https://simplecast.com Clinician Real Talk In each episode, we dive into candid, unscripted conversations with frontline clinicians navigating the complexities of today’s care delivery landscape. You’ll hear honest insights, practical wisdom, and personal experiences that shed light on what it truly takes to thrive in modern health care and why partnering with Optum can make all the difference. 2026 Optum Clinician Real Talk en Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:26:41 +0000 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:06:24 +0000 https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com Clinician Real Talk https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/25d7fddd-958c-48dd-a8f1-0bece7fd1f28/ab9f8610-7045-4026-a65c-b4241eb8b4fb/3000x3000/podcast-20thumbnail-20with-20copy.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com episodic In each episode, we dive into candid, unscripted conversations with frontline clinicians navigating the complexities of today’s care delivery landscape. You’ll hear honest insights, practical wisdom, and personal experiences that shed light on what it truly takes to thrive in modern health care and why partnering with Optum can make all the difference. Optum Health Care Delivery false https://feeds.simplecast.com/rjzb64tA advance practice providers, care delivery, care innovation, clinical leadership, clinicians, health care delivery, healthcare professionals, nurses, optum, optum care, optum health, physicians, unitedhealth group, value-based care Optum tomica.young@optum.com 12fdb798-a116-44f0-ace2-7755b8231a7d Scaling Compassion: Purpose, Leadership, and the Power of Primary Care Dr. Warwick’s journey bridges intimacy and scale. She speaks candidly about the sacred trust of the physician‑patient relationship, the emotional challenge of stepping into leadership, and the responsibility that comes with influencing care at scale.

Through stories of complex patients with multiple chronic conditions, she illustrates the power of medication reconciliation, shared decision‑making, and coordinated teams. She also explains why primary care is the backbone of value‑based care — and how Optum supports clinicians with data, technology, analytics, leadership development, and mission‑driven culture.

Episode Overview

A childhood promise to make a meaningful impact

  • Why medicine offered both intimacy and scale
  • The sacredness of the exam room
  • Transitioning from clinician to clinical leader
  • Team‑based care as a force multiplier
  • Value‑based care and population health analytics
  • Medication reconciliation and de‑prescribing
  • Shared decision‑making and patient dignity
  • Leadership growth and influence at Optum
  • Serving vulnerable and underserved populations

Key Topics & Time Stamps

00:00–02:30 — Childhood purpose and the “starfish” moment
02:30–05:00 — Choosing medicine for relational impact
05:00–07:30 — Sacred physician‑patient trust
07:30–10:00 — Moving from exam room to leadership
10:00–12:30 — Team‑based care at scale
12:30–15:00 — Value‑based care and population health
15:00–18:00 — Complex patients and medication reconciliation
18:00–21:00 — Reducing ER visits through coordination
21:00–25:00 — Quality of life, dignity, and goals of care
25:00–30:00 — Coaching clinicians and leading with purpose
30:00–41:00 — Why Optum is different

Episode Highlights

  • Purpose can scale without sacrificing humanity
  • The exam room is a sacred space of trust
  • Leadership requires letting go — and trusting teams
  • Medication reconciliation can change lives
  • Value‑based care creates time for better decisions
  • Shared decision‑making honors patient goals
  • Primary care is the backbone of healthcare transformation
  • Optum’s scale enables real, measurable change

Resources & Links

  • Take our quiz:
    https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html
  • Optum Care partnership:
    https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html
  • Resource Library:
    https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html
]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:26:41 +0000 tomica.young@optum.com (Dr. Sarita Warrick, Adia Morris) https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/scaling-compassion-purpose-leadership-and-the-power-of-primary-care-QjZ_p7ki Dr. Warwick’s journey bridges intimacy and scale. She speaks candidly about the sacred trust of the physician‑patient relationship, the emotional challenge of stepping into leadership, and the responsibility that comes with influencing care at scale.

Through stories of complex patients with multiple chronic conditions, she illustrates the power of medication reconciliation, shared decision‑making, and coordinated teams. She also explains why primary care is the backbone of value‑based care — and how Optum supports clinicians with data, technology, analytics, leadership development, and mission‑driven culture.

Episode Overview

A childhood promise to make a meaningful impact

  • Why medicine offered both intimacy and scale
  • The sacredness of the exam room
  • Transitioning from clinician to clinical leader
  • Team‑based care as a force multiplier
  • Value‑based care and population health analytics
  • Medication reconciliation and de‑prescribing
  • Shared decision‑making and patient dignity
  • Leadership growth and influence at Optum
  • Serving vulnerable and underserved populations

Key Topics & Time Stamps

00:00–02:30 — Childhood purpose and the “starfish” moment
02:30–05:00 — Choosing medicine for relational impact
05:00–07:30 — Sacred physician‑patient trust
07:30–10:00 — Moving from exam room to leadership
10:00–12:30 — Team‑based care at scale
12:30–15:00 — Value‑based care and population health
15:00–18:00 — Complex patients and medication reconciliation
18:00–21:00 — Reducing ER visits through coordination
21:00–25:00 — Quality of life, dignity, and goals of care
25:00–30:00 — Coaching clinicians and leading with purpose
30:00–41:00 — Why Optum is different

Episode Highlights

  • Purpose can scale without sacrificing humanity
  • The exam room is a sacred space of trust
  • Leadership requires letting go — and trusting teams
  • Medication reconciliation can change lives
  • Value‑based care creates time for better decisions
  • Shared decision‑making honors patient goals
  • Primary care is the backbone of healthcare transformation
  • Optum’s scale enables real, measurable change

Resources & Links

  • Take our quiz:
    https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html
  • Optum Care partnership:
    https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html
  • Resource Library:
    https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html
]]> Scaling Compassion: Purpose, Leadership, and the Power of Primary Care Dr. Sarita Warrick, Adia Morris 00:31:58 In this episode, Dr. Sarita Warwick explores how purpose, dignity, and human connection shape medicine — from the exam room to executive leadership. A family physician who now impacts care for more than 100,000 people across two states, Dr. Warwick reflects on scaling compassion without losing connection. She shares formative moments from training, deeply personal patient stories, and how Optum’s value‑based care model makes room for holistic, team‑driven care that improves outcomes, reduces unnecessary interventions, and honors patients’ goals. In this episode, Dr. Sarita Warwick explores how purpose, dignity, and human connection shape medicine — from the exam room to executive leadership. A family physician who now impacts care for more than 100,000 people across two states, Dr. Warwick reflects on scaling compassion without losing connection. She shares formative moments from training, deeply personal patient stories, and how Optum’s value‑based care model makes room for holistic, team‑driven care that improves outcomes, reduces unnecessary interventions, and honors patients’ goals. optum care, primary care transformation, shared decision making, medication reconciliation, population health, healthcare innovation, clinician experience, clinician leadership, care coordination, value based care false full 7 929ba415-2806-4537-9f22-4417fd3c24b4 Heart of a Healer: Courage, Connection and Care Across Generations Tai Samuels’ story is one of persistence, adaptability, and connection. From a formative Montessori lesson about the spine at age three to discovering her professional purpose through a CNA program, Tai followed curiosity toward service at every stage of life.

In this conversation, she shares meaningful patient stories that highlight the emotional realities of geriatrics and primary care. Tai discusses the intentional “reset” she practices before each visit, the importance of listening for what patients may not say out loud, and how anticipating patient needs as a team leads to better outcomes. She also reflects on how Optum’s support, leadership pathways, and clinician‑first culture empower advanced practice clinicians to grow, lead, and thrive in value‑based care.

Key Topics & Time Stamps

00:00–02:30 — Childhood curiosity and early inspiration
02:30–04:30 — Career detours, CNA training, and finding purpose
04:30–06:30 — Why geriatrics and seniors resonate deeply
06:30–08:30 — Patient stories and cognitive care
08:30–10:30 — Presence, listening, and short visits
10:30–12:30 — Self‑care and sustaining compassion
12:30–15:00 — Team‑based care improving outcomes
15:00–17:30 — Collaboration across settings
17:30–20:00 — Leadership growth and mentorship
20:00–30:00 — Value‑based care and Optum’s clinician model

Episode Highlights

  • A childhood learning moment sparked a lifelong passion for healthcare
  • A CNA class became the path that clarified Tai’s purpose
  • Older adults’ life stories deeply inform Tai’s care approach
  • Patients with memory loss deserve dignity and inclusion
  • Anticipatory, team‑based care transforms patient outcomes
  • Value‑based care creates space for connection and trust
  • Advanced practice clinicians are vital, not supplementary
  • Optum supports clinicians in shaping their own career paths

Resources & Links

Take our quiz:
https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html

Optum Care partnership:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html

Resource Library:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0000 tomica.young@optum.com (Tai Samuels, Adia Morris) https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/heart-of-a-healer-courage-connection-and-care-across-generations-PvpsBinH Tai Samuels’ story is one of persistence, adaptability, and connection. From a formative Montessori lesson about the spine at age three to discovering her professional purpose through a CNA program, Tai followed curiosity toward service at every stage of life.

In this conversation, she shares meaningful patient stories that highlight the emotional realities of geriatrics and primary care. Tai discusses the intentional “reset” she practices before each visit, the importance of listening for what patients may not say out loud, and how anticipating patient needs as a team leads to better outcomes. She also reflects on how Optum’s support, leadership pathways, and clinician‑first culture empower advanced practice clinicians to grow, lead, and thrive in value‑based care.

Key Topics & Time Stamps

00:00–02:30 — Childhood curiosity and early inspiration
02:30–04:30 — Career detours, CNA training, and finding purpose
04:30–06:30 — Why geriatrics and seniors resonate deeply
06:30–08:30 — Patient stories and cognitive care
08:30–10:30 — Presence, listening, and short visits
10:30–12:30 — Self‑care and sustaining compassion
12:30–15:00 — Team‑based care improving outcomes
15:00–17:30 — Collaboration across settings
17:30–20:00 — Leadership growth and mentorship
20:00–30:00 — Value‑based care and Optum’s clinician model

Episode Highlights

  • A childhood learning moment sparked a lifelong passion for healthcare
  • A CNA class became the path that clarified Tai’s purpose
  • Older adults’ life stories deeply inform Tai’s care approach
  • Patients with memory loss deserve dignity and inclusion
  • Anticipatory, team‑based care transforms patient outcomes
  • Value‑based care creates space for connection and trust
  • Advanced practice clinicians are vital, not supplementary
  • Optum supports clinicians in shaping their own career paths

Resources & Links

Take our quiz:
https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html

Optum Care partnership:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html

Resource Library:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html

]]> Heart of a Healer: Courage, Connection and Care Across Generations Tai Samuels, Adia Morris 00:22:25 In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, Tai Samuels shares her deeply human journey into healthcare — one that began with childhood curiosity, unfolded through motherhood and career detours, and ultimately led her to a life of purpose caring for older adults. Tai reflects on what it means to truly see patients, especially those living with cognitive decline, chronic illness, or vulnerability. She explores how empathy, presence, and teamwork transform care delivery — and how Optum’s team‑based, value‑driven model allows clinicians to meet patients where they are while practicing at the top of their license. In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, Tai Samuels shares her deeply human journey into healthcare — one that began with childhood curiosity, unfolded through motherhood and career detours, and ultimately led her to a life of purpose caring for older adults. Tai reflects on what it means to truly see patients, especially those living with cognitive decline, chronic illness, or vulnerability. She explores how empathy, presence, and teamwork transform care delivery — and how Optum’s team‑based, value‑driven model allows clinicians to meet patients where they are while practicing at the top of their license. team based care, physician burnout solutions, nurse practitioner leadership, advanced practice clinicians, technology enabled care, optum clinician experience, clinician stories, value based care, patient connection, geriatrics care false full 6 44b99ceb-f836-41a7-9fe2-c3ceb196a60d Advancing care through ASCs - An SCA Health leader shares what works Janie Kinsey’s career has been shaped by the rhythm of the operating room — where teamwork, precision, and patient advocacy come together in high‑stakes moments. Early in her career, she recognized a fundamental truth: clinicians aren’t the problem — the system often is.

In this conversation, she shares how that realization led her into leadership and advocacy work, including national efforts to expand access to ambulatory surgery centers. Janie explains how ASCs improve access, lower costs, and create more patient‑centered experiences, while maintaining the same high standards of quality and safety.

She also reflects on the growing pressures clinicians face today — not just burnout, but a gradual erosion of joy, confidence, and trust — and how thoughtful system design, scale, and support can help reverse that trend. Through real patient stories and firsthand experiences, Janie demonstrates how coordinated teams, simplified operations, and intentional culture can transform outcomes and restore meaning to clinical work.

Episode Overview

  • Janie’s identity as an operating room nurse and leader
  • The gap between ideal care and real-world system constraints
  • What ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are and why they matter
  • Misconceptions about ASCs and their role in care delivery
  • Speaking up and driving change at the frontline
  • Advocacy and influencing care at scale through ASCA
  • Reducing administrative burden so clinicians can focus on patients
  • The impact of Optum scale and SCA Health’s specialty focus
  • Improving access, cost, and patient experience through ASCs
  • The importance of team-based, coordinated care
  • Restoring joy, trust, and purpose in clinical practice

Key Topics & Time Stamps

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }

00:00–03:00 — Introduction & Janie’s OR background
03:00–07:00 — Protecting clinician capacity and purpose
07:00–11:00 — The gap between ideal care and real-world systems
11:00–16:00 — What ASCs are and why they matter
16:00–20:00 — Misconceptions about ASC care and quality
20:00–24:00 — Speaking up, leadership, and frontline change
24:00–28:00 — Advocacy, scale, and influencing care delivery
28:00–33:00 — Reducing administrative burden & partnership models
33:00–37:00 — Patient stories & real-world impact
37:00–40:00 — The future of care: access, outcomes, and clinician support

Episode Highlights

  • The OR shaped Janie’s perspective on teamwork and patient advocacy
  • System inefficiencies — not lack of effort — often limit care quality
  • ASCs deliver high-quality care with lower costs and faster access
  • Speaking up (even early in your career) can change outcomes
  • Advocacy at scale extends the same commitment as bedside care
  • Simplifying administrative work restores clinician focus
  • Patients benefit from faster procedures and more personalized care
  • Optum and SCA partnership models amplify clinician voice and impact
  • Great care doesn’t require more complexity — just better design

Resources & Links

Take our quiz:
https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html

Optum Care partnership:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html

Resource Library:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html

]]> Wed, 3 Jun 2026 21:39:07 +0000 tomica.young@optum.com (Adia Morris, Janie Kinsey) https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/advancing-care-through-ascs-an-sca-health-leader-shares-what-works-QY26fQhN Janie Kinsey’s career has been shaped by the rhythm of the operating room — where teamwork, precision, and patient advocacy come together in high‑stakes moments. Early in her career, she recognized a fundamental truth: clinicians aren’t the problem — the system often is.

In this conversation, she shares how that realization led her into leadership and advocacy work, including national efforts to expand access to ambulatory surgery centers. Janie explains how ASCs improve access, lower costs, and create more patient‑centered experiences, while maintaining the same high standards of quality and safety.

She also reflects on the growing pressures clinicians face today — not just burnout, but a gradual erosion of joy, confidence, and trust — and how thoughtful system design, scale, and support can help reverse that trend. Through real patient stories and firsthand experiences, Janie demonstrates how coordinated teams, simplified operations, and intentional culture can transform outcomes and restore meaning to clinical work.

Episode Overview

  • Janie’s identity as an operating room nurse and leader
  • The gap between ideal care and real-world system constraints
  • What ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are and why they matter
  • Misconceptions about ASCs and their role in care delivery
  • Speaking up and driving change at the frontline
  • Advocacy and influencing care at scale through ASCA
  • Reducing administrative burden so clinicians can focus on patients
  • The impact of Optum scale and SCA Health’s specialty focus
  • Improving access, cost, and patient experience through ASCs
  • The importance of team-based, coordinated care
  • Restoring joy, trust, and purpose in clinical practice

Key Topics & Time Stamps

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }

00:00–03:00 — Introduction & Janie’s OR background
03:00–07:00 — Protecting clinician capacity and purpose
07:00–11:00 — The gap between ideal care and real-world systems
11:00–16:00 — What ASCs are and why they matter
16:00–20:00 — Misconceptions about ASC care and quality
20:00–24:00 — Speaking up, leadership, and frontline change
24:00–28:00 — Advocacy, scale, and influencing care delivery
28:00–33:00 — Reducing administrative burden & partnership models
33:00–37:00 — Patient stories & real-world impact
37:00–40:00 — The future of care: access, outcomes, and clinician support

Episode Highlights

  • The OR shaped Janie’s perspective on teamwork and patient advocacy
  • System inefficiencies — not lack of effort — often limit care quality
  • ASCs deliver high-quality care with lower costs and faster access
  • Speaking up (even early in your career) can change outcomes
  • Advocacy at scale extends the same commitment as bedside care
  • Simplifying administrative work restores clinician focus
  • Patients benefit from faster procedures and more personalized care
  • Optum and SCA partnership models amplify clinician voice and impact
  • Great care doesn’t require more complexity — just better design

Resources & Links

Take our quiz:
https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html

Optum Care partnership:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html

Resource Library:
https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html

]]> Advancing care through ASCs - An SCA Health leader shares what works Adia Morris, Janie Kinsey 00:40:09 In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, Janie Kinsey shares her journey from the operating room to leadership — and the lessons she’s learned about protecting what matters most in health care: people. Blending a clinician’s heart with an operator’s perspective, Janie explores how ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), team‑based care, and system design can remove friction, restore capacity, and deliver better experiences for both patients and clinicians. She reflects on the tension between idealism and reality, the importance of speaking up to improve care, and how the right support system allows clinicians to focus on what they do best — helping patients get back to the lives they love. In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, Janie Kinsey shares her journey from the operating room to leadership — and the lessons she’s learned about protecting what matters most in health care: people. Blending a clinician’s heart with an operator’s perspective, Janie explores how ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), team‑based care, and system design can remove friction, restore capacity, and deliver better experiences for both patients and clinicians. She reflects on the tension between idealism and reality, the importance of speaking up to improve care, and how the right support system allows clinicians to focus on what they do best — helping patients get back to the lives they love. optum care, ambulatory surgery centers, cost effective care, asc care model, physician partnership models, clinical advocacy, healthcare innovation, clinician leadership, care coordination, value based care, patient experience, sca health, outpatient surgery, healthcare access, reducing administrative burden false full 5 fea28f55-b9c9-46dc-a4c2-8ad2ab03f665 Engineering joy in medicine: Reimagining EHRs to Bring Joy Back to Care Dr. Kim brings together two perspectives — the engineer who sees inefficiencies and the clinician who values connection. He recounts the moment that pushed him into medicine, plus the emotional experiences that shaped his identity as a family physician.

He discusses how engaging clinicians early in EHR design changed adoption, satisfaction, and retention, and how centralized call centers and enhanced workflows improved the patient experience. Dr. Kim also explains why AI Scribe has been so transformative for clinicians, giving them space to reconnect with what brought them into medicine in the first place: listening, presence, and human connection.

He closes by sharing how Optum’s leadership development programs help clinicians grow in their careers and why remembering your “why” is essential in today’s value‑based world. 

]]> Fri, 6 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 tomica.young@optum.com (Adia Morris, Edward Kim) https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/engineering-joy-in-medicine-reimagining-ehrs-to-bring-joy-back-to-care-fHkr4fxB Dr. Kim brings together two perspectives — the engineer who sees inefficiencies and the clinician who values connection. He recounts the moment that pushed him into medicine, plus the emotional experiences that shaped his identity as a family physician.

He discusses how engaging clinicians early in EHR design changed adoption, satisfaction, and retention, and how centralized call centers and enhanced workflows improved the patient experience. Dr. Kim also explains why AI Scribe has been so transformative for clinicians, giving them space to reconnect with what brought them into medicine in the first place: listening, presence, and human connection.

He closes by sharing how Optum’s leadership development programs help clinicians grow in their careers and why remembering your “why” is essential in today’s value‑based world. 

]]> Engineering joy in medicine: Reimagining EHRs to Bring Joy Back to Care Adia Morris, Edward Kim 00:22:25 In this inspiring episode, family physician and clinical technology leader Dr. Edmund Kim shares how an unexpected moment as a volunteer EMT transformed his path from mechanical engineering to medicine. He reflects on the joy and responsibility of family medicine, the profound impact of caring for multigenerational families, and the privilege of being entrusted with patients’ deepest stories. Dr. Kim also reveals how clinician led workflow redesign, EHR optimization, and AI powered documentation are helping restore joy, reduce burnout, and strengthen patient clinician relationships across Optum. In this inspiring episode, family physician and clinical technology leader Dr. Edmund Kim shares how an unexpected moment as a volunteer EMT transformed his path from mechanical engineering to medicine. He reflects on the joy and responsibility of family medicine, the profound impact of caring for multigenerational families, and the privilege of being entrusted with patients’ deepest stories. Dr. Kim also reveals how clinician led workflow redesign, EHR optimization, and AI powered documentation are helping restore joy, reduce burnout, and strengthen patient clinician relationships across Optum. physician burnout solutions, patient portal usage, centralized call center, technology enabled care, optum clinician experience, care team redesign, ai scribe documentation, workflow transformation, ehr optimization, clinician stories, clinical leadership development, value based care, patient experience, family medicine, multigenerational care false full 4 17940bf3-7864-47c7-ae2a-512f2499668e From listening to lasting impact: Redefining care for older adults Episode Notes

Title: Building Better Care for Older Adults: Value-Based Innovation
Guest: Martin Levine, MD
Duration: ~28 minutes
Theme: How Optum’s value-based care model transforms chronic care management and empowers clinicians to innovate.

Episode Overview:
Dr. Levine discusses his passion for improving care for older adults and the systemic changes needed to make health care more effective. He highlights the Memory Health Support Program, which helps families navigate dementia care without added cost, and shares real-world examples of how interdisciplinary teams—nurses, pharmacists, behavioral health—create better outcomes.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 – 00:02:10
Dr. Levine’s background and career journey
00:03:00 – 00:06:45
Why value-based care matters for older adults
00:07:00 – 00:11:30
Memory Health Support Program: Closing gaps in dementia care
00:12:00 – 00:15:45
Engaging families and redesigning workflows
00:16:00 – 00:20:30
Empowering patients through education and self-efficacy
00:21:00 – 00:24:00
Balancing fee-for-service and value-based models
00:24:30 – 00:27:50
Why Optum is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation

Episode Highlights

  • Innovation in action: How Optum uses value-based care to fund new services.
  • Family-centered care: Bringing caregivers into the process for better outcomes.
  • Clinician support: Reducing administrative burden and creating space for meaningful care.
  • Real impact: Stories of clinics embracing new models and thriving.

Resources & Links

  • Take our quiz: https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html
  • Optum Care partnership: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html
  • Resource Library: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html
]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000 tomica.young@optum.com (martin levin, adia morris) https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/clinician-real-talk-podcast-ep-3-from-listening-to-lasting-impact-redefining-care-for-older-adults-k8hA13kD Episode Notes

Title: Building Better Care for Older Adults: Value-Based Innovation
Guest: Martin Levine, MD
Duration: ~28 minutes
Theme: How Optum’s value-based care model transforms chronic care management and empowers clinicians to innovate.

Episode Overview:
Dr. Levine discusses his passion for improving care for older adults and the systemic changes needed to make health care more effective. He highlights the Memory Health Support Program, which helps families navigate dementia care without added cost, and shares real-world examples of how interdisciplinary teams—nurses, pharmacists, behavioral health—create better outcomes.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 – 00:02:10
Dr. Levine’s background and career journey
00:03:00 – 00:06:45
Why value-based care matters for older adults
00:07:00 – 00:11:30
Memory Health Support Program: Closing gaps in dementia care
00:12:00 – 00:15:45
Engaging families and redesigning workflows
00:16:00 – 00:20:30
Empowering patients through education and self-efficacy
00:21:00 – 00:24:00
Balancing fee-for-service and value-based models
00:24:30 – 00:27:50
Why Optum is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation

Episode Highlights

  • Innovation in action: How Optum uses value-based care to fund new services.
  • Family-centered care: Bringing caregivers into the process for better outcomes.
  • Clinician support: Reducing administrative burden and creating space for meaningful care.
  • Real impact: Stories of clinics embracing new models and thriving.

Resources & Links

  • Take our quiz: https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html
  • Optum Care partnership: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html
  • Resource Library: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html
]]> From listening to lasting impact: Redefining care for older adults martin levin, adia morris 00:30:21 In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, host Adia Morris talks with Dr. Martin Levine, Chief Medical Officer for Optum Care Network in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Levine shares his journey from family medicine to leading innovative programs that improve care for older adults. Learn how value-based care empowers clinicians to deliver better outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and create systems that support both patients and families. In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, host Adia Morris talks with Dr. Martin Levine, Chief Medical Officer for Optum Care Network in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Levine shares his journey from family medicine to leading innovative programs that improve care for older adults. Learn how value-based care empowers clinicians to deliver better outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and create systems that support both patients and families. martin levine interview, clinician real talk podcast, dementia care innovation, memory health support program, optum care network, improving patient engagement, balancing fee-for-service and vbc, interdisciplinary care teams, chronic care management, optum health care transformation., optum clinician resources, value-based care for older adults false full 3 8821adbf-b99b-4810-aaf4-6e20f61054e2 Standing with the unseen: Addiction, empathy and the power of prevention Episode Notes

Title: Meeting Patients Where They Are: Addiction, Obesity & Value-Based Care
Guest: Lea Witt, DNP, FNP
Duration: ~24 minutes
Theme: Empowering clinicians to address addiction and obesity through education, trust, and value-based care.

Episode Overview:
Lea discusses her personal and professional journey, the importance of clinician education, and how Optum’s model supports proactive care. She shares powerful patient stories that illustrate the ripple effect of early intervention and preventative care.

Key Topics & Timestamps

  • 00:00 – 00:01:42 | Lea’s background and transition to Optum
  • 00:02:15 – 00:03:07 | Why addiction care became her passion
  • 00:03:27 – 00:04:02 | Clinician comfort level as a barrier
  • 00:04:10 – 00:05:49 | Patient story: Overcoming medication dependence
  • 00:06:05 – 00:07:44 | Building trust through value-based care
  • 00:07:59 – 00:09:24 | Signs of addiction across age groups
  • 00:09:44 – 00:10:59 | Patient story: Gradual medication tapering
  • 00:11:06 – 00:11:57 | Optum resources: APC fellowship & education
  • 00:12:08 – 00:13:56 | Preventative care as a gateway to addiction screening
  • 00:14:13 – 00:16:26 | Patient story: Bariatric surgery success
  • 00:17:15 – 00:17:37 | Collaborative care model for better outcomes
  • 00:17:46 – 00:19:35 | Clinician well-being and community support
  • 00:21:05 – 00:21:57 | Advice for clinicians entering addiction/obesity care
  • 00:22:04 – 00:23:15 | Why Optum is uniquely positioned to transform care

Episode Highlights

  • Education matters: Clinician confidence is key to addressing addiction in primary care.
  • Trust first: Value-based care creates space for meaningful conversations.
  • Early intervention saves lives: Preventative visits often uncover hidden risks.
  • Real impact: Stories of patients who overcame addiction and obesity through proactive care.
  • Support for clinicians: Optum provides resources, training, and community to combat burnout and improve outcomes.

Resources & Links

  • Take our quiz: https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html?!23
  • Optum Care partnership website: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html
  • Resource Library: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html
]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 tomica.young@optum.com (Lea Witt) https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/standing-with-the-unseen-addiction-empathy-and-the-power-of-prevention-0B8tIVbX Episode Notes

Title: Meeting Patients Where They Are: Addiction, Obesity & Value-Based Care
Guest: Lea Witt, DNP, FNP
Duration: ~24 minutes
Theme: Empowering clinicians to address addiction and obesity through education, trust, and value-based care.

Episode Overview:
Lea discusses her personal and professional journey, the importance of clinician education, and how Optum’s model supports proactive care. She shares powerful patient stories that illustrate the ripple effect of early intervention and preventative care.

Key Topics & Timestamps

  • 00:00 – 00:01:42 | Lea’s background and transition to Optum
  • 00:02:15 – 00:03:07 | Why addiction care became her passion
  • 00:03:27 – 00:04:02 | Clinician comfort level as a barrier
  • 00:04:10 – 00:05:49 | Patient story: Overcoming medication dependence
  • 00:06:05 – 00:07:44 | Building trust through value-based care
  • 00:07:59 – 00:09:24 | Signs of addiction across age groups
  • 00:09:44 – 00:10:59 | Patient story: Gradual medication tapering
  • 00:11:06 – 00:11:57 | Optum resources: APC fellowship & education
  • 00:12:08 – 00:13:56 | Preventative care as a gateway to addiction screening
  • 00:14:13 – 00:16:26 | Patient story: Bariatric surgery success
  • 00:17:15 – 00:17:37 | Collaborative care model for better outcomes
  • 00:17:46 – 00:19:35 | Clinician well-being and community support
  • 00:21:05 – 00:21:57 | Advice for clinicians entering addiction/obesity care
  • 00:22:04 – 00:23:15 | Why Optum is uniquely positioned to transform care

Episode Highlights

  • Education matters: Clinician confidence is key to addressing addiction in primary care.
  • Trust first: Value-based care creates space for meaningful conversations.
  • Early intervention saves lives: Preventative visits often uncover hidden risks.
  • Real impact: Stories of patients who overcame addiction and obesity through proactive care.
  • Support for clinicians: Optum provides resources, training, and community to combat burnout and improve outcomes.

Resources & Links

  • Take our quiz: https://lp.optum.com/value-based-care-quiz.html?!23
  • Optum Care partnership website: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/care-partnerships.html
  • Resource Library: https://business.optum.com/en/providers/elevating-clinical-practice.html
]]> Standing with the unseen: Addiction, empathy and the power of prevention Lea Witt 00:24:27 In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, we sit down with Lea Witt, a family nurse practitioner passionate about caring for patients with substance use disorders and obesity. Leah shares her journey from postpartum nursing to leading addiction-focused care, and how value-based care empowers clinicians to meet patients where they are. Through real stories and practical insights, Leah reveals what it takes to build trust, intervene early, and transform lives. In this episode of Clinician Real Talk, we sit down with Lea Witt, a family nurse practitioner passionate about caring for patients with substance use disorders and obesity. Leah shares her journey from postpartum nursing to leading addiction-focused care, and how value-based care empowers clinicians to meet patients where they are. Through real stories and practical insights, Leah reveals what it takes to build trust, intervene early, and transform lives. bariatric surgery success story, family nurse practitioner optum, addiction care in primary practice, clinician real talk podcast, obesity management in primary care, lea witt interview, transforming health care with optum, value-based care for addiction, substance use disorder treatment, clinician education for addiction treatment, signs of addiction in primary care, how to address addiction in older adults, clinician burnout and well-being, apc fellowship program optum, optum clinician resources, early intervention for addiction, preventative care and addiction screening, building trust with patients false full 2 c040180e-bf55-4ce3-83c6-78ae2f8a06d0 The Road to Wellness: Reimagining rural health Episode title: The Road to Wellness: Reimagining rural health

Guest: Dr. Jaren Trost
Duration: ~27 minutes
Theme: Purpose-driven care, clinician well-being, and the power of value-based care in underserved communities.

Episode overview

This episode dives deep into Dr. Trost’s journey from burnout to purpose, highlighting how Optum’s value-based care model empowered him to deliver meaningful care to rural and underserved populations. Through personal stories, he illustrates how data, leadership support, and infrastructure can transform clinician experience and patient outcomes.

Key topics & timestamps

00:00–00:45

Introduction to Clinician Real Talk

  • Purpose of the show: authentic conversations with frontline clinicians
  • Focus on clarity, honesty, and real-world insights

00:45–02:04

Dr. Trost’s early career & burnout

  • Post-fellowship burnout
  • Optum’s promise of fewer patients and more time per visit
  • Initial signs of recovery and support

02:04–03:01

Leadership support & growth opportunities

  • Home visits and leadership buy-in
  • Sequoia Fellowship and Partnership Forums
  • “Happy doctor = happy patient” philosophy

03:01–05:18

Driving across New Mexico to reach patients

  • Using claims data to identify high-risk patients
  • Personal outreach and emotional home visits
  • Rediscovering purpose through direct patient care

05:18–07:28

Value-based care as a sustainable mission

  • Giving voice to voiceless patients
  • Emotional impact of follow-ups and personal calls
  • Expansion of the program with nurse practitioners and mobile vans

07:28–09:39

Solving local problems with national resources

  • Medicaid-heavy population in New Mexico
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
  • Opening new clinics in underserved areas

09:39–11:06

Balancing autonomy & infrastructure for contracted clinicians

  • Tailored support for IPA clinics
  • Operational best practices from employed models
  • Empowering clinicians to spend more time with patients

11:06–13:12

Tools that simplify practice

  • AI scribes to reduce documentation burden
  • Annual wellness visits and extended patient time
  • Right patient, right time, right setting model

13:12–15:29

Streamlining workflow & emotional impact

  • Data-driven outreach
  • Emotional rewards of home visits
  • The power of a hug and human connection

15:29–18:05

Connecting patients to resources

  • Optum’s infrastructure: social workers, case managers
  • Follow-up calls and warm handoffs
  • Building trust and continuity of care

18:05–21:03

Encouraging clinicians to join VBC

  • Invitation to shadow Dr. Trost
  • Leadership support and culture of listening
  • Grove and Sequoia leadership programs

21:03–26:36

Personal growth & patient story

  • A moving story of a patient needing food, not just medical care
  • Team response and emotional impact
  • Realization of purpose and commitment to Optum

26:36–27:37

Closing thoughts & call to action

  • Treating underserved patients with dignity
  • Encouragement to take the readiness quiz
  • Subscribe for more real clinician stories

Episode highlights

  • Emotional storytelling: Dr. Trost’s visit to a patient who simply needed food underscores the human side of care.
  • Leadership development: Grove and Sequoia programs nurture clinicians into impactful leaders.
  • Infrastructure meets autonomy: Optum supports IPA clinics without overriding their independence.
  • Tech-enabled care: AI scribes and data analytics streamline workflows and improve care delivery.

Resources & Links

 

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tomica.young@optum.com (Dr. Jaren Trost, Adia Morris) https://clinician-real-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/the-road-to-wellness-reimagining-rural-health-ekhGd2Hw Episode title: The Road to Wellness: Reimagining rural health

Guest: Dr. Jaren Trost
Duration: ~27 minutes
Theme: Purpose-driven care, clinician well-being, and the power of value-based care in underserved communities.

Episode overview

This episode dives deep into Dr. Trost’s journey from burnout to purpose, highlighting how Optum’s value-based care model empowered him to deliver meaningful care to rural and underserved populations. Through personal stories, he illustrates how data, leadership support, and infrastructure can transform clinician experience and patient outcomes.

Key topics & timestamps

00:00–00:45

Introduction to Clinician Real Talk

  • Purpose of the show: authentic conversations with frontline clinicians
  • Focus on clarity, honesty, and real-world insights

00:45–02:04

Dr. Trost’s early career & burnout

  • Post-fellowship burnout
  • Optum’s promise of fewer patients and more time per visit
  • Initial signs of recovery and support

02:04–03:01

Leadership support & growth opportunities

  • Home visits and leadership buy-in
  • Sequoia Fellowship and Partnership Forums
  • “Happy doctor = happy patient” philosophy

03:01–05:18

Driving across New Mexico to reach patients

  • Using claims data to identify high-risk patients
  • Personal outreach and emotional home visits
  • Rediscovering purpose through direct patient care

05:18–07:28

Value-based care as a sustainable mission

  • Giving voice to voiceless patients
  • Emotional impact of follow-ups and personal calls
  • Expansion of the program with nurse practitioners and mobile vans

07:28–09:39

Solving local problems with national resources

  • Medicaid-heavy population in New Mexico
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
  • Opening new clinics in underserved areas

09:39–11:06

Balancing autonomy & infrastructure for contracted clinicians

  • Tailored support for IPA clinics
  • Operational best practices from employed models
  • Empowering clinicians to spend more time with patients

11:06–13:12

Tools that simplify practice

  • AI scribes to reduce documentation burden
  • Annual wellness visits and extended patient time
  • Right patient, right time, right setting model

13:12–15:29

Streamlining workflow & emotional impact

  • Data-driven outreach
  • Emotional rewards of home visits
  • The power of a hug and human connection

15:29–18:05

Connecting patients to resources

  • Optum’s infrastructure: social workers, case managers
  • Follow-up calls and warm handoffs
  • Building trust and continuity of care

18:05–21:03

Encouraging clinicians to join VBC

  • Invitation to shadow Dr. Trost
  • Leadership support and culture of listening
  • Grove and Sequoia leadership programs

21:03–26:36

Personal growth & patient story

  • A moving story of a patient needing food, not just medical care
  • Team response and emotional impact
  • Realization of purpose and commitment to Optum

26:36–27:37

Closing thoughts & call to action

  • Treating underserved patients with dignity
  • Encouragement to take the readiness quiz
  • Subscribe for more real clinician stories

Episode highlights

  • Emotional storytelling: Dr. Trost’s visit to a patient who simply needed food underscores the human side of care.
  • Leadership development: Grove and Sequoia programs nurture clinicians into impactful leaders.
  • Infrastructure meets autonomy: Optum supports IPA clinics without overriding their independence.
  • Tech-enabled care: AI scribes and data analytics streamline workflows and improve care delivery.

Resources & Links

 

]]> The Road to Wellness: Reimagining rural health Dr. Jaren Trost, Adia Morris 00:27:23 Rural care, real impact. Discover Dr. Jaren Trost’s mission to deliver care—starting with just his car and a calling. Rural care, real impact. Discover Dr. Jaren Trost’s mission to deliver care—starting with just his car and a calling. optum care partnerships, clinician real talk podcast, rural health care delivery, join optum as a clinician, value-based readiness quiz, optum, underserved patient care, purpose-driven health care, dr. jaren trost interview, optum clinician resources false full 1