vaccine hesitancy and chronic diseases.

- The Importance of Public Service: Recognize the value of public service in enhancing the skills and character of physicians.

Resource:
Book by Jerome Adams, MD, MPH: Crisis and Chaos

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org


From Small Town to Surgeon General: Dr. Jerome Adams on Leadership, Public Health, and Trust

Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, FASA

Influence

Trust and Respect

Comfort with Visibility

Host Mike Sacopulos interviews Jennifer O’Brien, a healthcare expert and author, to discuss her book, Care Boss: Leadership Strategies and Resources for Family Caregivers. They delve into the growing demographic of family caregivers, address the challenges they face, and the perspective of caregiving as a leadership role. Don’t miss this insightful discussion where Jennifer shares actionable advice, strategies, and resources to help caregivers manage their responsibilities effectively.

Episode Highlights

- Growing Demographics: Discover the rise in family caregivers in the United States, with 53 million Americans currently serving in this role and the expectation of continued growth because of an aging population.

- Caregiving as Leadership: Recognize caregiving as a leadership role that can provide clarity and direction in managing care responsibilities and apply leadership strategies to effectively handle the emotional and logistical challenges associated with caregiving.

- Early Preparation: Learn the importance of planning and preparing for caregiving duties before illness strikes, and explore the benefits of early considerations, such as home modifications and end-of-life conversations.

- Support Systems: Identify and use available support systems, including professional caregivers, to enhance caregiving effectiveness, engage family and friends in specific caregiving tasks to distribute responsibilities and lighten the caregiver's load, and understand the role of healthcare professionals in involving and supporting family caregivers as vital members of the care team.

- Emotional Resilience: Acknowledge the isolation and emotional strain that caregivers often experience and use leadership tools to manage stress and maintain perspective.

Resource

- Book by Jennifer O’Brien: Care Boss: Leadership Strategies & Resources for Family Caregivers  offers practical tools, from creating a go-bag to comprehensive medical records and is an essential resource for caregivers, providing both strategic guidance and heartfelt support.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org


Care Boss: Leadership Strategies and Resources for Family Caregivers with Jennifer O’Brien

Jennifer A. O’Brien, MSOD

Resilience

In this episode of SoundPractice, Ron Howrigon, president and CEO of Fulcrum Strategies, brings his extensive experience in the healthcare industry to the forefront. Having worked as a senior executive with major managed care companies like Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, Howrigon shares his journey. From negotiating contracts to founding Fulcrum Strategies, his consulting firm helps doctors and hospitals navigate the complex world of managed care agreements so they can focus more on patient care.

With a keen eye on the flaws of a profit-driven healthcare system, join us as we delve into the complexities of the healthcare system and discuss innovative solutions for a better future.

Key Takeaways:

- Navigating Capitalistic Healthcare: Uncover the inherent problems of a for-profit healthcare system where insurers often prioritize shareholder profits over patient care. Howrigon also discusses Medicare reimbursement cuts and provides a balanced view on private equity in healthcare, highlighting both potential benefits and risks.

- Changing Patient Experience: Over the last 30-40 years, increasing bureaucracy and challenges in accessing necessary care have dramatically altered the patient experience, leading to poor health outcomes and a more critical patient perspective on the industry.

- Solutions and Reforms: Howrigon suggests vital reforms to ensure medical directors for third-party payers adhere to medical practice standards when approving or denying claims, aiming to enhance patient care.

- Impact of Physician Employment: Explore how the shift from self-employed physicians to those employed by non-physician-controlled organizations affects relationships at every level of healthcare. Howrigon predicts significant access issues and reimbursement changes because of the worsening physician shortage.

- Learn more and Connect:

   -- Gain more insights in Howrigon’s books, CLEAR! Reforming Healthcare to Save the U.S. Economy and FLATLINING: How Healthcare Could Kill the U.S. Economy.

   -- Visit fsdoc.com to connect with Ron Howrigon.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at https://www.physicianleaders.org/.


Physician Contract Negotiations: The Landscape and Predictions with Ron Howrigon

Ron Howrigon

Governance

Payment Models

An Alternative to Traditional Retirement: Considerations for Physicians

RECENT EPISODES

The Future of Medicine with Dr. Bertalan Mesko

The Physician’s Voice: Combating Misinformation with Dr. Peter Hotez

The HALM (Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management) Credential and New Textbook with Dr. Daniel Handel

From Small Town to Surgeon General: Dr. Jerome Adams on Leadership, Public Health, and Trust

Care Boss: Leadership Strategies and Resources for Family Caregivers with Jennifer O’Brien

Physician Contract Negotiations: The Landscape and Predictions with Ron Howrigon

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