Advertise on podcast: Taking the Pulse: a Health Care and Life Sciences Podcast

Hosts Matthew Roberts and Tushar Chikhliker welcome Jason Giulietti, CEO of the Central SC Alliance, and Dr. Stephen Cutler, Vice President for Economic Development and Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina, for a special crossover episode of Project Catalyst and Taking the Pulse. Together, they discuss the growth of South Carolina's life sciences ecosystem and the partnerships helping position the state for future investment and innovation. The conversation also explores the role of workforce development and advanced manufacturing in attracting life sciences companies, as well as the impact of the University of South Carolina's BullStreet Health Sciences Campus and new neurological hospital. Tune in for a look at the future of life sciences in South Carolina!

Recorded at the 2026 NCLifeSci Annual Meeting, Heather and Lauren welcome Lori McLeod, Vice President of Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment at RTI Health Solutions, to discuss the growing role patients play in healthcare research and drug development. Lori shares how patient-centered outcomes help researchers measure what matters to patients and why including patient perspectives early in the development process can improve clinical trials and treatment evaluation. We also explore how these priorities change over the course of a disease and the value of incorporating patient feedback from the start. Tune in now for a look at how the patient voice is helping shape the future of healthcare innovation!

Recorded at the 2026 NCLifeSci Annual Meeting, hosts Heather and Lauren welcome Fritz Bittenbender, Senior Vice President and Head of Public Affairs and Access at Genentech and Chair of the BIO Board of Directors, to discuss the biotechnology industry's evolution and future. Fritz shares insight into Genentech's 50-year legacy of innovation as well as the company's new manufacturing investment in North Carolina. We also explore the policy, workforce, and research partnerships needed to support innovation and patient access in the years ahead. Tune in for a look at what's next for biotechnology and North Carolina's growing life sciences ecosystem!

Recorded at the 2026 NCLifeSci Annual Meeting, hosts Heather and Lauren welcome Tom Alapaattikoski, Co-Founder and CEO of Brinter, to discuss how 3D bioprinting is advancing the development of biosynthetic implants for human tissue repair. Tom shares insight into how Brinter is developing regenerative implants designed to be absorbed by the body and replaced by a patient’s own tissue, with applications ranging from tendon and ligament repair to future breast reconstruction. We also explore Brinter’s journey from Finland to North Carolina and the collaborative ecosystem supporting the company’s growth. Tune in for a look at the promise of regenerative medicine and what could be next for 3D bioprinting!

Recorded at the 2026 NCLifeSci Annual Meeting, hosts Heather and Lauren welcome Dr. Scott Ralls, President of Wake Tech Community College, to discuss how the college is using innovation to prepare students to meet the growing health care workforce needs. Dr. Ralls shares insight into Wake Tech’s new simulation hospital, which will provide students with hands-on training in a realistic clinical environment across nursing, imaging, and other specialties. We also dive into Wake Tech’s growing role in life sciences and biopharma workforce development across the Triangle region. Tune in for an inside look at how education and industry are working together to prepare tomorrow’s workforce!

Recorded at the 2026 NCLifeSci Annual Meeting, hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Laura Gunter, President of NCLifeSci, to discuss the evolution and future of North Carolina’s growing life sciences industry. Laura shares insight into the state’s strengths in biomanufacturing, research, and emerging biotechnology, as well as opportunities across agriculture and national security. We also explore the importance of collaboration in driving the industry forward. Tune in for a look at what it will take for North Carolina to remain a leading life sciences hub!

Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Del Murphy, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of CaroMont Health, to discuss the growth and evolution of one of the Carolinas' largest independent healthcare systems. Del shares insight into CaroMont's commitment to remaining independent, the strategic decisions that have fueled its growth, and the importance of deep connections with the communities that rely on its care. We also explore the challenges facing independent health systems, including reimbursement pressures, innovation, workforce recruitment, and the investments needed to expand access to care. Tune in for a look at how CaroMont is balancing community-focused care and long-term sustainability!

This week, Heather and Matthew welcome Richele Taylor, CEO and Chief Legal Officer of the South Carolina Medical Association, to discuss the most pressing issues facing physicians across South Carolina. Richele shares insight into the growing administrative burden on physicians, the challenges of maintaining independent practices, and the continued consolidation of healthcare organizations. We also explore physician non-compete agreements, workforce shortages, scope of practice debates, and how recent regulatory changes may impact healthcare access and delivery across the state. Tune in for an insightful discussion!

Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Dr. Gene Brown, a physician leader at Charleston ENT & Allergy, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing independent physician practices. As the leader of South Carolina's largest private Ear, Nose, & Throat practice, Dr. Brown shares insight into the growth of Charleston ENT & Allergy and the strategies that have helped the practice remain independent. We also explore the financial pressures and changing regulations impacting independent practices, as well as how allergy symptoms and treatments have evolved since they opened their doors in 1997. Tune in now!

In this special crossover episode of Work This Way and Taking the Pulse, Heather is joined by Maynard Nexsen attorneys Jennie Cluverius and Matthew Roberts to discuss the top issues at the intersection of healthcare and employment law. Jennie and Matthew share insight into healthcare consolidation and executive compensation trends, the changing landscape of physician non-compete agreements, and the role of AI in hiring and workforce management. We also explore ADA and mental health accommodations, along with best practices for healthcare employers navigating these issues. Tune for guidance on the employment law trends shaping today's healthcare industry!

This episode, hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Dr. Susan Wilson, founder of Charleston HealthSpan Institute, to discuss her more than 30 years of experience helping patients navigate hormone deficiencies and menopause-related symptoms. Dr. Wilson shares her perspective on the long-term impact of the Women's Health Initiative study, how the understanding of hormone replacement therapy has changed over time, and why more women are seeking treatment today. We also dive into common misconceptions about hormone therapy and its  potential benefits for healthy aging. Tune in now for an informed discussion on hormone health!

How will generative artificial intelligence address some of healthcare's biggest challenges, including operational inefficiencies, physician burnout, and the development of innovative treatments? Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Dr. Robert Pearl, a renowned physician, author,  Stanford professor, and former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, to discuss the transformative potential of AI in the healthcare industry. Dr. Pearl shares his expertise on how generative AI could likely reshape care delivery and help healthcare organizations improve outcomes while reducing costs. We also explore the barriers to adoption and the importance of physician training and buy-in. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into the future of healthcare!

How can independent rheumatology practices succeed in an increasingly challenging healthcare environment? Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome Mike Chavez and Ray Waldrop, Co-Founders of The Leaders Rheum, to discuss the challenges facing rheumatology practices, including workforce shortages, rising costs, and increasing payer pressures. We also explore how independent practices are leveraging technology and collaborative business models to improve operations while maintaining physician autonomy. Tune in for a look at how The Leaders Rheum is empowering rheumatology practices for long-term success!

Hosts Heather and Leighton welcome Dr. Eric Poon, Chief Health Information Officer of Duke Health, to discuss the development of AI governance programs and the lessons healthcare leaders can apply as they evaluate new tools. Dr. Poon shares insight into Duke Health’s AI governance journey, including the importance of balancing innovation with oversight, measuring the value of AI investments, and adapting governance frameworks as technology evolves. We also explore how organizations can create processes that support both efficiency and responsible adoption. Tune in for insight into how healthcare organizations are navigating the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI governance!

How are independent physician practices adapting as employers take a more active role in shaping healthcare decisions and costs? Hosts Heather and Matthew welcome AnnMargaret McCraw, CEO of Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, to discuss her insights into the challenges facing independent practices, including declining reimbursement, rising costs, and increased organizational consolidation. We also explore how employer-driven programs like surgical carve-outs and centers of excellence are reshaping patient choice and provider dynamics. Tune in for a look at how private practices are navigating change and positioning themselves to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care.