Outcomes Rocket

Saul Marquez

The Outcomes Rocket podcast brings you conversations with the healthcare leaders actually building the future of care. Hosted by Saul Marquez, founder and CEO of Outcomes Rocket and a 17 year medical device veteran.

Every episode goes deep with one operator: a health system executive, a medtech commercial leader, a health tech founder, a clinician, an investor. They talk about what they’re building, what broke along the way, and what they’d do differently.

With more than 2,000+ episodes in the archive, this is one of the largest libraries of healthcare leadership interviews anywhere. No fluff, no press release talk. Just people who’ve done the work telling you how they did it.

If you’re responsible for outcomes, revenue, or both, you’ll leave each episode with something you can use this week.

New episodes weekly.

[CLAIM:9UANJG7C]

Play

Open in

54 episodes
Avg 17 min
English

Episodes 54

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

September 9 · 26 min
ASC Insights: AI, Robotics, and the Future of Outpatient Spine Surgery with Dr. Jeffrey Roh, orthopedic spine surgeon and Chief Medical Officer at Excel Health
The future of spine surgery is increasingly in the outpatient setting. In this episode of ASC Insights, Dr. Jeffrey Roh, orthopedic spine surgeon and Chief Medical Officer at Excel Health, shares how minimally invasive technology is accelerating the shift from inpatient to outpatient spine surgery and transforming the ASC landscape. He discusses the clinical, economic, and patient-experience advantages of ASCs, as well as the evolving role of reimbursement, robotics, and AI in surgical care. Looking ahead, he envisions increasingly autonomous robotic systems, smaller procedures, and a healthcare system where outpatient surgery becomes the default for an expanding range of cases. Tune in as Dr. Jeffrey Roh explores why the future of spine surgery is moving beyond the hospital, and how minimally invasive technology, AI, and robotics are reshaping what’s possible in the ASC. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Jeffrey Roh on LinkedIn. Follow Excel Health on LinkedIn and explore their website!
September 9 · 14 min
When Healthcare Cybersecurity Becomes a Patient Safety Issue with Kile Garrett, Chief Revenue Officer at TripleKey
Healthcare cybersecurity is ultimately about protecting patients, clinicians, and the systems they rely on to deliver care. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Kile Garrett, Chief Revenue Officer at TripleKey, to discuss the growing risks within healthcare’s software supply chain. Kile explains why software vulnerabilities can emerge even after an application enters production and how TripleKey continuously monitors code to identify risks that traditional tools may overlook. We also explore why health systems and technology vendors need to take a more collaborative approach to cybersecurity. Kile and I discuss how The Pitt illustrates the real consequences of a hospital cyberattack and reminds us that patient care can become the ultimate victim of a security breach. Tune in to learn how continuous monitoring, greater visibility, and industry-wide collaboration can make healthcare technology safer! Resources: Connect with and follow Kile Garrett on LinkedIn. Follow TripleKey on LinkedIn and explore their website! Explore TripleKey’s free software scan and enterprise dashboard.
September 8 · 14 min
Stop Accelerating Broken Processes: A New Approach to AI in Healthcare with Jeff Norton, VP of Business Development at Multiview Financial
Healthcare organizations are under increasing financial pressure, making efficiency, visibility, and better decision-making more important than ever. In this episode, Jeff Norton, VP of Business Development at Multiview Financial, explains how automation and financial technology can help healthcare organizations reduce manual work, improve reporting, and potentially cut the time required for month-end close. He also discusses why organizations should approach AI strategically by first fixing inefficient processes and establishing clean, reliable data rather than simply accelerating broken workflows. Jeff’s advice for healthcare leaders is simple: slow down to hurry up, do your homework, and make sure the technology you adopt delivers real value for your organization. Tune in to hear Jeff Norton’s perspective on making AI and financial technology work for healthcare organizations, not just adding another piece of technology to the stack! Resources: Connect with and follow Jeff Norton on LinkedIn. Follow Multiview Financial on LinkedIn and explore their website.
September 4 · 11 min
Why Billing Starts at the Front Desk with Kristin Van Natta, Business Development at RCM 360 a Med Tech Solutions Company
Billing doesn't start in the billing department. In this episode, Kristin Van Natta, Business Development at RCM 360 a Med Tech Solutions Company , discusses how staffing shortages and rising adoption of technology are reshaping healthcare revenue cycle management. She explains why clean claims start at the front desk and how accurate data, coding, and documentation can help prevent denials. Kristin also explores how organizations can thoughtfully implement AI and automation while ensuring new solutions integrate with their EHRs and deliver real operational value. She shares how practices can use RCM analysis and benchmarking to identify inefficiencies and strengthen their financial performance. Tune in to learn how smarter technology and proactive RCM strategies can help healthcare organizations prevent denials, improve efficiency, and strengthen access to care. Resources: Connect with and follow Kristin Van Natta on LinkedIn. Follow RCM 360 a Med Tech Solutions company on LinkedIn and explore their website
September 3 · 24 min
Why Strong AI Governance Gives Organizations Freedom to Innovate with Eddie Borrero, Chief Information Technology Officer at Cyera
Healthcare organizations need to understand what their AI can access, what it does, and how its decisions affect patients. In this episode, I speak with Eddie Borrero, Chief Information Technology Officer at Cyera, about helping healthcare organizations adopt AI while protecting sensitive data and maintaining strong governance. Eddie explains how companies are implementing AI across the workforce, business platforms, and software development, and why each area requires clear controls, accountability, and oversight. We also discuss his “offense and defense” framework, the importance of least-privilege access, and the risks created when AI agents inherit more permissions than they need. Eddie also shares why healthcare leaders need visibility, traceability, and explainability to understand how AI uses data and makes decisions. Tune in to learn how effective governance can help healthcare organizations embrace AI securely and responsibly! Resources: Connect with and follow Eddie Borrero on LinkedIn. Follow Cyera on LinkedIn and explore their website! Learn more about Cyera Agent Guardian.
September 2 · 11 min
From Manual Medical Records to Smarter Healthcare Data Exchange with Joe Van de Graaff, VP of Growth at Sherpas Healthcare Solutions
For community health centers with limited staff, a request for thousands of medical records can quickly become an overwhelming administrative burden. In this episode, Joe Van de Graaff, VP of Growth at Sherpas Healthcare Solutions, explains how Sherpas helps healthcare providers and payers securely find and release medical records while reducing the operational burden of audits, compliance reviews, and data requests. He discusses why FQHCs are particularly well-suited to Sherpas' mission and business model, how automation and EHR interoperability can streamline record retrieval, and why AI could play an increasingly important role in transforming manual healthcare workflows. Joe also shares what he is seeing across the community health landscape as organizations balance limited resources with growing administrative demands. Tune in to learn how smarter medical record workflows can help community health centers spend less time carrying the administrative load and more time serving their patients! Resources: Connect with and follow Joe Van de Graaff on LinkedIn. Follow Sherpas Healthcare Solutions on LinkedIn and explore their website.
September 1 · 14 min
Taking the Risk No One Else Will in Cardiovascular Innovation with Manny Villafana, Founder and CEO of Medical 21
Taking the risk no one else will: how Medical 21 is working to replace harvested blood vessels with an artificial coronary artery that becomes part of the patient’s own body. In this episode, Manny Villafana, Founder and CEO of Medical 21, returns to discuss his team's progress in developing an artificial coronary artery for bypass surgery. Drawing on more than five decades of medical device innovation, he reflects on how his earlier companies helped create longer-lasting pacemakers and lifelong heart valves that transformed cardiovascular care. Manny explains how Medical 21's graft is designed to grow into a living blood vessel made from the patient's own cells, potentially eliminating the need to harvest vessels during bypass surgery and reducing pain, recovery time, infection risk, and costs. He also shares updates on the company's preclinical progress, partnership with the Mayo Clinic, fundraising efforts, and why pursuing seemingly impossible ideas is essential to advancing medicine. Tune in to learn how bold thinking, regenerative technology, and a willingness to take risks could reshape coronary bypass surgery! Resources: Connect with and follow Manny Villafana on LinkedIn. Follow Medical 21 on LinkedIn and explore their website!
August 31 · 20 min
Building Better Behavioral Health Systems with Data, Trust, and Human Judgment with Rebecca Ragland
AI is transforming healthcare, but in behavioral health, how do we make sure technology doesn't come at the expense of human connection? In this episode, Rebecca Ragland, Clinical Global Account Executive at Multi-Health Systems, explores how scientifically validated assessments and emerging technologies can improve behavioral healthcare while preserving the human element. She discusses the growing role of AI in clinical workflows and why clinicians must remain central to decision-making, particularly as technology advances faster than organizations can adapt. Rebecca also explains how trusted, structured data can serve as a guardrail for responsible innovation, helping organizations improve consistency and expand access without sacrificing human judgment and connection. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how AI and technology can expand access to behavioral healthcare while keeping human connection, clinical judgment, and trust at the center. Resources: Connect with and follow Rebecca Ragland on LinkedIn. Learn more about Multi-Health Systems on their LinkedIn and visit their website.
August 26 · 15 min
Bridging Healthcare Innovation and the Business of Medicine with Roger Owens, Chief Commercial Officer at Ultromics
Finding heart failure earlier gives patients a better chance to begin treatment before the disease progresses. In this episode, Roger Owens, Chief Commercial Officer at Ultromics, discusses how AI-powered echocardiography can improve the early detection of HFpEF and cardiac amyloidosis. He explains how EchoGo integrates seamlessly into existing hospital workflows, enabling physicians to identify signs of heart failure from standard echocardiograms. Roger also explores the operational, reimbursement, and implementation challenges healthcare organizations face when adopting AI in clinical practice. He emphasizes that advances in treatment options make earlier diagnosis increasingly important for improving patient outcomes. Tune in to discover how AI-powered cardiac diagnostics can support earlier intervention and better patient outcomes! Resources: Connect with and follow Roger Owens on LinkedIn. Follow Ultromics on LinkedIn and explore their website!
August 25 · 18 min
A Bright Future for Patient-Matched Surgical Technology with Nancy Hairston, President and CEO of MedCAD
Patient-matched technology is changing surgery by making the implant conform to the patient, not the patient to the implant. In this episode, I speak with Nancy Hairston, President and CEO of MedCAD, about her unique journey from sculpture and 3D animation to the development of customized surgical solutions. Nancy explains how MedCAD uses patient imaging to design precise surgical plans, guides, anatomical models, and implants for each individual. We also discuss how these systems can simplify procedures, reduce operating room time, and potentially combine two surgeries into one. Nancy shares how advances in 3D-printed metals have accelerated production and why she believes patient-matched technology has a bright future across healthcare. Tune in to discover how art, engineering, and 3D printing are making surgery more precise and personalized! Resources: Connect with and follow Nancy Hairston on LinkedIn. Follow MedCAD on LinkedIn and explore their website!
August 24 · 31 min
Why Every Cancer Patient Deserves Access to Better Options with Dr. Selin Kurnaz, co-founder and CEO of Massive Bio
What if every cancer patient could have the information and technology needed to find the right clinical trial or treatment option, regardless of where they live or what they can afford? In this episode, Dr. Selin Kurnaz, co-founder and CEO of Massive Bio, shares how a personal family experience with cancer prompted her to leave a successful career in transactions and build a company dedicated to improving cancer care. She describes Massive Bio’s mission to empower patients to take an active role in their care by making clinical trials and treatment options more accessible. Kurnaz explains how AI agents, conversational technology, and partnerships with specialized technology companies allow Massive Bio to create a scalable, end-to-end cancer patient journey. Looking ahead, she envisions Massive Bio becoming both a global access point for cancer patients and a real-world data infrastructure that helps pharmaceutical companies develop better, more personalized medicines. Tune in to hear Dr. Selin Kurnaz discuss the future of AI-powered cancer care, patient empowerment, and the role of real-world data in developing better treatments! Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Selin Kurnaz on LinkedIn. Follow Massive Bio on LinkedIn and X and explore their website!
August 20 · 9 min
The Digital Brain of Surgery: How AI Is Changing the Operating Room with Dr. Nicolas Bourdel, Founder and CEO of SurgAR
What if surgeons could actually see through organs during an operation? In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Nicolas Bourdel, Founder and CEO of SurgAR, about how augmented reality is bringing patient-specific digital twins into the operating room. Using AI and computer vision, Surgar overlays CT and MRI-based anatomical models onto the live surgical view, helping surgeons see tumors hidden inside soft tissue during minimally invasive procedures. Nicolas shared why he believes surgery has progressed from digital eyes to robotic arms, and is now entering the era of the digital brain powered by intelligent software. We also discussed Surgar's expansion into kidney cancer surgery and its vision for making every surgeon an augmented surgeon. Tune in to hear how augmented reality, AI, and digital twins are transforming minimally invasive surgery, and why the next revolution in robotics may be software, not hardware. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Nicolas Bourdel on LinkedIn. Follow SurgAR on LinkedIn and explore their website!
August 19 · 9 min
How AI and Robotics Are Transforming Ophthalmology with Dr. Joseph Nathan, Founder and CEO of ForSight Robotics
What if the most common surgery in medicine could become one of the most consistent through robotics? In my latest conversation, I sat down with Dr. Joseph Nathan, Founder and CEO of ForSight Robotics, to explore why ophthalmology is becoming one of the next frontiers for surgical robotics. We discussed how cataract surgery, the most common procedure in medicine, is uniquely suited for robotic assistance because of its repetitive nature and the need for extraordinary precision. Dr. Nathan shared how advances in AI, computing power, and robotics are helping create systems designed to improve consistency and predictability for both surgeons and patients. He also emphasized the importance of bringing these technologies to market responsibly while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and cybersecurity. If you're curious about where AI, robotics, and ophthalmology are converging to reshape one of the world's most common surgeries, this is a conversation you won't want to miss! Resources: Connect with and follow Joseph Nathan on LinkedIn. Follow ForSight Robotics on LinkedIn and explore their website!
August 18 · 20 min
Turning Historical Healthcare Data Into Actionable Value with Erik Johnson, Vice President of Marketing at Harmony Healthcare IT
Clean, accessible, and well-governed healthcare data is the foundation for better care and effective AI. In this episode, Erik Johnson, Vice President of Marketing at Harmony Healthcare IT, discusses how healthcare organizations can preserve, manage, and activate decades of clinical, financial, and operational data. He explains how a comprehensive data lifecycle strategy helps reduce legacy system costs, improve interoperability, and build a stronger foundation for AI adoption. Erik also shares marketing insights from both established brands and startups, emphasizing the value of brand equity and achieving product-market fit. He explores the potential of agentic AI to support clinical decision-making, reduce administrative burden for clinicians, and improve patient outcomes. Tune in to learn how a strong healthcare data strategy can prepare organizations for the future of AI-enabled care! Resources: Connect with and follow Erik Johnson on LinkedIn. Follow Harmony Healthcare IT on LinkedIn and explore their website! Listen to Harmony Healthcare IT’s Health Data Talks podcast.
August 13 · 19 min
Beyond AI Hype: Building Trusted Hospital Robotics with Sultan Mehrabi, CEO of Relay Robotics, and Craig Anderson, Vice President of Innovation at BayCare
What happens when a hospital trusts a robot as much as one of its own team members? In this episode of Outcomes Rocket, Saul Marquez speaks with Sultan Mehrabi, CEO of Relay Robotics, and Craig Anderson, Vice President of Innovation at BayCare, about how autonomous delivery robots are transforming hospital operations through a collaborative innovation partnership. They explain how Relay robots safely transport lab samples, medications, and other critical items, allowing nurses and pharmacy staff to spend more time on direct patient care while maintaining a secure chain of custody and reliable delivery. The conversation highlights that successful healthcare innovation depends less on adopting AI for its own sake and more on solving real workflow problems through close collaboration, user adoption, and continuous improvement. They also discuss why reliability, trust, and seamless integration into hospital infrastructure are essential for autonomous robotics to become accepted by clinicians, patients, and health systems alike. Learn how one health system is using autonomous robotics to improve patient care, reduce staff workload, and redefine what successful healthcare innovation really looks like! Resources: Connect with and follow Sultan Mehrabi on LinkedIn. Follow Relay Robotics on LinkedIn and explore their website! Connect with and follow Craig Anderson on LinkedIn. Follow BayCare on LinkedIn and explore their website!
August 12 · 12 min
Building the Next Generation of Robotic Surgery with David Fischel, Chairman and CEO of Stereotaxis
What if the next breakthrough in surgical robotics isn't happening in the operating room, but inside the blood vessels? In this episode, David Fischel, Chairman and CEO of Stereotaxis, shares how the company is pioneering robotic endovascular surgery through an integrated platform of robotics, proprietary catheters, and digital technologies. He explains why successful surgical robotics requires an entire ecosystem that seamlessly connects devices, software, imaging, and physician workflows. David also reflects on Stereotaxis' transformation through nearly a decade of investment in research and development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization. Together, we discuss how intelligent robotics could make complex cardiovascular and neurovascular procedures safer, more precise, and more accessible in the years ahead. Tune in to hear how Stereotaxis is redefining robotic intervention, why ecosystem thinking is critical for healthcare innovation, and what the future of intelligent surgery could look like for physicians and patients! Resources: Connect with and follow David Fischel on LinkedIn. Follow Stereotaxis on LinkedIn and explore their website!
August 11 · 9 min
The Rise of Incisionless Surgery: A New Era for Men's Health with Tom Tamberrino, Chief Commercial Officer of Profound Medical
What if prostate cancer could be treated without a single incision, and patients could be home having dinner with their families the very same day? In this episode, Tom Tamberrino, Chief Commercial Officer of Profound Medical, discusses how the company's MRI-guided TULSA-PRO technology is changing prostate treatment through incisionless, minimally invasive procedures. He explains how focused ultrasound, AI-assisted treatment planning, and real-time MRI guidance enable physicians to treat both prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia while allowing patients to return home the same day. Tom also explores how new Medicare reimbursement is making the technology financially viable for urology practices, potentially expanding access to MRI-guided care outside traditional hospital settings. He concludes by highlighting the importance of men's health advocacy and introducing LetsHuddle.org, a community designed to encourage open conversations about prostate health and mental well-being. Tune in to learn how MRI-guided focused ultrasound, AI-assisted treatment planning, and a patient-first approach are redefining prostate care, and why the future of surgery may involve no scalpel at all. Resources: Connect with and follow Tom Tamberrino on LinkedIn. Follow Profound Medical on LinkedIn and explore their website! Discover the Let’s Huddle website!
August 6 · 13 min
AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement for MedTech Expertise with Mike Stuedemann, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at agilityIRL
Move faster without losing focus: why medtech innovation must balance agility, regulation, and patient needs. In this episode, Mike Stuedemann, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at agilityIRL, discusses how medical device companies can use agile techniques to accelerate product development while maintaining FDA compliance. He explores the regulatory challenges surrounding AI-enabled devices, particularly as technologies continue to learn and evolve after launch. Mike also explains how AI can support quality and regulatory teams by identifying potential risks, flagging requirements for review, and reducing manual work without replacing human expertise. Finally, he shares why personalized medicine, responsible data use, and practical applications of "boring AI" can drive more meaningful innovation while keeping accessibility, affordability, and patient outcomes at the center. Tune in to learn how agile development, human oversight, and patient-centered innovation can help medtech companies navigate a rapidly changing industry! Resources: Connect with and follow Mike Stuedemann on LinkedIn. Follow agilityIRL on LinkedIn and explore their website. Listen to the Take5 IRL podcast here.
August 5 · 18 min
ASC Insights: Making Advanced Monitoring More Accessible For Surgery Centers
Advanced patient monitoring becomes more practical for ASCs when innovation is integrated, scalable, and built around real outpatient workflows. In this episode, Blake Tatum, Vice President of US Commercial for Medtronic Acute Care and Monitoring, and Mike Lessick, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Patient Monitoring, and Life Support for Mindray North America, discuss how their expanded partnership is helping ambulatory surgery centers access hospital-level monitoring technology in a simpler, more affordable way. They explain how Medtronic technologies, including Nellcor™ SpO2 monitoring, Microstream™ capnography, BIS™ brain monitoring, and INVOS™ tissue oximetry, can be integrated into Mindray’s ASC-focused monitoring platform. Blake highlights how the partnership reduces complexity, enables faster access to innovation, and provides ASCs with flexible options to scale technology over time. Mike shares how a single integrated platform can reduce cognitive load for clinicians, streamline purchasing and training, and support stronger connectivity with electronic medical records. Tune in to learn how integrated monitoring partnerships can help ASCs improve efficiency, support clinical quality, and prepare for the next wave of outpatient care. Resources: Connect with and follow Blake Tatum on LinkedIn. Follow Medtronic on LinkedIn and discover their website! Follow Mindray on LinkedIn and discover their website!
August 4 · 29 min
When Success Starts to Feel Misaligned: How Leaders Can Recognize Drift and Return to Clarity with Kristi Huber
Burnout often does not happen all at once. For many leaders, it starts with small moments of drift away from their vision, voice, values, and vitality. In this episode, Kristi Huber, Founder of Perspective Shift Consulting, discusses how leaders can recognize and prevent leadership drift before it leads to burnout. Drawing from her own lived experience, she explains why high achievers are especially vulnerable to overcommitting, losing alignment, and operating on autopilot. Kristi introduces the Radical Clarity Compass as a practical framework for helping leaders and teams pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. The conversation explores how greater self-awareness and intentional leadership can create healthier, more sustainable success. Tune in to hear how intentional pauses, clearer priorities, and stronger alignment can help leaders return to clarity, energy, and purpose! Resources: Connect with and follow Kristi Huber on LinkedIn and visit her website. Follow Perspective Shift Consulting on LinkedIn and explore their website.

Showing 21–40 of 54 episodes