Dr. Thomas discusses her motivation for writing her memoir, The Heart of the Story: My Improbable Journey as a Cardiologist, her leadership journey in Cardiology, and the advantages of attaining the status of CPE – Certified Physician Executive. She also discusses the work of the WIC “Women in Cardiology” section of the ACC-American College of Cardiology and her concrete advice for physicians who are interested in leadership positions. Lastly, she discusses her various academic appointments, dealing with the inequities in medicine, and her opinion on the progress that is being made for women in healthcare. 
https://www.physicianleaders.org/news/finally-a-cardiologist
Dr. Thomas’ book is here: https://shop.physicianleaders.org/collections/all/products/heart-story-improbable-journey-cardiologist-thomas
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org
 

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Dr. Joan Thomas and Her Improbable Journey as Cardiologist

Join host Mike Sacopulos for an eye-opening conversation with Hugo Huang about the financial realities of adopting generative AI in healthcare organizations. Drawing from his Harvard Business Review article "What CEOs Need to Know About the Costs of Adopting Gen AI," Hugo explains why many companies are pulling back from AI implementation due to unexpected cost pressures — and what leaders can do to avoid these pitfalls. From understanding the difference between predictive and generative AI to navigating infrastructure bottlenecks and the emerging "diamond-shaped" organizational structure, this episode provides practical guidance for healthcare executives navigating the complex landscape of AI adoption.

Hugo Huang, MBA, is an expert in cloud computing and business models who works with Canonical, a leading provider of infrastructure technology for Google's cloud business. He discusses building your AI cost dashboard, top metrics CEOs should track for AI spending visibility, understanding consumption patterns to estimate future costs, and getting started safely on AI.

"What CEOs Need to Know About the Costs of Adopting Gen AI" by Hugo Huang, published in Harvard Business Review and featured for members of the American Association for Physician Leadership. https://www.physicianleaders.org/articles/what-ceos-need-to-know-about-the-costs-of-adopting-genai

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

The Hidden Costs of Generative AI: What Healthcare Leaders Need to Know

Hugo Huang

Operations and Policy

Technology Integration

Finance

Economics

Problem Solving

Critical Appraisal Skills

In this deeply moving episode of SoundPractice, host Mike Sacopulos sits down with Louis M. Profeta, MD, a clinical instructor of emergency medicine at Indiana University and Marian University Schools of Medicine, bestselling author, and speaker.

Profeta shares his unconventional path to medicine — from a catastrophic neck injury that ended his Olympic dreams to choosing his college based on a basketball game. He candidly admits he initially pursued medicine for financial security, but along the way discovered a profound calling in emergency medicine, which he describes as "the most spiritual and enlightening environment in healthcare."

The conversation explores the unique position of the ER as society's great equalizer, where everyone from premature babies to Fortune 500 CEOs receive care under one roof. Profeta discusses how emergency departments serve as early warning systems for societal crises — from the fentanyl epidemic to homelessness — often sounding alarms years before mainstream attention arrives.

The episode's most powerful message centers on Profeta's philosophy captured in his article "These Four Words That May Offend You May Also Just Save You" — the understanding that being a physician is what you do, not who you are. He advocates prioritizing family and personal life over professional identity as the key to career longevity and genuine patient care.

Profeta offers a refreshingly honest and deeply human perspective on what it means to sustain a career in medicine while maintaining your soul.

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


The ER as America's Mirror: 37 Years on the Front Lines with Dr. Louis Profeta

Louis M. Profeta, MD

Professional Capabilities

Influence

Quality and Risk

Healthcare Process

Strategy and Innovation

Environmental Influences

Mike Sacopulos speaks with Jordan Grumet, MD, associate medical director of Unity Hospice, podcaster, and author of The Purpose Code. Grumet shares his deeply personal journey from burning out as an internal medicine physician to finding fulfillment in hospice care, and explains how his work with dying patients has revealed profound lessons about living with purpose.

Most people get purpose wrong, Grumet argues. Rather than being your "why" in life — some grand, audacious mission — purpose is simply the actions you take in the present and future that light you up. This reframe makes purpose abundant rather than anxiety-inducing.

Working with dying patients has taught Grumet that the key question to ask yourself is: "If I were on my deathbed tomorrow, what would I regret never having the energy, courage, or time to do?" The answers reveal your true purpose anchors.

"You don't find your purpose. You build or create it."

Looking ahead, Grumet previews his upcoming AAPL book, The Healthcare Heist, which examines how third parties have leveraged the healthcare system and explores potential solutions.

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


Finding Purpose: Dr. Jordan Grumet on Burnout, Meaning, and the Deathbed Test

Jordan Grumet, MD

Self-Management

Self-Awareness

Motivations and Thinking Style

Adaptability

In this enlightening episode, Mike Sacopulos sits down with three visionary leaders from the American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) — Peter Angood, MD, president and CEO, Joe LiVigni, senior vice president of education, and Devin Glasgo, director of consumer experience and development — to discuss the groundbreaking launch of AAPL Helix.

AAPL Helix is a comprehensive learning ecosystem designed to redefine how physician leaders develop their skills throughout their careers. From AI-powered personalized learning to seamless community integration, this platform is more than just a tool — it’s a transformational approach to professional development that transcends traditional CME credit tracking.

In this episode, you will explore:

- The "Leadership is Learned" Philosophy
- Beyond Transactional CME: A Transformational Ecosystem
- AI-Powered Personalization
- Competency-Based Learning Journeys
- Streamlined User Experience
- Community Integration
- The Vision Forward

Dr. Angood envisions Helix as the core of AAPL's evolution — supporting not only individual physician development but also institutional clients and expanding into inter-professional leadership development. With a legacy spanning 50 years, AAPL is positioned to lead healthcare transformation by strengthening the patient-physician relationship and empowering physicians as natural stewards of industry improvement.

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about how innovative technology is reshaping leadership in healthcare.

Learn more about AAPL Helix at www.physicianleaders.org


AAPL Helix: Transforming Physician Leadership Development Through Innovative Technology

Peter B. Angood, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, MCCM, FAAPL(Hon)

Joe LiVigni

Devin Glasgo

Motivate Others

In this insightful episode of SoundPractice, host Mike Sacopulos sits down with Vivek Iyer, an internationally recognized executive coach and principal of Swanvesha Executive Coaching.

The Significance of Swanvesha: Derived from Sanskrit, "Swanvesha" means "self-enquiry," embodying the fundamental principle of coaching — that true, lasting solutions arise from introspection and focusing on what lies within one's control.

Vivek shares his journey from corporate strategist to certified coach, offering valuable perspectives on how coaching can transform physician leaders facing the unique challenges of healthcare leadership. With extensive experience in strategic planning and process improvement at firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and A.C. Nielsen, Vivek offers a unique global perspective, shaped by his experiences living in four countries and fluency in six languages.

Whether you are considering working with a coach, curious about its transformative impact, or seeking to understand how strategic planning and facilitation can strengthen healthcare organizations, this episode delivers practical wisdom and actionable strategies for leaders at every stage of their journey.

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


Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Power of Executive Coaching with Vivek Iyer

Vivek Iyer, MBA, ACC

Comfort with Visibility

In this episode of SoundPractice, Matthew Mazurek, MD, assistant professor of anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine discusses his new book, Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, and Discrimination in Healthcare by the AAPL.

Mazurek reveals sexual misconduct in healthcare occurs on multiple levels:

- Confidential surveys show the problem remains significantly underreported.

- Social media has created new avenues for inappropriate behavior, particularly among younger staff members.

- Healthcare workers face harassment from patients more frequently than in other STEM fields due to physical touching and power dynamics.

For healthcare leaders conducting investigations, Mazurek recommends:

- Use two-person interview teams to avoid "he said, she said" situations while preventing respondents from feeling ganged up on.

- Strip away who is telling the story and focus objectively on what happened.

- Involve risk management early in high-stakes cases.

- Maintain consistency in questioning and look for corroboration.

Reality check: Lack of standardization across 50 state medical boards contributes to delays in addressing misconduct, with some physicians maintaining long histories of violations before consequences.

Mazurek emphasizes prevention over investigation expertise:

- Leadership must model appropriate behavior — executives engaging in misconduct set a tone of tolerance.

- Training programs should use case studies in small groups to help staff feel the emotional impact, not just understand it intellectually.

- Address microaggressions through comprehensive education on bias and stereotypes.

- Create policies expressly covering social media interactions with colleagues as part of the work environment.

The bottom line: Healthcare organizations must balance their duty to provide safe environments for staff with their obligation to care for patients, even when patient behavior crosses lines.

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


Dr. Joan Thomas and Her Improbable Journey as Cardiologist

RECENT EPISODES

The Hidden Costs of Generative AI: What Healthcare Leaders Need to Know

The ER as America's Mirror: 37 Years on the Front Lines with Dr. Louis Profeta

Finding Purpose: Dr. Jordan Grumet on Burnout, Meaning, and the Deathbed Test

AAPL Helix: Transforming Physician Leadership Development Through Innovative Technology

Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Power of Executive Coaching with Vivek Iyer

Confronting Sexual Misconduct in Healthcare with Dr. Matthew Mazurek

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