HC3 Podcast

In this episode of the HC3 podcast, we are proud to feature A.J. Wilhelmi, the President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA). Since taking on this role in 2016, A.J. has been instrumental in representing hospitals and health systems across the state of Illinois. With a strong background in both government relations and law, he has supported and championed significant legislative achievements, including the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In addition to discussing some of A.J.’s personal contributions to the health care landscape, we explore how IHA has tackled major challenges and achieved substantial progress in areas such as COVID-19 response, health equity, and improving health care quality and access statewide. A.J. also shares insights into the legislative impacts on hospitals and health systems and previews IHA's future advocacy efforts to continue enhancing health services and outcomes across Illinois. A.J. Wilhelmi became the President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) on January 1, 2016. IHA, with offices in Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, and Washington D.C., represents over 200 hospitals and health systems, advocating for a sustainable, patient-focused healthcare system.Previously, Wilhelmi served as IHA's Chief Government Relations Officer from 2012 to 2015, directing IHA's state and federal advocacy and policy agendas. During that time, IHA achieved major advocacy accomplishments, including landmark legislation on hospital tax exemption, Medicaid expansion, and securing ACA access payments.Wilhelmi is enhancing IHA's ability to meet the needs of its members, collaborating with state leaders and stakeholders to support patients and the state's healthcare system.Wilhelmi graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago in 1990 with a BA in English, and from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1993. He practiced law with the McKeown Law Firm, specializing in real estate and business law, before joining Murer Consultants, Inc. as a senior consultant and later Vice President.In January 2005, Wilhelmi was appointed to the Illinois Senate, representing the 43rd Senate District. He was re-elected in 2006 and 2010. He served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee, among other roles.Wilhelmi has been involved in community service in Will County, co-sponsoring the 13th Will County Habitat for Humanity home and serving in various roles for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.Born and raised in Joliet, IL, Wilhelmi resides there with his wife, Michelle, and their three daughters. Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3  This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com  Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategies For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.  

In this special Pride Month episode of the HC3 Podcast, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld reflects on the conclusion of his tenure as AMA president, his remarkable career and leadership experiences, and the personal values driving his sense of purpose for change in health care. A nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals, Dr. Ehrenfeld made history as the AMA’s first openly gay president. His unwavering commitment to health equity and equality has earned him numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to research and advocacy.  Resources from the AMA mentioned in this episode:   Pulse oximeter background AMA Ed Hub AMA Center for Health Equity   Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH Bio: Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld was inaugurated as president of the American Medical Association (AMA) in June 2023, marking a historic moment as the first openly gay president of the organization. He is a senior associate dean, tenured professor of anesthesiology, and director of the "Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment" at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Ehrenfeld has been a member of the AMA Board of Trustees since 2014.  Balancing a multifaceted career, Dr. Ehrenfeld dedicates his time to clinical practice, teaching, research, and overseeing a $560-million statewide health philanthropy. He holds adjunct professorships in anesthesiology and health policy at Vanderbilt University and in surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. His expertise is further recognized through his role as a consultant to the World Health Organization's Digital Health Technical Advisory Group, and his previous positions as co-chair of the Navy Surgeon General’s Taskforce on Personalized and Digital Medicine, and special advisor to the 20th U.S. Surgeon General.  With over 275 peer-reviewed publications and 22 clinical textbooks to his name, Dr. Ehrenfeld is a prolific contributor to medical literature. He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Medical Systems and has received numerous awards for his research and teaching excellence. In recognition of his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and research, he received the inaugural Sexual and Gender Minority Research Investigator Award from the NIH in 2018.  A combat veteran, Dr. Ehrenfeld served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and the Resolute Support Mission. His work documenting and supporting LGBTQ+ lives earned him a White House News Photographers Association award in 2015 and an Emmy nomination in 2016. Dr. Ehrenfeld and his husband, Judd Taback, are proud parents of two children.  Follow HC3 on LinkedIn This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies, a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com  Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedInFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

In this edition of the HC3 Podcast, we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month by examining the lasting challenges surrounding access and the obstacles impeding the advancement of advocacy and well-informed policies for mental health services.Our guest for this episode is Jud DeLoss, an experienced health care attorney who currently heads the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH). With a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, he shares valuable perspectives on the intricate landscape of mental health and substance abuse regulations, legal protections for individuals experiencing mental health crises, and the advocacy endeavors shaping our state's mental health infrastructure.Gerald (Jud) DeLoss practiced health law for 25 years before accepting the position of Chief Executive Officer of IABH in 2020.In 2012, Jud began as the Deputy General Counsel, and in 2015, he became General Counsel of IABH. He has touched all facets of the organization, including helping to navigate the Association's successful, two-year transition from the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association to IABH in June 2016.While with IABH, Jud drafted State legislation that eliminated prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment, mental health parity, anti-deceptive treatment marketing, and more. Jud has special expertise in Medicaid, grant funding, commercial insurance, and managed care. Jud also drafted proposed State legislation that would establish Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) to support his clients’ positions. Jud has developed a unique understanding and experience with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and Illinois Parity Law.During his legal career, Jud represented behavioral health care providers, health information technology (HIT) solution providers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), physicians, hospitals, and research organizations, as well as industry trade and professional associations.Jud has testified before the United States House of Representatives, Energy and Commerce Committee as a subject matter expert on 42 C.F.R. Part 2, the federal regulations governing the confidentiality of substance use disorder information. He has also served as an expert witness in court proceedings. Jud has written articles and presented on health law issues nationally and internationally, including on health information privacy and security and other compliance matters. His peers at the American Health Law Association (AHLA) have recognized him nationally as a leading behavioral healthcare attorney.Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon. THS is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com Follow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

In this edition of the HC3 Podcast, we dive into the intricate challenges at the crossroads of access to quality health care and public health, particularly as they shape the future of health in Chicago and Illinois. The interplay between health care access and public health is profound, with disparities in one realm often compounding issues in the other. As we gaze into the future of health in Chicago and Illinois, addressing these intertwined challenges becomes paramount Joining us in this episode is Dr. Ngozi Ezike, a distinguished health care leader who has firsthand experience navigating these complexities. Dr. Ezike’s insights will shed light on the intersection of health care access and public health, influencing the path of health outcomes in our communities.Dr. Ngozi Ezike began serving as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sinai Chicago, the largest private safety net health system in the state of Illinois, in June 2022. Dr. Ezike is the immediate past Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), where she valiantly navigated the state through the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Ezike is a board-certified internist and pediatrician, who worked at Cook County Health, serving for more than 15 years in various direct patient care and administrative roles, including medical directorships at the Austin Health Center and the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. She also delivered inpatient care at Stroger Hospital and primary and preventive care in community and school-based clinics.Dr. Ezike is a nationally recognized healthcare and public health leader fueled with passion for health equity. In addition to her degrees from Harvard University and the University of California – San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Ezike holds honorary doctorates from Knox College, Southern Illinois University, and Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine. She earned a business management certificate from Harvard Business School.Dr. Ezike is the recipient of dozens of awards and accolades including the 55th Annual Harvard Club of Chicago Award, the Lester H. McKeever Individual Service Award from the Chicago Urban League, Motorola Civic Service Award, the Jane Addams Medal of Freedom, and USA Today’s Inaugural Women of the Year Award for the State of Illinois.An advocate for promoting self-care and healthy living, particularly in challenging times, Dr. Ezike loves spending time with her husband and four children, playing tennis, and traveling.Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

For Women's History Month, we explore the often-overlooked issue of women's reproductive health. Despite societal progress, just 2% of medical research funding addresses this crucial area, revealing a significant gap requiring urgent attention. Since the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling nearly two years ago, the Supreme Court revoked reproductive freedom, a protected right. While Chicago and Illinois have enacted progressive policies, challenges like access barriers and high maternal-child mortality persist. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kai Tao, a leading public health advocate in women's reproductive health. As co-founder of ICAN! and a certified nurse midwife, Dr. Tao brings extensive clinical and leadership experience. Together, we explore contraception access, pregnancy, and infertility treatments, fostering a comprehensive understanding of this vital topic. Kai Tao, ND, MPH, CNM, Co-Founder and Principal, Impact and Innovation, ICAN! (Illinois Contraceptive Access Now) Bio: Dr. Kai Tao has extensive experience in women’s health programs and clinical operations, opening a birth center for underserved women in Arizona and leading a midwifery group at Erie Family Health Center.  For the last 18 years, she has been on faculty with Northwestern School of Medicine, working clinically per diem at Prentice Women’s Hospital. Kai also served as VP of Clinical Operations and Associate Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, where she oversaw 17 health centers, the Quality Assurance Department, Community Education, and started male services including vasectomies. In 2013, she was a Senior Policy Advisor to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Director. Kai is the co-author of the Illinois Family Planning Action Plan – a multi-pronged approach to advance contraceptive equity with the goal of supporting all people to get the care they need to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to be pregnant. She co-founded ICAN! in 2021 to support accessing high-quality birth control without financial barriers. She also served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Program Officer for the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Kai received her Master of Science and Doctorate of Nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and her Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

Illinois is frequently regarded as a stronghold for promoting and enhancing health care access. The state’s commitment to fostering health care access is evident through progressive initiatives and legislation, creating a secure environment for diverse populations. This commitment extends to immigrants, women’s reproductive health, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and equitable care for diverse communities. Despite these efforts, the ongoing economic instability and the phasing out of various COVID-19 emergency relief funding sources pose challenges for the state and the health care ecosystem as they chart a course ahead.In this installment of the HC3 Podcast, HC3 collaborated with Nixon Peabody LLP for a live discussion recorded on January 25 addressing the Future of Health In Illinois.Opening Remarks: David Smith, Co-Founder, HC3 and Founder and CEO, Third Horizon StrategiesKeynote Address: Grace Hou, Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services, State of Illinois (Confirmed)Moderator: April E. Schweitzer, Partner, Nixon Peabody (Confirmed)Featured Panelists:Kristen Schultz, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, Planned Parenthood of IllinoisSteph Willding, CEO, CommunityHealthMichael Ziri, Director of Policy, Equality Illinois---Views and opinions expressed are solely those of the individual speakers and do not reflect HC3's positions or policies. Furthermore, the episode contains discussions and references to stories that may be triggering, so we advise listening at your own discretion. If there are young adults or children nearby, please be mindful that some of the topics or content may not be suitable.---Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shapingthe future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

In our latest HC3 Podcast episode, we welcome the new year with a distinguished guest, Dr. Allison Arwady, a celebrated figure in public health. Known for her crucial role and resilience during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Arwady’s impact on the field is extraordinary.Dr. Arwady’s notable career journey, from her previous position as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health to her current role as Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC, highlights her dedication and innovative spirit. Her tenure at the Chicago Department of Public Health, beginning in 2015 and culminating in her appointment as Commissioner in January 2020, was marked by her effective management of key public health areas, including disease control, environmental health, emergency preparedness, and behavioral health, tackling challenges from disease outbreaks to substance misuse. Her leadership was particularly significant during Chicago’s intense battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode offers an in-depth look at Dr. Arwady’s impressive career, her major achievements, and her perspective on the future of public health.Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a heightened awareness and emphasis on the significance of health equity and the equitable distribution of health care resources and opportunities for individuals, irrespective of their social or economic standing.The pandemic has brought existing health disparities into sharp focus, exacerbating them and prompting concerted efforts to address these inequities and enhance overall health outcomes for vulnerable and marginalized communities.In this installment of the HC3 Podcast, Co-host David Smith leads a live discussion recorded on December 7 at the Illinois Medical District (IMD). The conversation highlights local leaders at the forefront of pioneering initiatives aimed at tackling disparities and promoting a more equitable health care system for all.Featured Guests:Juana Ballesteros, BSN RN MPH, Director, Equitable Alliances, AMA (American Medical Association)Rushil Desai, CEO, Aetna Better Health of IllinoisAli Khan, MD, MPP Chief Medical Officer – Value-Based Care Strategy, Oak Street HealthNgozi Ogbunamiri Ezike, MD, President and CEO, Sinai ChicagoFollow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

Medicaid, a government-funded health insurance program in Illinois, covers about 3.9 million people, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. While playing a vital role in extending health care coverage to those who may struggle with affordability, questions arise about its effectiveness in fulfilling its commitment to our communities.In this HC3 podcast episode, hosts David Smith and Meghan Phillipp converse with Doug Elwell, acknowledged as a leading Medicaid expert in Illinois. Serving as the CEO of HMA (Health Management Associates), a prominent health care consulting and research firm in the U.S., Doug draws on extensive experience from various roles in both the public and private sectors. Driven by a deep passion and personal insights, Doug actively contributes to innovative thinking within the health care field.Follow HC3 on X (formerly Twitter) @HC3Chicago and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com Follow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.