#239 (Mar. 04, 2026) 'Leading with Principle When It Matters Most': IMA (formerly FLCCC) Weekly Update

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of standing firm on principles in healthcare amidst external pressures.

What does it cost to stand on principle when everything around you says stay quiet? Sign up for weekly webinars: https://imahealth.org/weekly-webinars/ In this week’s show, Dr. Ryan Cole led a bold and personal conversation about courage in modern healthcare and what it truly means to stand firm when pressure mounts. He was joined by Dr. Joseph Varon, Professor of Medicine and President and Chief Medical Officer of the Independent Medical Alliance, and Chris Ekrem, MBA, FACHE, former hospital CEO and healthcare executive. Chris introduced Cowboy Ethics, including live each day with courage, finish what you start, ride for the brand, and always do what is right. He also explained what it means to be a “Daniel” in healthcare today and why the system needs more leaders willing to take that stand. Together they explored: • Standing firm when institutions push back • Drawing the line before it is too late • When walking away becomes integrity, not failure • Why some things in medicine must never be for sale • How accountability restores trust The episode also highlighted IMA’s Ethics & Values Declaration and its commitment to Patients Over Profits, because principle must be lived…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Ryan Cole

Guests: Dr. Joseph Varon, Chris Ekrem

Topics covered

• courage in healthcare
• standing on principle
• medical ethics
• leadership in medicine
• accountability in healthcare

Keywords

• courage
• healthcare ethics
• leadership
• integrity
• accountability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Independent Medical Alliance, IMA

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