AMA STEPS Forward® podcast

Episodes

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  What Matters Beyond the AI Tool: Pearl of the Month 28.10.2026 2m

  Explore the Governance for Augmented Intelligence Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4jzsVaR Explore Mastering AI Governance: Key STEPS for Success: https://bit.ly/3J1whWE Explore Johns Hopkins: An AI Success Story: https://bit.ly/3ITXoDb Explore Navigating AI Governance at The Permanente Medical Group: https://bit.ly/45yo3Op Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Organizations succeeding with AI in healthcare are focusing on governance, not just new use cases. Host Kevin Hopkins MD shares a quick Pearl on how a clear, repeatable processes, with physicians involved at every stage, helps manage AI’s promise and risks and makes decisions easier to scale.
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  REPLAY: How to Move Clinician Well-Being Beyond the Buzzword 21.10.2026 35m

  Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/4wh2r4k Explore the Wellness Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Explore Joy in Medicine® Health System Recognition Program: https://bit.ly/joy-in-med Explore the AMA Organizational Biopsy®: https://bit.ly/ama-org-biopsy Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin What does it actually look like to make clinicians’ well-being a core organizational strategy, not just a buzzword? Heather Spies, MD, MBA, an OBGYN and Physician Director of Clinician Experience at Sanford Health, joins host Kevin Hopkins, MD, to share how a relationship-centered, data-driven approach helped transform clinician satisfaction across one of the largest rural health centers in the country. From leadership development and structured listening programs to AI ambient documentation tools that are giving physicians their time back, Dr. Spies breaks down the intentional strategies that increase intent to stay and decrease burnout.
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  Navigating Litigation Stress: What Every Physician Needs to Know 14.10.2026 46m

  Explore this related episode: You Are Not Alone: How Health Systems Can Support Physicians Through Litigation: https://bit.ly/3SoaZaY Explore the Peer Support Programs for Physicians Toolkit: https://bit.ly/3SRYlk8 Explore AMA Judicial Advocacy Resources: https://bit.ly/4hdQCHb Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Most physicians get no training in what to do if they're named in a malpractice suit, yet the stress it causes is linked to burnout, depression, and even suicide. Host Kevin Hopkins, MD talks with Gita Pensa, MD, an emergency physician and litigation well-being coach about surviving her own 12-year lawsuit and what she now teaches other physicians: why the legal system isn't built to judge the quality of care, practical do’s and don'ts after being named in a suit, and how to stop a lawsuit from defining your identity as a doctor. She also shares insights from her work as a medical advisor on HBO Max’s The Pitt. 
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  From Burnout to Belonging: The Making of a Well-Being Program 07.10.2026 46m

  Explore the Wellness Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Colin West, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic's Medical Director of Employee Well-Being joins host Kevin Hopkins, MD, to trace the origins of Mayo's wellbeing work from a chance conversation during his residency to a program that now spans the entire care team. They discuss why well-being can't be tackled in silos, to how to turn a nebulous concept into measurable action, and practical steps any organization can take to get started, regardless of size or resources.
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  REPLAY: A Blueprint for Health Care Leaders to Support Staff After Physician Suicide 30.09.2026 35m

  The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741. Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/43JSDDn Explore the Preventing Physician Suicide toolkit: https://bit.ly/4bYQpBP Explore the After a Physician Suicide toolkit: https://bit.ly/3yEstFz Explore the Collective Trauma toolkit: https://bit.ly/4c3e9Ff Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin When three colleagues died by suicide within a year, Geisinger didn't just grieve, they built a system. In this AMA STEPS Forward Podcast®, host Kevin Hopkins, MD speaks with Halle Ellison MD, MAS PSHQ, FACS, Director of Physician and APP Well-being, and Stephanie Andreacci, LCSW, Peer Support Program Manager, about the creation and evolution of Geisinger's Personnel Crisis Response Team (PCRT). What started as an effort to coordinate a fragmented, siloed response has grown into a comprehensive, proactive framework with 160 activations in just three years. Dr. Ellison and Stephanie share how they tackled stigma, changed language around suicide, built cross-departmental collaboration, and created a culture where asking for help is not just accepted, but expected.
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  Moral Injury in Medicine: Building Bridges Between Leaders and Frontline Teams 23.09.2026 36m

  Moral Injury in Medicine: Building Bridges Between Leaders and Frontline Teams Listen to the first two episodes in this series: Moral Injury in Medicine: The Frontline, with Wendy Dean, MD: Spotify: https://bit.ly/46wE07E Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4ryMy7T Moral Injury in Medicine: The Leadership Perspective, with Jason Lesadnrini, PhD, FACHE, LPEC, HEC-C: Spotify: https://bit.ly/3V5WMjQ Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4yWqZ3z Explore the webinar with all three guests from this series: https://bit.ly/4hfoR0C Explore the Stress First Aid Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4zwhd9o Explore the Wellness Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Explore Dr. Katherine Meese’s research: Predictors of Perceived Senior Leader Honesty and Integrity: Results from a National Sample of Healthcare Workers: https://www.ovid.com/jnls/jhmonline/abstract/10.1097/jhm-d-24-00139~predictors-of-perceived-senior-leader-honesty-and-integrity?redirectionsource=fulltextview Explore recent AMA research on moral injury: Moral Distress and Occupational Burnout in US Physicians: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2846921#google_vignette Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this final episode of a three-part series on moral injury, host Heather Farley, MD, MHCDS sits down with Katherine Meese, PhD, to discuss the differences in how moral injury is experienced by frontline teams and leadership, and how the trust gap between the two can be bridged. Dr. Meese expands on the “middle management trust gap,” how leaders can unintentionally erode trust by blaming decisions on those above them, and offers practical ways to communicate hard decisions, rebuild trust through apology and forgiveness, and share ownership of a healthier culture.
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  Moral Injury in Medicine: The Leadership Perspective 16.09.2026 37m

  Listen to the other two episodes in this series: Moral Injury in Medicine: The Frontline, with Wendy Dean, MD: https://bit.ly/4exbfMq Moral Injury in Medicine: Building Bridges Between Leaders and Frontline Teams with Katherine Meese, PhD: https://bit.ly/4inpYKY Explore the webinar with all three guests from this series: https://bit.ly/4hfoR0C  Explore the Stress First Aid Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4zwhd9o Explore the Wellness Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Explore Jason Lesandrini’s research on moral injury: Addressing Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Healthcare: Implications for Workforce Well-Being and Systemic Change: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1546084324001706 Explore recent AMA research on moral injury: Moral Distress and Occupational Burnout in US Physicians: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2846921#google_vignette Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this second episode of a three-part series on moral injury, host Heather Farley, MD, MHCDS sits down with Jason Lesandrini PhD, FACHE, LPEC, HEC-C, Assistant Vice President for Ethics, Advance Care Planning and Spiritual Health at Wellstar Health System in Georgia, to talk about how moral injury uniquely affects health care leaders who are often caught between organizational demands and their teams and are expected to execute decisions they privately question. Lesandrini distinguishes between decisions leaders merely disagree with and those that truly violate their values while sharing practical ways leaders can name moral distress early, build ethical workplace cultures, and avoid losing themselves in the process.
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  Moral Injury in Medicine: The Frontline 09.09.2026 35m

  Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/4exbfMq Listen to the next two episodes in this series: Moral Injury in Medicine: The Leadership Perspective, with Jason Lesadnrini, PhD, FACHE, LPEC, HEC-C: https://bit.ly/4inpYKY Moral Injury in Medicine: Building Bridges Between Leaders and Frontline Teams with Katherine Meese, PhD: https://bit.ly/4inpYKY Explore the webinar with all three guests from this series: https://bit.ly/4hfoR0C Explore the Stress First Aid Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4zwhd9o Explore the Wellness Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Explore Wendy Dean’s research on moral injury: Moral Injury in Health Care: A Unified Definition and its Relationship to Burnout: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11468615/ Guidance for Creating Morally Healthy Organizations That Remediate the Experience of Moral Injury in Health Care: Findings From an International e-Delphi Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39663983/ Explore recent AMA research on moral injury: Moral Distress and Occupational Burnout in US Physicians: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2846921#google_vignette Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this first episode of a three-part series, host Heather Farley, MD, MHCDS sits down with Wendy Dean, MD, a moral injury expert, to unpack how the language around moral injury matters, and what happens with health care systems ask clinicians to practice in ways that violate their professional identity and values. From prior authorization battles to restrictive referral policies, they explore the real-world forces driving moral injury and what health systems can do to start to heal the trust gap between clinicians and leadership.
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  REPLAY: A Lifeline for Moms: Providing Whole Person Care in Maternal Health Settings 02.09.2026 27m

  Access the transcript of this episode and claim CME here: https://bit.ly/3Hi0LTO Explore Lifeline for Moms: https://bit.ly/4buiWQI Explore MCPAP for Moms: https://bit.ly/4hbmA3f Explore the Behavioral Health Screening as a Part of Ongoing Care Webinar with Dr. Moore Simas: https://bit.ly/4iuIgbw Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin 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 perinatal health services. She also discusses programs designed to help physicians provide comprehensive, whole-person care to their patients, addressing both physical and mental health needs throughout their perinatal journey.
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  REPLAY: Achieving Physician and APP Wellness with the Best Place to Care Initiative 26.08.2026 30m

  Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/3Su2bAj Explore the AMA Organizational Biopsy®: https://bit.ly/3WVUuSp Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program: https://bit.ly/4hUnJge Explore Creating the Organizational Foundation for Joy in Medicine™: https://bit.ly/4aMYvhL Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin 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).
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  Being Authentic and Vulnerable: Pearl of the Month 19.08.2026 3m

  Access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/4e7KJsK Explore Dr. Jessi Gold's episode, One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine: https://bit.ly/46eX7CR Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this brief episode, host Dr. Kevin Hopkins shares a quick pearl on combating physician isolation. Drawing on insights from Dr. Jessi Gold's episode, he explores how small, honest moments of vulnerability can quietly signal to colleagues that it's okay to struggle out loud. This simple practice can break down the "push through it" culture in medicine and open the door for others to reach out when they need support the most.
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  REPLAY: The Importance of Disconnection 12.08.2026 37m

  Claim CME and access the transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/45o9s7a Explore the Value of Feeling Valued Playbook: https://bit.ly/43BX9Vk Explore the "Real PTO" for Physicians Toolkit: https://bit.ly/4ifGECW Explore the Wellness-Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/4kKpyP9 Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin 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.
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  REPLAY: How Recognition Helps Reduce Physician Burnout 05.08.2026 35m

  Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/4dMNa4W Watch the Human Factors in Health Care webinar: https://bit.ly/3ZBkIKW  Explore the Value of Feeling Valued Playbook: https://bit.ly/4qBbY2x  Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin  In this AMA STEPS Forward® podcast, Kevin Hopkins, MD, speaks with Amanda Deutsch, MD, FACEP, Director of Well-Being in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, about the power of appreciation and recognition in health care. They discuss why feeling valued is critical to reducing physician burnout and improving retention, how leaders can embed recognition into organizational culture, and practical strategies that help care teams feel seen and supported. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and Dr. Deutsch’s experience in physician well-being, this episode offers actionable insights for building more human-centered and engaged health care teams. 
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  Small Workflow Changes Can Make a Big Impact: Pearl of the Month 29.07.2026 3m

  Explore Human-Centered Health CareDesigning Systems for Physician Well-Being: https://bit.ly/3RtC2ku Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin In this brief AMA STEPS Forward® episode, host Kevin Hopkins MD explains why fixing physician burnout means redesigning workflows, not just offering coping tools. He unpacks how cutting unnecessary cognitive load frees up clinicians' time and mental bandwidth for patient care and shares a simple exercise for spotting and fixing small friction points to build momentum for bigger change.
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  REPLAY: Ambient AI in Health Care: Reducing Documentation Burden 22.07.2026 19m

  Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/3QGWMEt Explore the Governance for Augmented Intelligence toolkit: https://bit.ly/3Nf1Eit Follow STEPS Forward® on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Ambient AI is rapidly reshaping how clinicians document care, offering a powerful way to reduce administrative burden without disrupting the patient-physician relationship. In this AMA STEPS Forward® podcast, host Margaret Lozovatsky, MD, FAMIA, is joined by Kristin Jacob, MD, FACP, Medical Director, BeWellMED, and Physician and APP Well-Being at Corewell Health. Together, they explore how ambient AI works in real clinical settings, why Corewell Health decided to pilot the technology, and what it took to scale it from a small primary care pilot to more than 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers. Dr. Jacob also shares candid insights on implementation strategy, clinician adoption, training and support models, and the measurable impact on physician well-being.
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  You Are Not Alone: How Health Systems Can Support Physicians Through Litigation 15.07.2026 32m

  Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/3SoaZaY Explore the Peer Support Programs for Physicians Toolkit: https://bit.ly/3SRYlk8 Explore AMA Judicial Advocacy Resources: https://bit.ly/4hdQCHb Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Nearly one in three physicians will face a malpractice lawsuit during their career, yet the emotional burden is rarely talked about. In this episode, host Kevin Hopkins, MD, speaks with Ami Shah, MD, and Eve Poczatek, MBA, SPHR, from Rush University System for Health about the culture of silence surrounding litigation, and the lasting psychological and physical toll it takes on physicians. They share how Rush has built a proactive support model that includes early institutional outreach, peer support, and financial protection during trial, ensuring no physician has to carry that weight alone.
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  REPLAY: The Importance of Physician Mentoring 08.07.2026 17m

  Claim CME and access the transcript of this episode here: http://bit.ly/4nZx9KL Learn more about the Private Practice Physicians Section (PPPS): https://bit.ly/4gOv69c Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin 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
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  Changing the Culture: How One Ohio Community is Normalizing Physician Mental Health 01.07.2026 35m

  Claim CME and access the transcript for this episode: https://bit.ly/45Am4so Explore the Wellness-Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin When pediatrician and CMO Rob McGregor, MD surveyed his physicians and found that nearly half were at risk of or already experiencing burnout, he did something unusual: he cold-called a psychiatrist he’d never met. Joseph Varley, MD answered that call, which led to the formation of the Akron Physician Wellness Initiative (APWI), a free, confidential, no insurance mental health service built specifically for physicians. In this episode, Dr. McGregor and co-founder Dr. Varley join host Kevin Hopkins, MD, to share how they turned a bold idea into a thriving program.
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  Building a Culture of Wellness: Pearl of the Month 24.06.2026 3m

  Explore the Wellness-Centered Leadership Playbook: https://bit.ly/3P6Xlab Explore The Value of Feeling Valued Playbook: https://bit.ly/4qBbY2x Follow STEPS Forward on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/steps-forward-linkedin Physician burnout won't improve until organizations close the gap between what physicians need and what they actually receive. In this short episode, Dr. Kevin Hopkins shares four evidence-based strategies that help physicians feel valued: flexible scheduling, genuinely protected time off, investment in professional development, and meaningful support after traumatic events. Together, these practices build a culture where physicians and their patients can truly thrive.
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  REPLAY: A Blueprint for Difficult Conversations 17.06.2026 25m

  Access the transcript: https://bit.ly/4xwNiwx Learn more about Marlene’s resources: https://marlenechism.com/ Dr. Kevin Taylor, internal medicine physician and professional coach, and Marlene Chism, a consultant, trainer, professional speaker, and author of the recently published book, From Conflict to Courage, outline a blueprint to guide leaders through difficult conversations and workplace conflict.