Show cover of OSF HealthCare Accelerated

OSF HealthCare Accelerated

Welcome to the OSF HealthCare Accelerated Podcast! OSF HealthCare Accelerated gives listeners a look inside our journey to transform health care and the solutions we're piloting to solve today's health obstacles. Connect with us online at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

Tracks

Relax, it’s not brain surgery.” We’ve all heard the phrase used to downplay difficulty. It’s become shorthand for tasks that don’t require extraordinary precision or have life-altering consequences, but when it actually is brain surgery, every millimeter matters.  OSF HealthCare is pioneering an innovative new way to remove brain tumors with NeuroBlate.Join us as we explore how this new, minimally invasive tool can provide ease and comfort to those experiencing brain lesions or unwanted tissue associated with tumors. Unlike traditional surgery, NeuroBlate uses an MRI-guided probe to create a small opening in the skull to robotically deliver laser light energy to destroy the affected tissue. We’ll discuss just how minimally invasive this procedure can be and what recovery looks like.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Andrew Tsung, MD, vice president at OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, about NeuroBlate. They’ll explore how the new tool is transforming the landscape of safe and accessible brain surgeries.  Speaker highlights:Andrew Tsung, MDVice PresidentOSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological InstituteConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

7/8/25 • 17:44

The 17th-century proverb goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.” It’s a metaphor that suggests that addressing an issue right away can prevent it from escalating into a bigger, more costly, or more difficult problem later. It’s a reminder to be proactive and to take care of problems before they become overwhelming. That proverb is the perfect lens through which to view the pilot of DAX Copilot at OSF HealthCare.Join us as we explore how this generative AI technology is becoming an essential “stitch in time” for clinicians, easing the burden of documentation and giving time back to providers. It utilizes ambient listening to capture patient-clinician conversations, generate summaries and integrate with electronic medical records. We’ll reflect on the journey that began more than a year ago with the introduction of DAX Copilot and share early results from the pilot, including promising data on time savings and provider satisfaction.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Tyler Fitch, MD, chief medical information officer for OSF HealthCare/Pointcore, about lessons learned and next steps. We’ll also hear firsthand from two early adopters: Jenna Dionisio, DO, a primary care physician, and Ami Dose, APRN, a family nurse practitioner with OSF Medical Group – Primary Care. They discuss how DAX Copilot works during patient visits, the positive feedback they’ve received and the tangible impact it’s made on their day-to-day workflows.Speaker highlight:Tyler Fitch, MDChief Medical Information OfficerOSF HealthCare/PointcoreJenna Dionisio, DOPhysicianOSF Medical Group – Primary CareAmi Dose, APRNNurse PractitionerOSF Medical Group – Primary CareConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

6/17/25 • 25:32

The medical community is connected across the country and beyond in many ways. It’s how medical innovations and advances are shared, celebrated and learned from. That’s true here in Central Illinois, a hub for groundbreaking pediatric heart care, thanks to innovative technologies and collaboration with world-class experts.Join us as we discuss pediatric heart care with two renowned pediatric cardiac surgeons. One got his start in Central Illinois; the other is sharing his talents right here at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. This episode is a compelling look at how expertise, history and forward-thinking unite to shape better outcomes for children with complex heart conditions.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Joseph Turek, MD, PhD, chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Duke Health, and Mark Plunkett, MD, chief of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. They discuss recent advancements at their respective institutions, including Dr. Turek’s pioneering work in performing the first living mitral valve replacement in a child, and Dr. Plunkett’s milestone as part of the first surgical team to implant an EV-ICD in a child — a device previously used only in adults. They share insights on how programs prepare for groundbreaking work and reflect on what’s ahead in the future of pediatric heart surgery, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation and collaboration.Speaker highlight:Joseph Turek, MD, PhDChief, Pediatric Cardiac SurgeryDuke HealthMark Plunkett, MDChief, Pediatric and Congenital Heart SurgeryOSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of IllinoisConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

5/27/25 • 24:59

Most people now know how telehealth and virtual care have transformed health care but are you familiar with virtual nursing?Join us as we discuss what virtual nursing is (and what it isn’t) and the real benefits it’s delivering for patients, bedside nurses and the broader health care system. Using virtual nurses for admission and discharge is saving patients time, freeing up bedside nurses to focus on direct care, improving documentation and creating better patient experiences, all while helping OSF HealthCare build a more sustainable future for hospital care.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Jennifer Croland, DNP, RN, NE-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and Brandi Clark, vice president of Digital Care for OSF OnCall, to explore this new and innovative model of care.Speaker highlight:Jennifer Croland. DNP, RN, NE-BCVice President, Chief Nursing OfficerOSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical CenterBrandi Clark, MSVice President, Digital CareOSF OnCallConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

5/6/25 • 27:01

To be innovative, by definition, is to find a new way to do things. In the health care industry, OSF HealthCare stands out as a leader, continually advancing innovative solutions that benefit both patients and providers. Join us as we celebrate and discuss OSF being named one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America for a second time. We’ll explore what it means to be truly innovative, highlighting the culture of innovation at OSF and the rigorous evaluation process that placed OSF among the 300 companies chosen for this recognition. Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Michelle Conger, president of OSF HealthCare, and Becky Buchen, senior vice president of OSF Innovation, about key projects that contributed to this recognition, the future of artificial intelligence in health care and the lessons learned in fostering innovation throughout the Ministry. Speaker highlight: Michelle CongerPresidentOSF HealthCare Becky BuchenSenior Vice PresidentOSF InnovationConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

4/15/25 • 23:10

Your family history could hold critical clues about your health. By combining cutting-edge technology with genetic research, OSF Innovation is empowering physicians with information that fosters a more personalized approach to care, potentially saving lives.Join us as we explore how OSF Innovation is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze medical records and identify individuals who may be at risk for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Often undiagnosed, FH is a genetic condition that causes dangerously high levels of LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, even in younger adults. For people with FH, early detection is key to preventing life-threatening complications.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Darrel Gumm, MD, vice president of OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, and Ryan Loudermilk, a strategic program manager in Performance Improvement at OSF Innovation about how AI-driven insights are transforming the way FH is detected and managed. Learn how this innovative approach to personalized medicine is making heart health more proactive and precise than ever before.Speaker highlight:Darrel Gumm, MDVice PresidentOSF HealthCare Cardiovascular InstituteRyan LoudermilkStrategic Program Manager, Performance ImprovementOSF InnovationConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

3/25/25 • 23:08

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., but increases in non-invasive screenings and advancements in screening technology are improving early detection. OSF Innovation worked with OSF gastroenterologist Omar Khokhar, MD, to pilot and implement GI Genius, an FDA-approved AI-powered tool that enhances physicians’ ability to detect polyps during colonoscopies, bringing cutting-edge care and detection to patients.Join us as we explore how GI Genius provides an added layer of support for physicians, improving accuracy in polyp detection. With colorectal cancer rates rising in younger adults, this innovative technology is changing the landscape of early detection.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Omar Khokhar, MD, the gastroenterologist at OSF HealthCare who championed GI Genius. They’ll discuss how AI enhances colonoscopy precision and why this advancement is so important in the fight against colorectal cancer.Speaker highlight:Omar Khokhar, MDGastroenterologistOSF HealthCareConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

3/4/25 • 10:19

After a hospital stay, the last thing you want is to end up back in the hospital. Home health care plays a vital role in recovery, and OSF HealthCare is redefining it with solutions that help keep patients healthier at home and on the road to recovery.Join us as we explore OSF Enhanced Home Care, a program designed to reduce hospital readmissions by supporting complex patients after hospital discharge. This unique collaboration between OSF OnCall Advanced Care and OSF Home Care Services provides 24/7 coordinated care, remote monitoring, medication assistance and more.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Brandi Clark, vice president of Digital Care for OSF OnCall and J.J. Guedet, vice president of Operations and Strategy – Home Care for OSF HealthCare about how this innovative approach is improving patient outcomes and keeping them out of the hospital.

2/11/25 • 27:06

Developing innovative approaches to address a variety of issues facing health care requires input and cooperation from multiple sources. The Innovation Academic Incubator (IAI) at OSF Innovation helps encourage that process.Join us as we explore the IAI, a unique program at OSF Innovation that fosters collaboration between clinicians and academic institutions to develop groundbreaking health care solutions. With over 200 research projects funded, 140 publications and 12 patents, the IAI is transforming ideas into impactful solutions.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Mike Cruz, MD, chief operating officer for OSF HealthCare and John Vozenilek, MD, FACEP, vice president, chief medical officer, Innovation and Digital Health for OSF HealthCare about the program’s successes, the importance of collaboration, and what the future holds for health care innovation.Speaker highlight:Mike Cruz, MDChief Operating OfficerOSF HealthCareJohn Vozenilek, MD, FACEPVice President, Chief Medical Officer, Innovation and Digital HealthOSF HealthCareConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

1/21/25 • 25:44

Faith and innovation may seem like an unusual combination, but at OSF Innovation they come together in extraordinary ways.Join us for an inspiring conversation with two Mission Partners who also happen to be members of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. These Sisters combine their deep faith with cutting-edge roles at OSF Innovation. From performance improvement to innovation engineering, learn how their unique perspectives and faith shape their groundbreaking work.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Sister M. Maris Stella, F.S.G.M., performance improvement specialist,and Sister M. Pieta Keller, F.S.G.M., innovation engineer, to discuss how faith can inspire bold advances in health care.Speaker highlight:Sister M. Maris Stella, F.S.G.M.Performance Improvement SpecialistOSF InnovationSister M. Pieta Keller, F.S.G.M.Innovation EngineerOSF InnovationConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

12/31/24 • 24:21

Over 3 million Americans rely on pacemakers, with 200,000 implanted each year. These small, battery-powered devices use electrical impulses to keep hearts beating at a steady rhythm. However, pacemaker technology is advancing rapidly and there are new, innovative options available.Join us as we discuss how dual chamber leadless pacemakers are transforming heart care by offering a wireless, less invasive alternative to traditional pacemakers. This innovative device uses two small wireless implants placed directly in the heart. The device lasts longer and has fewer complications for those who are eligible to receive it.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Michael Broman, MD, PhD, the cardiac electrophysiologist at OSF HealthCare doing the procedure, and Brock Doehring, a sales representative from Abbott, the company that developed the device. They’ll shed light on how the dual chamber leadless pacemaker reduces risks, simplifies recovery and represents a major step forward in heart care.Speaker highlight:Michael Broman, MD, PhDCardiac ElectrophysiologistOSF HealthCareBrock DoehringSales RepresentativeAbbottConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

12/10/24 • 32:14

You head to your provider’s office for a visit. Wouldn’t it be great if you could feel confident they had all of the pertinent information they needed for your visit?Join us as we discuss Clinipane, an innovative solution that brings essential patient information to the forefront during appointments. With the support of a Jump ARCHES grant, this new tool leverages AI to sift through vast amounts of data in electronic medical records, presenting clinicians with real-time, relevant insights tailored to each patient’s needs.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Roopa Foulger, vice president, Digital Innovation Development, OSF Innovation and Jonathan Handler, MD, FACEP, FAMIA, senior fellow, OSF Innovation to learn how this technology is set to improve patient safety, streamline care and transform the clinical experience by reducing information overload and enhancing decision-making.Speaker highlight:Roopa FoulgerVice President, Digital Innovation DevelopmentOSF InnovationJonathan Handler, MD, FACEP, FAMIASenior FellowOSF InnovationConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

11/19/24 • 20:03

Fish skin, pig intestine, pig bladder, cow tendon and more – oh my! It’s not something out of Oz. These are things being used to save people from having limbs amputated.Join us as we discuss the work of an OSF HealthCare vascular surgeon to save patients from amputation through advanced regenerative reconstruction. He does it through procedures currently reserved for the most serious of cases like severe bacterial infection, traumatic crushed limbs and lower limb ulcers that have become infected and spread throughout the body. OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria is the only location in Illinois performing advanced regenerative reconstruction procedures at this level.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with this surgeon, Eric Martin, DO, chief of Vascular Surgery at OSF Saint Francis, about how he has crafted a predictable and consistent method that provides reliable outcomes for heroic limb salvage. Special guests for this episode include Jessica Collins, a surgical specialist at Kerecis, OSF patient Tim Rayner, OSF patient Katelynn Aukes, and her mother, Kristy Aukes.Speaker highlight:Eric Martin, DO, Chief of Vascular Surgery, OSF HealthCareConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

10/29/24 • 43:17

No one wants to face the journey of cancer, especially with the added fear of breast cancer for women. But for those at high risk, there's something that can help detect breast cancer earlier.Join us as we discuss the risk assessment program for breast health at OSF HealthCare. CancerIQ is a tool OSF uses to help identify patients at a high risk of getting cancer based on their personal and family histories. As part of that assessment, some high-risk patients are identified as eligible for getting breast MRIs in addition to their annual mammograms.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Roopa Fougler, vice president, Digital Innovation Development, and Michele Settelmyer, APN, Oncology services, to discuss how this program plays a key role in early detection of breast cancer and helps patients navigate necessary follow up appointments.Speaker highlight:Roopa Fougler, Vice President, Digital Innovation Development, OSF HealthCareMichele Settelmyer, APN, Oncology Services, OSF HealthCareConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

10/8/24 • 18:36

Many people have ideas they believe can make an impact but don’t know where to start. Peoria, Illinois, has a new space to support making those ideas a reality. Join us as we discuss Distillery Labs, a startup hub dedicated to connecting people, ideas and resources to launch and grow new businesses. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity and community, Distillery Labs provides a welcoming and accessible environment where entrepreneurs can thrive and contribute to economic growth.Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Doug Cruitt, executive director of Distillery Labs, and Kip McCoy, vice president, OSF Innovation Studios, to discuss the plans for this new space and its impact on the community.Speaker highlight:Doug Cruitt, executive director, Distillery LabsKip McCoy, vice president, OSF Innovation StudiosConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

9/17/24 • 24:43

77% of adults over the age of 50 prefer to age in place. Sometimes, that’s easier said than done, depending on where you live and the state of your health.Join us as we discuss a new program that helps older adults age at home. The state of Illinois and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have awarded OSF HealthCare a contract to be one of the first in the state to offer a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).Host Shelli Dankoff chats with OSF HealthCare leaders Nathan Pritzker, MBA, executive director, PACE and Matthew Gorman, DO, director, Medical Services Care Management Clinical Documentation about how PACE aims to improve the health and wellness of individuals at risk of being placed in a nursing home.Speaker highlight:• Nathan Pritzker, MBA, executive director, PACE• Matthew Gorman, DO, director, Medical Services Care Management Clinical DocumentationConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

8/27/24 • 26:27

When it comes to cancer, no one wants to waste time. Join us as we discuss the rapid intake system at the newly opened OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute. With the capacity to treat nearly 4,000 cancer patients a year, this process starts patients on their cancer care journey as quickly as possible with prompt diagnosis and treatment.  Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Sarah Ince, RN, director of Contact Center operations at OSF OnCall, and Amanda Luczkowiak, RN, a manager of Contact Center operations at OSF OnCall, about this innovative approach to patient care and navigation. To learn more about the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute or to request an appointment, call 1-844-673-4467 or go online.Connect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

8/6/24 • 17:39

How do you get students excited about a career in health care? There are endless opportunities, but not every child has the chance to explore the possibilities. That’s where OSF STEAM comes in. The OSF STEAM program provides numerous opportunities for students to explore careers in science and health care. Join us as we discuss the OSF STEAM medical immersion program, a unique opportunity to engage high school students in career exploration. Host Shelli Dankoff chats with the team at OSF Innovation responsible for the program. Noël Adams, vice president, academic collaborations and operations, and Katie Smith, Innovation labs coordinator, will explain how this program is inspiring the next generation of health care professionals.Connect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

7/16/24 • 14:46

The goal and focus of every health care provider is to do what is best for patients, but implementing that best practice can sometimes be a challenge. Join us as we discuss the participation of OSF HealthCare in a national initiative with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to accelerate and improve the implementation of research results in clinical care to improve patient outcomes. As part of this initiative, OSF will use its expertise to develop and implement strategies to reduce the delay in adopting proven practices. Host Shelli Dankoff chats with the following OSF HealthCare leaders about the impact of this initiative:·     Mike Cruz, MD, chief operating officer·     Ralph Velazquez, MD, chief medical officer·     Melinda Cooling, APRN, MBA, senior vice president of advanced practice and chief clinician executive of OSF OnCallConnect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

6/25/24 • 17:22

OSF OnCall has been a leader in developing innovative digital care delivery models and recently had the opportunity to showcase its groundbreaking work on a national level. In early May, OSF OnCall and OSF Innovation represented OSF HealthCare at the American Telemedicine Association’s (ATA) national conference. OSF was invited to exhibit our innovative digital care delivery models, being one of only two health care systems invited to participate. Host Shelli Dankoff speaks with Jennifer Junis, senior vice president of OSF OnCall and Ann Mond Johnson, CEO of the American Telemedicine Association, to discuss the conference and the opportunities it offers for future collaboration. Connect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

6/4/24 • 19:12

If something as simple as a blood test could help lead you to find out you have cancer earlier – increasing your chances of survival, would you take it? Join us for a discussion on improving early lung cancer detection rates through a collaborative effort between OSF HealthCare, the OSF Cancer Institute and DELFI Diagnostics. It’s an important effort, considering only 16 percent of lung cancer cases are discovered in the early stages. Host Shelli Dankoff chats with Susan Tousi, chief executive officer of DELFI Diagnostics and Mark Meeker, DO, internal medicine physician for OSF to discover how this innovative work hopes to lead to the diagnosis of lung cancer sooner and save more lives. Connect with us at www.osfhealthcare.org/accelerated

5/14/24 • 15:57

How many times have you thought to yourself, “I could fix that problem,” if only you were given the opportunity? Thanks to OSF Innovation, some nurses got a chance to do just that. Join host Shelli Dankoff along with Lori Wiegand, chief nursing officer for OSF HealthCare and Kip McCoy, vice president of the Innovation Studio for OSF HealthCare for a discussion about the Nursing Trailblazer Challenge. We’ll cover lessons learned and how they're continuing to solicit innovative ideas to transform health care. Connect with us online today!

4/23/24 • 24:18

The Sisters have always valued innovation. OSF HealthCare has a long-standing history of innovating in pediatric care, which continues today. Two of those innovators are Bill Albers, MD, a pioneering pediatric cardiologist and Tim Miller, MD, OSF HealthCare’s first neonatologist, who developed the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Both have written books capturing that history. We explore the early days (along with author Monica Vest Wheeler who spoke directly with nurses) to see how they shaped the best care for our smallest patients today and in the future.Connect with us at osfinnovation.org/healthaccelerated

4/2/24 • 33:58

The C word – Cancer. It’s something no one wants to hear. Navigating the journey can be exhausting for everyone involved, including those within the health system helping patients navigate their care. What if there was something that could help reduce the potential for burnout? Host Shelli Dankoff is joined by Dr. Jon Handler, clinical informaticist and senior innovation fellow for OSF HealthCare to discuss how OSF is leading the way in the creation of an artificial intelligence algorithm to better balance workloads for nurse navigators.Connect with us at osfinnovation.org/healthaccelerated

3/12/24 • 31:26

If you or a loved one was facing a critical medical procedure, you would want your physician to have the best information available for their decision-making, wouldn’t you? That’s where the Advanced Imaging and Modeling (AIM) Lab through OSF Innovation comes in. On this episode of the OSF HealthCare Accelerated podcast, we take a closer look at the AIM Lab and how it helps surgeons and other physicians make the best decisions for their patients thanks to its segmentation service. Joining host Shelli Dankoff for this discussion are Matthew Bramlet, MD, and Sister M. Pieta Keller, FSGM. Dr. Bramlet is a pediatric cardiologist and director of the AIM Lab at Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, and Sister Pieta is an innovation engineer with OSF Innovation. You can learn more about the AIM Lab and how to request segmentation services for complex cases at www.osfinnovation.org/aim

2/20/24 • 36:16

This episode of OSF HealthCare Accelerated is real people discussing artificial intelligence, or AI. It’s increasingly prevalent in business and society, and we are hearing more and more about it when it comes to health care. Host Shelli Dankoff is joined by Dr. Tyler Fitch, director of Medical Informatics and Integration for OSF HealthCare and Dr. Mark Meeker, vice president for Community Medicine for OSF. Among the topics they tackle: How improvements in AI may help reduce provider burnout and increase patient access.

1/30/24 • 30:15

By definition… the word FAILURE means a lack of success. But is that REALLY always the case? On this episode of Health Accelerated it’s anything BUT a fear of failure! Kelly George, Vice President of Performance Improvement at OSF HealthCare and Devon Kelly, Manager of Performance Improvement at OSF, join host Shelli Dankoff talk about failure in health care and why that actually is a GOOD thing.

1/9/24 • 26:50

It’s that time of the year when it’s traditional to look back on the journey. The OSF HealthCare Media Relations has covered a wide range of topics throughout the year. On this episode of Health Accelerated, host Shelli Dankoff is joined by media relations coordinators Colleen Reynolds, Matt Sheehan, Tim Ditman, and Paul Arco for a year in review conversation about how 2023 saw a lot of growth for OSF HealthCare in innovative and exciting ways we are helping to change the delivery of health care to meet the needs of those we serve.

12/12/23 • 33:33

It’s late in the day… you’re not feeling so hot, but the last thing you want to do is haul yourself to a clinic or Urgent Care to see a provider. Thanks to technology, you may not have to. On this episode of Health Accelerated, we explore a different kind of house call from a medical provider. Susan Wolf, Clinical Director of Digital Care for OSF OnCall and Katie Hendricks, Lead Provider of Digital Care for OSF OnCall, join host Shelli Dankoff to discuss virtual urgent care.

11/21/23 • 25:57

Launched in 2022, the OSF OnCall Digital Hospital, an innovative alternative to traditional hospital care for people with certain health conditions, allows you to receive hospital-level care from the comfort of your own home. This new model has been caring for patients for a year. Dr. Matthew Gorman, chief medical officer for OSF OnCall, and Melissa Meier, the manager of digital care for the digital hospital command center join host Shelli Dankoff for a one-year check-up chat on this episode of Health Accelerated, brought to you by OSF HealthCare.

10/31/23 • 22:55