Season1 Episode 5

In this episode of The POD, I’m honored to speak with Dr. Shruti Jolly, a trailblazing radiation oncologist and healthcare leader dedicated to advancing cancer care. As Associate Chair in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Associate Medical Director of Strategy at Michigan Medicine, Dr. Jolly seamlessly combines her clinical expertise and strategic vision to enhance access, equity, and innovation in healthcare.

Dr. Jolly shares her journey from early volunteer work to becoming a leader in radiation oncology. She highlights her passion for improving care for underserved populations, her work in integrating cutting-edge technologies like precision medicine, and her efforts to expand cancer care access across Michigan. Whether leading statewide collaborations through initiatives like the Michigan Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium (MROQC) or using data-driven strategies to optimize care, Dr. Jolly exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and strategy.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Jolly discusses the critical need for diversity in clinical trials, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and how collaboration can drive systemic change in healthcare. She emphasizes that healthcare is a team sport, where building strong networks and fostering mutual respect are key to delivering better outcomes for patients.

This episode is a masterclass in combining passion with purpose. Join us as we delve into Dr. Jolly’s innovative approaches to improving quality of life for cancer patients and her inspiring vision for a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.

Key Topics from this episode:

• The role of precision medicine in cancer care
• Expanding healthcare access through collaboration
• Diversity in clinical trials and its impact on innovation
• Leadership lessons from Dr. Jolly’s journey

Season 1 Episode 4

In this episode of The POD, I sit down with Dr. Paul Woods, a senior healthcare leader and CEO of Southlake Health. With over three decades of experience in clinical medicine and executive leadership across Canada and the U.S., Dr. Woods has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in healthcare leadership. From addressing systemic inequities to fostering collaboration and innovation, his leadership journey exemplifies the power of leading with intention and values.

Dr. Woods shares profound insights on privilege and how leaders can cultivate awareness of their own biases. He introduces the concept of “search image” as a way to recognize and challenge unconscious patterns during decision-making and hiring. By emphasizing intentionality, he inspires leaders to step beyond traditional molds and embrace diversity as a powerful force for innovation and progress.

Season 1 Episode 3

This month in The POD, I sit down with Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, a trailblazing allergist, clinical immunologist, and leader based in the Greater Toronto Area. Dr. Abdurrahman’s journey spans continents and industries, from growing up in Nigeria and moving to Canada, to leading groundbreaking equity initiatives like the Black Scientists Taskforce on COVID-19 Vaccination Equity. As the President-Elect of the Ontario Medical Association, she’s passionate about fostering connection, inclusion, and systemic change within healthcare.

Dr. Abdurrahman shares how her parents instilled in her a problem-solving mindset, the importance of following one’s passions, and her goal of building a healthcare system that truly reflects and serves everyone. With insights on overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and leveraging leadership as a journey, this episode will inspire you to rethink what leadership means and how you can make an impact.

Episode 2: In this episode of The POD, I am honored to welcome Shaun Raleigh, an inspiring leader and advocate in healthcare. As the Vice President of Network Management for Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Shaun brings a wealth of experience in care delivery, healthcare payment redesign, and population health. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to amplifying voices and creating equitable healthcare systems.

Shaun’s journey, from starting as a medical assistant to becoming a recognized executive, highlights the power of authenticity and courage in leadership. In this conversation, she shares how embracing vulnerability and breaking free from imposter syndrome have shaped her leadership style. Join us as Shaun reflects on her personal and professional experiences, offering insights into how women leaders can rise above barriers to create meaningful change in healthcare.

Episode 1: Kristen introduces this new podcast