Episodes

  • From Burnout to Buy-In: Rebuilding Compensation for Modern Medicine
    Jul 10 2025

    In this episode of "Pemba On Demand," host Dr. Norman A. Chapin interviews Angie Caldwell, CPA and MBA, a leading expert in physician compensation design. Together, they explore the complexities of fair market value, the impact of technology and AI on physician work, and the challenges of creating sustainable, effective compensation models. Angie shares insights on pitfalls in plan design, the importance of stakeholder engagement, and adapting to evolving healthcare trends. The discussion emphasizes the need for thoughtful, transparent compensation strategies that align with both organizational goals and physician well-being.

    Show Highlights:
    • Physician compensation strategies and their complexities
    • Fair market value (FMV) in compensation design
    • Financial sustainability challenges in healthcare organizations
    • Supply and demand issues for physicians in the healthcare market
    • Impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on physician work and compensation
    • Common pitfalls in compensation plan design
    • Importance of regulatory compliance in compensation models
    • Trends in value-based care and upcoming payment model changes
    • The role of advanced practice providers (APPs) in compensation considerations
    • The significance of stakeholder engagement in designing effective compensation plans
    Links and Resources:
    • Angie Caldwell on LinkedIn

    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn

    • PEMBA On Demand Podcast on Apple

    • Washington Updates – June 13, 2025 (PYA)
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    57 mins
  • Why Standard QI Won’t Work
    Jun 26 2025

    In this episode of PEMBA On Demand, host Dr. Norman A. Chapin speaks with Dr. Robert Flora, Chief Academic Officer at McLaren Health Care and Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Together, they explore why traditional quality improvement (QI) strategies often fall short—and what it will take to lead meaningful change in modern healthcare.

    Dr. Flora highlights the historical and systemic roots of today’s QI limitations, explains how rigid approaches fail to reflect the complexity of patient care, and introduces innovative frameworks like his “Nested Rapid Cycle Logic Model.” This episode empowers physician leaders with tools and insights for driving real, measurable change.

    Show Highlights:
    • Why standard QI approaches are no longer sufficient

    • Moving from binary to systems-level thinking in clinical training

    • Integrating social and structural determinants of health into care models

    • Embracing data-driven, team-based strategies in leadership

    • The role of QI training in preparing the next generation of physician leaders

    • Recognizing external influences on healthcare quality and patient outcomes

    • Long-term outcomes vs. short-term metrics: what really matters

    • A hopeful vision for the future of quality improvement in healthcare

    Links and Resources:
    • Dr. Robert Flora on LinkedIn

    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn

    • PEMBA On Demand Podcast on Apple

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    52 mins
  • The Physican's Edge: Leveraging Clinical Insight in Medical Device Development
    May 15 2025

    In this episode of "PEMBA On Demand," host Dr. Norman A. Chapin interviews Dr. A. Lee Hunter, Jr., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and entrepreneur. Dr. Hunter shares his journey from clinician to founder of Hunter Med LLC, where he developed the innovative Elbow Lock device to improve elbow positioning during surgeries. He discusses the challenges of navigating FDA regulations and the importance of simplicity in medical device design. Dr. Hunter also reflects on how his MBA from the University of Tennessee has enhanced his business acumen. The episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship.

    Show Highlights:
    • Transition from clinical practice to entrepreneurship in healthcare
    • Development of the Elbow Lock device for improved surgical positioning
    • Challenges faced in bringing a medical device to market, including FDA navigation
    • Importance of simplicity in medical device design
    • Insights into the regulatory landscape and patenting process for medical devices
    • The role of an MBA in enhancing business acumen for healthcare professionals
    • Experiences with marketing and distribution in the medical device industry
    • Innovations aimed at improving patient care and surgical efficiency
    • Reflections on the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of adaptability
    • The intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship, highlighting physician leadership in healthcare innovation

    Links and Resources:

    • Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee
    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
    • Dr. A. Lee Hunter, Jr. on LinkedIn
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    49 mins
  • One Physician's Entrepreneurial Experience
    Apr 18 2025

    In this episode of "Pemba On Demand," host Dr. Norman A. Chapin interviews Dr. Lloyd Marks, a physician, engineer, entrepreneur, and alumnus of the University of Tennessee's Physician Executive MBA program. Dr. Marks discusses his transition from engineering to medicine, his motivation for obtaining an MBA, and his work in medical innovation. He highlights his development of a non-invasive device for detecting shock in patients and shares insights into the challenges of merging engineering with clinical practice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for physician-driven innovation in healthcare.

    Show Highlights:
    • Transition from engineering to medicine and the motivations behind it
    • Pursuit of an MBA to enhance business acumen in healthcare
    • Development of a non-invasive device for detecting shock in patients
    • Challenges faced in bridging engineering and clinical practice
    • Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in medical innovation
    • Role of mentorship and guidance for aspiring medical entrepreneurs
    • Significance of intellectual property protection for innovators
    • Insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare technology
    • Emphasis on patient-centered care in medical advancements
    • Building professional networks and relationships in the healthcare field

    Links and Resources:

    • Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee
    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
    • Dr. Lloyd Marks on LinkedIn
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    54 mins
  • From Clinic to C-Suite: A Physician's Leadership Evolution
    Apr 3 2025

    In this episode of "Pemba on Demand," host Dr. Norman A. Chapin engages in a conversation about professional development for physicians with Dr. Archie Bella, an internist and CEO of a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in San Diego. Dr. Bella recounts his journey from being a staff physician to becoming a CEO, shedding light on the unique challenges of managing an FQHC that serves underserved populations. He shares strategies for boosting patient volume, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring financial stability. Dr. Bella also underscores the significance of quality improvement, community engagement, and effective communication in improving patient care and ensuring organizational sustainability. The episode offers valuable insights into healthcare leadership and management.

    Show Highlights:
    • Transition from clinical practice to healthcare leadership
    • Role and significance of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)
    • Challenges faced by FQHCs in the healthcare landscape
    • Reimbursement models for FQHCs versus private practices
    • Strategies for increasing patient volume and operational efficiency
    • Importance of community engagement and communication
    • Implementation of technology to reduce patient no-show rates
    • Development of quality improvement teams and training
    • Financial management and strategic planning in healthcare organizations
    • Future sustainability and adaptation of FQHCs in changing healthcare environments

    Links and Resources:

    • Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee
    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
    • Dr. Archie Bella on LinkedIn
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    53 mins
  • Unpacking the End of Chevron: What Healthcare Leaders Need to Know About Administrative Law
    Mar 21 2025

    In this episode of "Pemba on Demand," host Dr. Norman A. Chapin engages in a conversation with Zack Buck, JD, who serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Professor of Law at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. They delve into the topic of Chevron deference, a legal doctrine that permits agencies to interpret ambiguous laws, and examine its influence on healthcare regulation. Zack provides insights into the intricacies of healthcare law, discussing the balance between state and federal powers, as well as the potential implications of recent Supreme Court decisions that might restrict agency authority. The discussion underscores the significance of comprehending legal frameworks for effective healthcare leadership and the navigation of regulatory changes.

    Show Highlights:
    • Chevron deference and its implications for healthcare regulation
    • The role of administrative law in healthcare practices
    • Health policy matrices: access, cost, quality, and choice
    • The impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on agency authority
    • The balance of power between state and federal governments in healthcare regulation
    • Challenges faced by healthcare leaders in navigating legal frameworks
    • The transition from fee-for-service to value-based care models
    • Potential monopolistic practices resulting from regulatory interventions
    • The relationship between regulatory compliance and ethical responsibilities in healthcare
    • The importance of staying informed about legal developments in healthcare law

    Links and Resources:

    • Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee
    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
    • Zack Buck on LinkedIn
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • From Kandahar to COVID: Leadership Lessons from the Last Quarter Century
    Mar 6 2025

    In this episode of "Pemba on Demand," host Dr. Norman A. Chapin welcomes Dr. Christopher Chisholm, Chief Medical Officer for Swedish Health Systems in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Chisholm, a recent Pemba program graduate, shares insights from his 20-year naval medicine career and his transition to civilian healthcare leadership. Titled "From Kandahar to COVID: Leadership Lessons from the Past Quarter Century," the episode explores differences between military and civilian healthcare, team-building challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on leadership. Dr. Chisholm emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptability, and simulation training in effective healthcare leadership.

    Show Highlights:
    • Transition from military to civilian healthcare leadership
    • Leadership lessons from military medicine
    • Differences between military and civilian healthcare systems
    • Challenges of team building in high-pressure environments
    • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare leadership
    • Importance of communication and collaboration in teams
    • Managing stress and burnout among healthcare professionals
    • Simulation training for high-stakes healthcare situations
    • Insights from the Pemba program on healthcare administration
    • Advice for emerging physician leaders on collaboration and growth

    Links and Resources:

    • Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee
    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
    • Dr. Christopher Chisholm on LinkedIn
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    36 mins
  • Physician Leadership & PEMBA: The Key to Better Healthcare
    Feb 20 2025

    In this episode of "Pemba On Demand," host Dr. Norman A. Chapin and guest Dr. Donald Lighter, MD discuss the critical role of physician leadership in healthcare. Dr. Lighter, a core faculty member of the Pemba program with a background in pediatrics, shares insights on the evolution of physician roles, the importance of developing soft skills, and the relevance of the Baldrige framework. They highlight the Pemba program's impact on fostering leadership skills, the significance of value-based care, and the necessity of continuous improvement in healthcare. Dr. Lighter also recounts memorable teaching moments and emphasizes the importance of networking and collaboration among physicians..

    Show Highlights:
    • Evolution of the Pemba program and its impact on physician leadership.
    • Importance of physician leadership in enhancing healthcare systems.
    • Development of soft skills in physicians for effective leadership.
    • Overview of the Baldrige framework and its relevance to healthcare quality improvement.
    • Achievements and contributions of Pemba alumni in various healthcare sectors.
    • Challenges faced by physician leaders in maintaining patient-centered care.
    • Shift towards value-based care and its implications for healthcare delivery.
    • Role of teamwork and collaboration in healthcare settings.
    • Importance of patient engagement and satisfaction in healthcare outcomes.
    • Future trends and challenges in physician leadership within evolving healthcare landscapes.

    Links and Resources:

    • Physician Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee
    • Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn
    • Dr. Donald Lighter on LinkedIn

    Books on Quality Improvement in Healthcare:

    Basics of Health Care Performance Improvement: A Lean Six Sigma Approach (1st Edition) – Barnes & Noble

    Advanced Performance Improvement in Health Care: Principles and Methods – Barnes & Noble

    Essentials for Quality and Safety Improvement in Health Care: A Resource for Developing Countries – Barnes & Noble

    Curing Health Care: New Strategies for Quality Improvement (1st Edition) – Barnes & Noble

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    49 mins