Is American healthcare truly serving patients—or has the system lost sight of its purpose?
In this powerful episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Dr. Don Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), President Emeritus and co-founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and one of the world’s foremost Experts in healthcare quality improvement.
Together, they explore what’s broken in American healthcare, why healthcare reform is urgently needed, and how leaders can build a system that delivers better patient outcomes, higher quality care, Health equity, value-based care, and a more sustainable future for healthcare organizations. They also discuss the evolution of the Triple Aim into today’s Quintuple Aim, the growing influence of private equity in healthcare, the impact of healthcare policy, and why restoring purpose—not simply profitability—must become the foundation of modern healthcare leadership.
Whether you’re a healthcare executive, Hospice leader, hospital administrator, physician, nonprofit executive, or business leader, this conversation offers practical insights into improving healthcare while protecting the mission that first drew so many people into the profession.
In this episode you’ll learn:
✅ Why the Triple Aim evolved into the Quintuple Aim—and why it matters today
✅ How financial incentives can conflict with quality patient care
✅ Why clinician purpose and workforce well-being are essential to healthcare excellence
✅ The growing impact of private equity and financialization across healthcare
✅ What healthcare leaders can do to improve patient outcomes while reducing waste
✅ Dr. Berwick’s vision for meaningful healthcare reform
This conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a hopeful vision for healthcare leaders who believe patients—not profits—should remain at the center of every decision.
Don’t miss Part Two, where Dr. Berwick outlines the structural changes he believes could fundamentally reshape American healthcare.
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If you enjoy conversations about healthcare leadership, hospice, healthcare Innovation, leadership development, healthcare policy, and the future of patient-centered care, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for weekly conversations with the leaders shaping the future of healthcare.
Guest:
Dr. Don Berwick, Former Administrator of CMS
Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of Leadership
The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.
https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
