The Next Orbit Podcast

Frontline vs. Big Systems: Where Rural Health Funding Really Goes | Vincent J Thompson MD

In this episode of The Next Orbit Podcast, host Ben Wade unpacks the recently announced $50 billion federal initiative aimed at rural healthcare transformation, launched alongside significant Medicaid cuts.Joined by Dr. Vincent J. Thompson, MD, President & CEO of the Community Health Clinical Research Corporation, the conversation goes beyond headlines to examine where the money actually flows, why frontline clinics continue to struggle, and how sustainable solutions can be built inside community health centers.Dr. Thompson shares firsthand insights into funding misalignment, the unintended consequences of policy decisions, and how integrating clinical research into primary care can unlock new revenue streams, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen rural health systems for the long term.This episode is essential listening for healthcare leaders, policymakers, community health executives, and innovators working to close gaps in access and care.Episode Breakdown & Timestamps00:00 – Why rural health funding is back in the spotlight 00:41 – Welcome to The Next Orbit Podcast 01:19 – Overview of the $50B rural health funding announcement 02:08 – Why rural health funding often fails at the ground level 03:35 – The real-world impact of Medicaid cuts on clinics 05:16 – How federal funds are distributed—and where they stall 09:03 – Preventive care vs. hospital-based care: a cost reality check 13:37 – The role of HRSA and its influence on community health centers 17:20 – What effective fund allocation should actually look like 23:03 – Innovative approaches to stabilizing rural healthcare 32:07 – Building sustainable funding pathways beyond grants 35:04 – Dr. Thompson’s journey into leadership in primary care 35:25 – The risks of over-reliance on Medicaid funding 35:52 – Using clinical research as a financial and care solution 37:37 – How policy changes ripple through health centers 38:51 – Founding the Community Health Clinical Research Corporation 39:49 – Realigning private-sector dollars for public health impact 40:21 – Addressing diversity gaps in clinical research 41:08 – Why research participation benefits health centers and patients 42:26 – Overcoming barriers to research adoption 42:57 – Training and support for health centers entering research 45:07 – Creating a national research cohort 48:00 – Sustaining community health centers through research models 51:12 – How health centers can get involved today 52:03 – Ethical, effective research practices explained 52:58 – Clearing misconceptions around clinical research 56:32 – Financial upside and long-term sustainability 01:02:37 – Call to action for community health leaders

Managing Complex Pain in the Opioid Era: Lessons from Clinical Pharmacists | Shelly Fortner & Sing Ping Chow

In this episode of the Next Orbit Podcast, host Ben Wade is again joined by clinical pharmacists Shelly Fortner and Sing Ping Chow, specialists in managing complex pain syndromes, for an in-depth discussion on opioid prescribing and patient safety in today’s healthcare landscape.Through four real-world patient cases, the conversation explores how clinicians use Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to guide safer, more effective pain management decisions. The episode breaks down best practices around opioid prescribing, urine drug screening, and the importance of transparent, non-judgmental communication with patients.The pharmacists also address common misconceptions surrounding opioid use in patients receiving Suboxone or methadone, offering practical guidance for managing pain across inpatient and outpatient settings. This discussion provides clinicians with actionable insights rooted in evidence, empathy, and clinical experience.Whether you’re a pharmacist, physician, nurse, or healthcare professional navigating pain management, this episode delivers thoughtful perspectives on balancing relief, safety, and patient trust.#PainManagement #OpioidSafety #PDMP #ClinicalPharmacy #healthcareleadership Timestamps - 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:14 Meet the Guests: Pain Management Experts 02:35 Case Study 1: Latasha Salazar's Hip Replacement 06:09 Case Study 2: Luke Sadler's Metastatic Cancer 17:03 Case Study 3: Raven Johnson's Acute Pain 24:16 Case Study 4: Peggy Carter's Shoulder Surgery 27:35 Addressing Myths and Misconceptions 37:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 39:07 Closing Remarks

AI in Healthcare: The Future of Clinical Workflows with Michael Lang

In this episode of the Next Orbit Podcast, host Ben Wade is joined by Michael Lang, SVP of Sales & Marketing at BINGLI, along with co-host Mike Hunter, Health Tech Director at Leap Orbit. Together, they break down the realities of implementing AI in healthcare, far beyond the hype.From large language models to deterministic AI, the discussion explores what responsible, effective, and clinically-safe AI adoption truly looks like. Michael shares real-world examples of AI improving patient intake, triage workflows, clinical documentation, RCM processes, and even mental health detection.The episode also covers the essential guardrails required for AI in healthcare:• Ethical use and human oversight• Interoperability and emerging standards• Data quality, safety, and model governance• The difference between deterministic and non-deterministic AI• How ambient AI can augment clinicians instead of replacing themWhether you work in healthcare, health tech, or AI infrastructure, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at the future of AI-powered care delivery.Timestamps - 00:00 Introduction to AI in Healthcare 00:42 Welcome to the Next Orbit Podcast 01:16 Meet the Guest: Mike Lang 02:48 The Hype and Reality of AI in Healthcare 04:33 Leveraging AI at BINGLI 07:27 Deterministic vs. Non-Deterministic AI 21:24 Real-World Applications of AI in Healthcare 25:27 AI in Revenue Cycle Management 39:12 A Personal Journey in Healthcare 44:32 Conclusion and Contact Information#AIinHealthcare #HealthTech #MedicalAI #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #ClinicalAI #FutureOfHealthcare #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthcareTechnology #HealthIT

How Health Data Utilities Will Transform Care, Public Health & Policy | John Kansky

In this episode of The Next Orbit Podcast, host Ben Wade sits down with John Kansky, President & CEO of the Indiana Health Information Exchange and former Acting CEO of CSRI, to explore one of the most important shifts in modern healthcare: Health Data Utilities (HDUs).This conversation breaks down:What HDUs are and why they are critical to the future of healthcareHow state-based infrastructure powers interoperabilityThe evolution of Health Information Exchanges (HIEs)Why multi-stakeholder governance mattersThe new CSRI capability model and its impactHow HDUs improve care quality, public health, and policymakingFunding, sustainability, and the role of governmentReal-world examples of HDUs transforming outcomesWhether you're in healthcare IT, policy, data systems, or health innovation, this episode offers a rare, deep insight into how better data infrastructure can reshape healthcare delivery.Follow for more conversations on health innovation, interoperability, and the future of healthcare infrastructure.#HealthDataUtilities #HealthcareInteroperability #HealthIT #HealthData #PublicHealth #HealthcareInnovation #HIE #HDUs #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #HealthInfrastructure #CSRI #NextOrbitPodcast #JohnKansky

The Future of Opioid Stewardship: Data, Technology & Compassion in Care

In this powerful episode of The Next Orbit Podcast, host Ben Wade sits down with clinical pharmacy specialists Sing Ping Chow and Shelley Fortner, two pioneers leading the charge in opioid stewardship and pain management innovation.Together, they unpack the role of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), the challenges of integrating real-time data into clinical workflows, and the urgent need for cross-state interoperability.Discover how their initiative, PainRX Consulting, is transforming pharmacy education and empowering clinicians to make safer, smarter prescribing decisions. From addressing load time issues to patient matching and data privacy, this conversation dives deep into the future of responsible, data-driven care.If you care about technology, healthcare policy, or improving patient outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.#HealthcareInnovation #PharmacyLeadership #OpioidStewardship #PainManagement #PDMP #HealthcareData #PharmacyPodcast #DigitalHealth #HealthTech #TheNextOrbitPodcast #PatientCare #HealthcareInteroperability

The Next Orbit Podcast: Innovating Healthcare Through Data & Technology

Welcome to The Next Orbit Podcast, where innovation meets healthcare.In this inaugural episode, hosts Ben Wade and Mike Hunter, joined by producer Nick, introduce a new series dedicated to exploring how data, interoperability, and technology are transforming the future of healthcare.They discuss:- Why breaking down silos in healthcare data matters more than ever- The innovators and disruptors driving ethical, compliant change- How modern technology can unlock better patient care at scale- Personal stories behind their passion for building a smarter healthcare ecosystemFrom interoperability to innovation, this podcast dives deep into the people and ideas shaping tomorrow’s healthcare.🎧 Join the conversation and be part of the next orbit of change.#HealthcareInnovation #HealthTech #DataInteroperability #DigitalHealth #HealthcareTechnology #PatientCare #HealthcareData #HealthIT #HealthcareTransformation #TheNextOrbit #LeapOrbit #InnovationInHealthcare