The CereCore Podcast

In this episode of The CereCore Podcast, host Phil Sobol sits down with James Wellman, VP and CIO at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home in Gloversville, New York. A certified healthcare CIO with more than three decades of experience, James has led technology transformations at organizations ranging from large academic medical centers to rural critical access hospitals. He’s also a senior partner at Fortium Partners and an active mentor in the TechLX leadership development program. James shares a candid, grounded perspective on what it actually takes to modernize IT in a resource-constrained rural setting, from cloud migration strategy and a pragmatic four-pillar approach to AI, to why the best thing that ever happened to his career was not getting a job he wanted. This episode is for any healthcare IT leader who wants to think more clearly, lead more effectively, and build teams that outlast them. Key topics include: - A four-pillar approach to AI adoption: ambient documentation, agentic AI, search and summarization, and RCM automation - Why James deliberately waited until 2026 to launch AI initiatives, and what he learned from an earlier failed attempt - Cloud migration strategy and the case for predictable, OpEx-based IT spending - What it means to be an “operational CIO” and why understanding the business of healthcare is non-negotiable - Leadership lessons from the military, the 360 review that changed his career, and the GROSS philosophy (Get Rid of Stupid Stuff) - How to walk into a new CIO role without alienating the people you need most - Building teams that grow beyond you and celebrating when they do - The role CereCore played in Nathan Littauer’s assessment work and how that partnership continues

Explore a remarkable journey of transformation, resilience, and leadership in rural healthcare. Host Phil Sobol welcomes back Lynn Falcone, CEO of Cuero Regional Hospital, and Ismelda Garza, CIO Cuero Regional Hospital and CereCore manager, for a candid conversation about their multi-year effort to implement MEDITECH Expanse and evolve into a high reliability organization (HRO). From overcoming infrastructure limitations to unifying disparate systems across hospital and clinic settings, Lynn and Ismelda share how they build trust within their teams and continue to manage change through constant communication. They discuss: - Why Cuero chose MEDITECH Expanse and how it improved patient safety and operational efficiency - The critical role of communication and governance in sustaining momentum post-go-live - How IT supports a culture of safety and continuous improvement - The realities and misconceptions of rural healthcare leadership - Practical insights on navigating AI, staffing challenges, and change fatigue Whether you're leading a rural hospital or managing enterprise-wide IT transformation, this episode offers grounded wisdom, humor, and inspiration for healthcare leaders navigating complex change. Listen to discover how Cuero Regional Hospital is redefining what’s possible in rural healthcare.

How do you strike the right balance with IT governance? Peyman Zand, chief strategy officer at CereCore, talks about developing strategic plans and IT governance to drive innovation and growth. In this conversation with host Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore, Peyman shares how to align strategic planning and governance with enterprise goals. Hear why it's important to establish a multidisciplinary governance structure, the pitfalls of overly complex or simplistic models, and how emerging technologies like AI can be integrated without hindering progress. Tune in to discover how effective IT governance builds strategic alignment so your leadership team can better navigate today's pressures. Key topics - Achieving the right balance of IT governance - How strategic planning and IT governance work together - Pitfalls of governance models - Decision making tool for navigating challenges like tight capital budgets Explore resources Connect with CereCore to collaborate on strategic roadmaps that will help you drive innovation and move your organization forward. Get strategic guidance with our advisory team.

AI is going to change our entire healthcare system, and so are strategic approaches to EHR optimization and continuous improvement. Darrell Bodnar, CIO of North Country Healthcare, unpacks top of mind healthcare leadership topics from operationalizing new technologies like AI and machine learning to optimizing the EHR for clinical efficiencies and workflow optimization. Hear practical leadership advice for navigating today’s cost pressure challenges and creative approaches to employee development and satisfaction. And, hear how Darrell’s career pivot from culinary arts to CIO comes full circle with his passion today for hospice care and giving back to the community. Key topics: - Adoption of AI and ambient listening - CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program - Aligning technology with organizational goals - Challenges and lessons learned with merger and acquisition - Empowering employees and satisfaction with Yellow Belt training - Importance of partnership

How can we make the EHR implementation process less manual? Krischan Krayer, VP of Expanse Implementation & Operations at HCA Healthcare, discusses ways healthcare organizations can evaluate and use automation for EHR implementations. He shares experiences working with stakeholders and teams to educate them on what’s possible with automation. Hear more about EHR adoption trends, insights from his role as physician advocate and IT “translator” and career advice. Key topics include: - Improving the EHR experience for physicians - Why use automation for EHR implementation - How to evaluate the value and potential use of automation - Evolution of EHRs and the effect of generational changes on adoption Automation is a solid strategy for scaling IT services and resources whether focused on an EHR implementation or other more day-to-day IT operations. Tune in to hear leadership perspective from Krischan who stands in the gap and serves as liaison between healthcare providers, operations and technology—with the goal to leverage EHR technology to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to communities.

Dr. Aaron Parker Banks, Chief Medical Informatics Officer (CMIO) at UK St. Claire Healthcare treats patients in the clinic four days a week and he's using technology throughout the day to help him provide the best care to his tight-knit community in Kentucky. Listen to this “day in a life” episode to hear how this CMIO led physicians, nurses and staff through technology change during their EHR go-live. Dr. Banks shares personal stories that will leave you inspired by his passion for taking care of his community and encouraged in the ways you serve yours. Key topics: - Physician experiences with technology in patient care - Maximizing use of technology - Patient-centered decision making - Rural and community healthcare - Bridging the generational technology gap

“Every project you might be involved in is still a business project at the end of the day,” says Nayan Patel, CIO at Upson Regional Medical Center. Nayan explains how simple tools like a top 10 list can foster transparency and trust, highlighting technology’s impact on and value to healthcare projects. During this conversation with host Phil Sobol, chief commercial officer at CereCore, Nayan shares examples from the decades he has spent leading organizations during times of growth and transition. How does a health IT professional earn a seat at the executive table? What makes or breaks IT governance? Stream this episode for leadership advice you can apply in your healthcare organization. Key topics - How to align with the business - Using governance to guide strategy and priorities - Why technical debt and application rationalization deserve attention - Mentoring others and professional development

Listen to this masterclass in healthcare IT leadership from Marty Paslick, retired SVP and CIO of HCA Healthcare. He shares experiences from his nearly four decades in HIT and covers topics from workplace culture where “technologists see themselves as healthcare professionals first,” to financial and operational resiliency during adversity. He's not shy about sharing what worked and didn't work when mentoring leaders. Plus, he explains his approach to achieving innovation and quiet operations, authentic communication and three fundamental leadership principles. Enjoy this story-packed conversation with Marty and host Phil Sobol, vice president of business development at CereCore. Key topics 00:02:12 - Becoming a CIO 00:06:10 - Quiet Operations and Continual Improvement 00:10:10 - Evolution of Healthcare IT and CIO Role 00:11:38 - Building Authentic Relationships 00:14:03 - Communication Strategies 00:17:09 - Leadership Style and Flexibility 00:18:05 - Storytelling in Leadership 00:20:44 - Final Words of Wisdom