Best AMA STEPS Forward® Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Self-Care is Not Enough in Solving Physician Burnout 37:34

Play Pause

4d ago37:34

37:34

Explore Reduce Burnout, Improve Self-Compassion With Group Coaching for Even the Busiest Physician episode: https://bit.ly/439QIYG Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this AMA STEPS Forward® podcast, Archana Shrestha, MD, MS, board-certified emergency physician, certified physician coach, and Chief Wellness O…

1
What Practice Leaders Need to Know About Scaling Behavioral Health Integration 25:50

11d ago25:50

25:50

Explore the “What is behavioral health” page: https://bit.ly/3WOxXX1 Explore the AMA’s BHI Collaborative page: http://bit.ly/3JbKKQk Explore the webinar on Integrating Behavioral Health Into Non-Primary Care Settings: https://bit.ly/3Jlh6rT Explore the webinar on Key Behavioral Health CPT® Codes in Practice: https://bit.ly/47ll1Nc Follow STEPS Forw…

1
Limit Commitments, Decisions, and Distractions: Pearl of the Month 5:05

18d ago5:05

5:05

Resilience describes how well a person returns to normal function after a stressful event or period. Actual recovery may take more time. Experiencing another significant stressor can cause further decline and lead to burnout. These effects of stress sometimes parallel the physical injury-reinjury cycle seen in clinical practice. Organizations can s…

1
REPLAY: Frontline Connect: Eliminating Barriers to Mental Health Services for the Health Care Workforce 21:04

25d ago21:04

21:04

Dr. Gaurava Agarwal, Vice President and Chief Wellness Executive at Northwestern Medicine, discusses Frontline Connect: Mental Health Care for the Health Care Workforce, an initiative by the Center for Workplace Mental Health (a program of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation) that provides leaders of health systems with high-impact reso…

1
Human Factors in Health Care: Engineering Better Well-Being for Physicians 33:17

1M ago33:17

33:17

Dr. Heather Farley, AMA Vice President of Professional Satisfaction, joins Dr. Elizabeth Harry, Chief Well-being Officer at Michigan Medicine, Carolyn Winslow, PhD, Organizational Research Psychologist and Well-Being Research & Analytics Lead at the Michigan Medicine Office of Well-Being, and Ken Catchpole, PhD, SmartState Endowed Chair in Clinical…

1
One Federally Qualified Health Center's Journey to Joy in Medicine 29:18

1M ago29:18

29:18

Dr. Mark Schildt, Chief Wellness Officer at El Rio Health, shares how they became the first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) to earn Gold-level recognition from the American Medical Association’s Joy in Medicine™️ Program in 2024. He describes El Rio's systems-based interventions and offers other strategies for addressing physician well-bei…

1
REPLAY: The Importance of Physician Mentoring 17:28

2M ago17:28

17:28

Dr. Keshni Ramnanan, internist serving as chair-elect on the AMA Private Practice Physician Section (PPPS) Governing Council, shares her experience both giving and receiving mentorship in medicine. She also highlights practical tips for getting started. Explore Mentoring for Impact: https://bit.ly/M4IEH Learn more about the Private Practice Physici…

1
Stress First Aid: Pearl of the Month 3:24

2M ago3:24

3:24

Damage to the brain, mind or spirit can lead to stress injury—a persistent distress or loss of ability that comes from overwhelming stressors such as fatigue, trauma or loss. Stress injuries can lead to a range of problems, including irritability, rigidity, and even depression and thoughts of suicide. Health care professionals can learn more about …

1
REPLAY: How to Take a Patient-Centered Approach to Cancer Care 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

Dr. Wayne Jonas, family physician, President of the Healing Works Foundation, and AMA Member, shares the importance of whole person care in the field of oncology. He also explores key strategies for getting started from “Healing and Cancer: A Guide to Whole Person Cancer Care.” Listen to our other episode with Dr. Jonas on whole person care: https:…

1
Whole Child, Whole Health: Lessons Learned for Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatrics 19:53

2M ago19:53

19:53

Dr. Marian Earls, board-certified General and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, and Chair of the AAP Mental Health Leadership Work Group for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses key learnings the AAP has garnered as a long-standing member of the AMA’s Behavioral Health Integration Collaborative. She also shares common challen…

1
REPLAY: How to Be Employed Well 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

Dr. Mark Greenawald, Interim Chair of Family Medicine at Carilion Clinic in Virginia, shares strategies for how to be employed “well” by optimizing your professional satisfaction. Read Dr. Greenawald’s article, as mentioned in the episode: https://bit.ly/3MUHfvY Explore the Wellness Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/4cRjJM2 Explore the W…

1
REPLAY: A Skeptic’s Guide to 90x4 Annual Prescription Renewals 24:02

3M ago24:02

24:02

Dr. Jill Jin and Dr. Marie Brown discuss how to save time and improve medication adherence with 90x4 annual prescription renewals. They share strategies for successful implementation and counter even the most skeptical physician’s reservations. MOC Part IV: https://bit.ly/47zFE73 Explore the AMA STEPS Forward Annual Prescription Renewal toolkit: ht…

1
Help for Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension: Pearl of the Month 3:08

3M ago3:08

3:08

A pharmacist can help patients with uncontrolled hypertension by teaching them how to monitor their blood pressure at home and encouraging medication adherence. If state law permits collaborative agreements, the pharmacist may also be able to adjust the therapy to reach blood pressure goals. There are many other ways a clinical pharmacist embedded …

1
REPLAY: Setting Boundaries 27:44

3M ago27:44

27:44

Dr. Kevin Hopkins, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic and now Physician Director of Health System Engagement here at the AMA, shares how setting healthy boundaries can help physicians avoid heading down the road of fatigue, exhaustion, and ultimately burnout. Explore Dr. Hopkin's webinar, mentioned in this episode: http://bit.ly/4f…

1
REPLAY: Practical Strategies for the Wellness-Centered Leader 21:07

3M ago21:07

21:07

Dr Kevin Hopkins and Dr Jill Jin discuss what it means to be a wellness-centered leader. They also explore strategies for building trust throughout health care organizations, engaging in listening campaigns, and creating a culture of wellness. Explore the Wellness-Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3OVigu7 Get the De-Implementation Checkl…

1
Screening for Prediabetes: Pearl of the Month 2:22

4M ago2:22

2:22

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded coverage of diabetes screening tests, making it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to receive the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) test. This is more convenient for patients since the test can be taken without fasting. Screenings are critical for identifying patients with prediabetes and developing a…

1
REPLAY: The Impact of Work on Physicians’ Personal Relationships and Well-Being 27:47

4M ago27:47

27:47

Dr. Mickey Trockel, Psychiatrist and Director of Evidence-Based Innovation for the Stanford University School of Medicine WellMD Center, shares findings from a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings on the impact of work on personal relationships and physician well-being. Read Dr. Trockel’s article here: https://mayocl.in/47lXLOY Explore the We…

1
Eliminating "Pebbles in the Shoe" for Our Emergency Physicians 29:33

4M ago29:33

29:33

Host Dr. Marie Brown, internist and Physician Director of Practice Redesign at the AMA, joins Dr. Diana Savitzky, pediatric emergency medicine physician and Chair of the Well-Being Section of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to discuss the unique stressors that impact emergency physicians and how alleviating “pebbles in the shoe”…

1
The Unseen Cost of Limited Time Off 33:54

4M ago33:54

33:54

Dr. Christine Sinsky, former vice president of Professional Satisfaction at the AMA, discusses her research on physician vacation habits and their impact on career satisfaction and retention, featuring insights from her recently published Mayo Clinic Proceedings article. She delves into the risks of limited time off, barriers to disconnecting, and …

1
State-Level Strategies for Behavioral Health Integration 23:25

5M ago23:25

23:25

Dr. Cassie Littler, Medical Director of the Webb Pediatric Specialty Clinic at Denver Health (a Federally Qualified Health Center) discusses the role of state governments in promoting sustainable, integrated behavioral health care. She explores funding disparities, workforce shortages, and the innovative ways states like Colorado are addressing cha…

1
Thanks, but No Thanks: Pearl of the Month 2:26

5M ago2:26

2:26

Many practices reduce unnecessary messages by suppressing the delivery of “thank you” messages into clinician inboxes. With this switch, the care team does not have to manage patient replies that express gratitude or acknowledge understanding (but require no further action). There is no regulatory obligation to respond to every patient portal messa…

1
The Overlooked Link: Cardiovascular and Behavioral Health Integration 28:46

5M ago28:46

28:46

Dr. Kim Smolderen, licensed clinical psychologist and outcomes researcher, Associate Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, Co-founder of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Cardiovascular Psychology workgroup, and a recognized expert in vascular disease, discusses the critical but often underrecognized intersecti…

1
How to Gain Autonomy as a Physician 30:56

5M ago30:56

30:56

Dr. Greenawald, Interim Chair of Family Medicine at Carilion Clinic in Virginia, explores the concept of "autonomy" for physicians, offering his personal perspective while highlighting how the meaning of autonomy can vary for different physicians depending on their context and environment. Dr. Greenawald also discusses practical strategies for phys…

1
The Importance of Disconnection 37:37

6M ago37:37

37:37

Dr. Rob Saper, Chair of the Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, explains what it means to fully disconnect from your work as a practicing physician, and discusses practical, actionable steps to do so. Explore the Value of Feeling Valued Playbook: https://bit.ly/43BX9Vk Explore the "Real PTO" for Physicians Toolkit: h…

1
A Lifeline for Moms: Providing Whole Person Care in Maternal Health Settings 28:01

6M ago28:01

28:01

Dr. Tiffany Moore Simas, Medical Director for Lifeline for Moms, and Obstetric Engagement Liaison for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms, explores the opportunities and challenges of maternal behavioral health-focused care models while emphasizing the importance of integrating behavioral health as a core component of…

1
Navigating AI Governance at The Permanente Medical Group 22:02

6M ago22:02

22:02

Dr. Vincent Liu, Chief Data Officer at The Permanente Medical Group, an AMA health system group member, shares how they are defining success in Augmented Intelligence (AI) governance. He discusses how they're aligning AI initiatives with strategic goals, scaling successful pilots like ambient documentation, managing emerging risks, and building tru…

1
Simplify Note Templates: Pearl of the Month 3:25

6M ago3:25

3:25

Physicians can often cut out redundant information, only documenting the medically necessary and appropriate history. By encouraging all physicians to create standardized notes with the same look and feel, your clinical team will reduce their cognitive burden and spend less time scrolling. Explore the Simplified Outpatient Documentation and Coding …

1
Johns Hopkins: An AI Success Story 20:52

6M ago20:52

20:52

Dr. Alvin Liu, an endowed professor of the AI Oversight Team and inaugural director of the James P. Gills Jr., MD, & Heather Gills Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine, discusses Johns Hopkins Medicine’s journey with Augmented Intelligence (AI) governance, involving end users to provide feedback, and some critical fac…

1
Mastering AI Governance: Key STEPS for Success 15:35

7M ago15:35

15:35

Dr. Srinivasan Suresh, Chief Information Officer, Chief Medical Information Officer, and Vice President of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh discusses key steps for success in Augmented Intelligence (AI) governance, including establishing leadership and structure, aligning AI initiatives with strategic goals, developing policy, ensuring proper…

1
Set Expectations for Using the Patient Portal: Pearl of the Month 3:58

7M ago3:58

3:58

Both patients and care teams need to understand that communication through the patient portal should not replace a physician visit, whether telehealth or in-person. Offer your patients a handout describing the best way to use the portal. Be open and honest with patients if they are sending too many messages. Explore the Patient Portal Optimization …

1
One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine 40:07

7M ago40:07

40:07

Dr. Jessi Gold, inaugural Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee (UT) System, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), practicing outpatient psychiatrist, and author of the book, How Do You Feel?: One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine, discusses her experience with burnou…

1
Responding to Physician Suicide: Building a Culture of Support and Healing 30:52

7M ago30:52

30:52

Dr. Gino Somers, Chief of the Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine from Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Toronto, shares his experience adapting the AMA STEPS Forward® After a Physician Suicide Toolkit to meet the unique needs of his organization. He discusses the challenges of addressing physician suicide, the importance of creating a…

1
Whole-Person Care: What are Employer Priorities? 20:11

8M ago20:11

20:11

Dr. Raymond Tsai, AMA member and Vice President of Advanced Primary Care at the Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH), explains why it is in an employer's best interest to prioritize providing their employees with high-quality, whole-person care. He also provides insights into PBGH’s ongoing efforts to help employers access their model of advan…

1
Extending Help to Colleagues in Crisis: Pearl of the Month 4:16

8M ago4:16

4:16

When a colleague is experiencing a crisis or is at risk of suicide, you don’t have to be an expert to offer help. Peer support is a crucial component in ensuring the well-being of colleagues and reducing the risk of suicidal ideation. Often, reaching out with a simple recommendation to talk with a mental health professional can make a huge differen…

1
Achieving Physician and APP Wellness with the Best Place to Care Initiative 31:04

8M ago31:04

31:04

Dr. Suzanna Fox and Yasemin Moore from Advocate Health, which achieved Joy in Medicine Gold for the Southeast region in 2023, discuss the Best Place to Care Initiative and its use of STEPS Forward® resources and Organizational Biopsy® results to provide well-being care for their physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). Explore the AMA Org…

1
The Importance of Integrated Care 20:44

8M ago20:44

20:44

AMA Member Dr. Robert Cooley, Associate Professor in Primary Care Medicine at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, discusses the integration of behavioral and physical health care and how collaborative models address health care disparities. He also shares how personal experiences in both life and medicine shaped his journey to u…

1
The Value of Feeling Valued 33:08

9M ago33:08

33:08

Dr. Jill Jin and Dr. Kevin Hopkins, AMA Senior Physician Advisors, discuss concrete strategies organizations can apply to support their individual physicians and make their workforce feel valued. Explore the Value of Feeling Valued Playbook: https://bit.ly/4fgjbA8 Calculate how much physician burnout is costing your organization: https://bit.ly/40j…

1
Build Effective Team Meetings: Pearl of the Month 3:28

9M ago3:28

3:28

Consider using an agenda template to make your team meetings more consistent and organized. Meetings should cover the essential business of the team, and other common agenda items might include a check-in (team members sharing about their personal lives), a shout-out (celebrating something going well), or a debrief (assessing the effectiveness of t…

1
Engaging with a Third-Party Billing Company 9:27

9M ago9:27

9:27

Dr. Sea Chen, AMA Physician Director of Practice Sustainability, and Taylor Johnson, AMA Senior Manager of Physician Practice Development, explore key strategies for engaging with a third-party billing company. They also offer tips for conducting routine audits, holding monthly review meetings, and more. Explore the How to Manage Your Third-Party B…

1
Introduction to the Business of Medicine: Physician Licensure, Credentials, and Privileges 35:51

9M ago35:51

35:51

Beckie Herron, MA, CPCS Director of Credentials Verification at Baptist Health KY & IN, and Dr. Brad Housman, Vice President & Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Health Paducah, discuss the essential steps physicians must take to obtain licensure, credentials, hospital/facility privileges and payor enrollment. Baptist Health Medical Group is an AMA H…

1
The Importance of Physician Mentoring 17:46

9M ago17:46

17:46

Dr. Keshni Ramnanan, internist serving as chair-elect on the AMA Private Practice Physician Section (PPPS) Governing Council, shares her experience both giving and receiving mentorship in medicine. She also highlights practical tips for getting started. Explore Mentoring for Impact: https://bit.ly/M4IEH Learn more about the Private Practice Physici…

1
Personalize Your EHR Coaching: Pearl of the Month 2:56

10M ago2:56

2:56

Practices looking to optimize the EHR inbox will find invaluable information in their audit log data. A health care organization can use the data to identify variations in the number of messages per eight hours of patient scheduled time. This data will help you understand your current state in inbox messages and recognize inefficiencies. Explore A …

1
Introduction to the Business of Medicine: Information and Technology in Health Care 25:24

10M ago25:24

25:24

Dr. Margaret Lozovatsky, Vice President of Digital Health Innovations at the American Medical Association, discusses the evolving role of clinical informatics, opportunities in EHR integration, cybersecurity for physicians, and the role of AI in health care. She emphasizes clinician involvement in creating equitable, patient-centered digital tools.…

1
Introduction to the Business of Medicine: The Basics of Medical Liability Insurance 22:18

10M ago22:18

22:18

Chris Albano, National Account Manager at AMA Insurance, shares strategies for navigating the complexities of medical liability insurance. He delves into the process of obtaining medical liability insurance, the main types of coverage available, and what to look for in each. 🩺 The AMA is your powerful ally, focused on addressing the issues importan…

1
How to Take a Patient-Centered Approach to Cancer Care 26:36

10M ago26:36

26:36

Dr. Wayne Jonas, family physician and President of the Healing Works Foundation, shares the importance of whole person care in the field of oncology. He also explores key strategies for getting started from “Healing and Cancer: A Guide to Whole Person Cancer Care.” Interested in learning more from Dr. Jonas about caring for patients with complex ch…

1
REPLAY: Mountains of Modules: Reducing Mandatory Training Burden for Physicians 20:05

11M ago20:05

20:05

Dr. Linda Brubaker, Director of Physician Wellness at University of California San Diego, and Dr. Nicole Goldhaber, Surgical Resident at University of California San Diego, share how they’ve worked to reduce unnecessary mandatory training burden at their organization. Read Mountains of Modules: Assessment and Redesign of Online Mandatory Training t…

1
The Impact of Team-Based Ordering Workflows 37:49

11M ago37:49

37:49

Nate Apathy, PhD, Assistant Professor of Health Policy & Management at The University of Maryland School of Public Health in College Park and Affiliated Research Scientist at the Regenstrief Institute shares insights about the impact of team-based ordering workflows on time-savings, patient volume, and more. Explore the Debunking Regulatory Myths S…

1
Real PTO for Physicians: Reducing Barriers to Taking Time Off 28:58

11M ago28:58

28:58

Dr. Diane Shannon, primary care physician, physician coach, and burnout consultant, shares strategies for removing barriers that prevent physicians from taking time off. She also shares organizational strategies for changing a culture of constant accessibility, providing adequate clinical coverage, and considering compensation plans that reflect ti…

1
REPLAY: Connected MOM Program: Transforming Maternity Care with Online Monitoring 21:05

12M ago21:05

21:05

Dr. Joseph Biggio, System Chair and Service Line Leader for Women’s Services and System Chair of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Ochsner Health, joins guest host Dr. Margaret Lozovatsky, AMA VP of Digital Health Innovations to explore Ochsner Health's Connected Maternity Online Monitoring (MOM) program. Learn how digital tools are remotely monitoring pr…

1
REPLAY: Listen and Be Curious: Strategies to Build Relationships and Solve Problems Together 34:53

12M ago34:53

34:53

Dr. Anne Pendo, internal medicine physician and Senior Medical Director for Physician and APP Experience at Intermountain Health in Utah, joins host Dr. Kevin Hopkins to discuss the caregiver well-being initiatives offered at Intermountain Health. She shares insights for leaders looking to create a culture of well-being and offers tips for fosterin…