Trusted Health Systems Experts

Nia Rennix is a humanitarian leader, food systems architect, and social impact founder reshaping how communities experience dignity-centered food access. As CEO of The Rennix Weigh Group and creator of HungerDash™, she designs modern, trauma-free food systems that restore choice, reduce stigma, and bring culturally meaningful nourishment to families who have been historically overlooked. With 17+ years of experience across clinical nutrition, public health, and community mobilization, Nia has led large-scale food access redesigns, advised organizations on dignity-centered system transformation, and mobilized cross-sector partnerships that strengthen resilience across diverse regions. Her work bridges humanitarian leadership, system design, and community voice—creating models that blend compassion, innovation, and cultural understanding to generate long-term, community-wide impact.

Dr. Ricardo Abraham is an internal medicine physician with firsthand experience managing the operational challenges of running a busy medical practice. While leading his own internal medicine clinic, he encountered the growing administrative burden faced by many healthcare providers, including patient scheduling, insurance verification, and front desk coordination. To address these challenges, he built a remote administrative support team that helped streamline clinic operations and reduce the workload on in-house staff. The approach significantly improved workflow efficiency and allowed the practice to focus more on patient care. Based on this experience, Dr. Abraham co-founded Medical Staff Relief, a company that helps healthcare practices across the United States improve operational efficiency through trained virtual administrative staff. He regularly provides insights on medical practice management, healthcare staffing shortages, and strategies clinics can use to reduce administrative burden while maintaining high standards of patient service.

Olusegun "Ish" Ishmael, MD, MBA, FACHE, is a physician executive and health-tech founder with 20+ years of C-suite leadership across safety-net health systems and Medicaid managed care, with a track record of translating strategy into measurable operational and clinical results. Most recently, he served as System Chief Operating Officer & Hospital President at MetroHealth (Cleveland), leading day-to-day operations for a $1.9B system with 8,000+ employees across multiple hospitals and 32 outpatient sites, driving $400M+ revenue growth, improving ED throughput and capacity, strengthening care management, and elevating patient experience. Previously at Sinai Health System (Chicago), he reduced ED boarding by a third and cut surgery cancellations in half through flow redesign, capacity optimization, and execution discipline. He has also led within Medicaid health plans with P&L accountability, improving medical cost performance while advancing outcomes and access. He is the CEO/Founder of MIRA Health, building a digital prevention and medication-adherence companion (with patented technology) designed to improve health outcomes, especially for people disadvantaged by socioeconomic barriers. An immigrant (came to the States at 5) physician-leader, he brings a practical, lived understanding of how systems can widen, or close, opportunity gaps, and he focuses his work on scalable solutions that make care simpler, more consistent, and more equitable. Topics I can speak on (expertise): ED throughput & capacity management; care management; patient experience; safety-net strategy; Medicaid policy/managed care; value-based care; health equity/SDOH; clinical leadership; workforce engagement and culture; digital health adoption; startup building; business growth; minority health issues; immigrant life; and executive leadership.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

I am the COO of Medical Staff Relief, a company that provides trained virtual medical assistants and administrative support to healthcare practices across the United States. I work closely with medical clinics to improve front desk operations, patient scheduling, insurance verification, and overall practice efficiency through remote healthcare teams. My experience focuses on healthcare operations, medical practice management, and the growing role of virtual staffing in addressing workforce shortages in the healthcare industry. I regularly analyze how clinics can streamline administrative workflows, reduce operational costs, and maintain high patient service standards. I can provide insights on topics such as healthcare staffing shortages, medical office operations, outsourcing administrative tasks in healthcare, and the impact of remote teams and AI tools on medical practice management.

Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, MD, MBA, MPA, MS, FAAFP, CPE, is a West Point graduate, certified physician executive, and global healthcare leader with over two decades of leadership experience across more than 120 countries. In addition to his medical degree, he holds four master’s degrees and two professional fellowships. During his distinguished career in the U.S. Army, Dr. Hoedebecke was selected by the Surgeon General as the U.S. Army Physician of the Year in 2017. Following his military service, he became the first Utilization Management Medical Director at Oscar Health, where he built and led a dynamic team that helped guide the company’s successful public offering in 2021. Today, Dr. Hoedebecke serves as the Managing Partner of 1836 Ventures, investing in innovative healthcare technologies that improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce costs. He is also a Clinical Advisor at Alpas Virginia (NOVA), where he supports the integration of evidence-based medical care and advanced treatment models to optimize patient recovery and well-being.

I’m passionate about redefining what modern healthcare can look like. After graduating with my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Auckland, I wanted to combine clinical medicine with innovation, which led me to create Selfcaremen, a fast-growing men’s health platform now operating across New Zealand and Australia. My goal has always been to make preventative healthcare more accessible, engaging, and relevant for men, blending strong clinical standards with a fresh, modern approach.Alongside building Selfcaremen, I continue to invest heavily in my own training and development. I work as an Occupational Medicine Physician and RACP/AFOEM Registrar with Sonic Healthcare in Melbourne, where I’m undertaking specialist training with The Royal Australasian College of Physicians in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2025–2029). I’ve also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Medicine from the University of Otago and hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Health. This background allows me to bring a practical, well-rounded perspective to healthcare, sitting at the intersection of clinical work, workplace health, and entrepreneurship.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Payorology, I help medical practices optimize their payor contract negotiations by leveraging price transparency data. Our work uncovers significant revenue opportunities by analyzing the current contracted rates of local peer practices, providing healthcare providers with actionable insights for successful negotiations. Previously, I served as EVP of Partnerships at Chegg, Inc., where I led business development and sales initiatives across multiple business lines, and held leadership roles at Yahoo! and LivingSocial. My experience spans interactive media, sales, and marketing, with a track record of driving growth and innovation. Outside of work, I served on the Board of Directors for The Advertising Council, Inc., contributing to impactful public service campaigns. I hold bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture from the University of Florida. With a passion for supporting healthcare providers and a strong foundation in sales and marketing, I lead Payorology in delivering value-driven solutions that empower medical practices to thrive.

I am the founder of FASTOME, an international eCommerce company specialized in environmental health systems for both private households and professional environments. We design, source, and distribute advanced solutions in water purification, ozone generation for air and water, hydrogen water technology, indoor air purification, and sleep infrastructure including ergonomic mattresses, vacuum-compressed toppers, and adjustable bed systems. Our focus goes beyond retail. We work with individual consumers, businesses, clinics, rental properties, and hospitality operators who require reliable environmental and wellness solutions that perform consistently over time. Environmental health is not a trend. It is infrastructure. Clean water, breathable indoor air, and restorative sleep form the foundation of productivity, recovery, and long-term well-being. Operating internationally, we manage cross-border logistics for technical products that require precision: voltage compatibility, certifications, dimensional accuracy, reinforced packaging, vacuum-compression systems for optimized transport, and specialized carriers for heavy or adjustable sleep structures. Mattresses and toppers are vacuum-packed to optimize logistics efficiency and product integrity. Adjustable bases, while not compressible, are reinforced and shipped through selected specialized carriers. For larger shipments or distant markets, we coordinate freight forwarders and customs agents to ensure operational continuity and cost control. In our sector, returns are rarely a marketing issue. They are usually a specification issue. That is why clarity in measurements, technical details, and real-world compatibility is central to our strategy. At FASTOME, we combine environmental technology, sleep science, and international operational expertise to deliver systems that improve how people live, work, rest, and recover — in both residential and professional settings. I contribute insights on environmental purification technologies, ozone applications, hydrogen water systems, sleep ergonomics, product specification strategy, and the operational realities of global physical eCommerce.

Richard Brown Jr., MBA, is a U.S. Army Veteran, healthcare entrepreneur, and founder of Essential Living Support, LLC — a veteran-owned, home-based care organization in Cheyenne, Wyoming. With more than a decade of experience in healthcare administration, direct support, and community-based services, Richard specializes in providing high-quality residential and in-home care for Veterans and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His work is grounded in dignity, independence, and person-centered support, ensuring every individual receives the same respect and compassion he once provided as a soldier caring for his team. Richard holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management, which equip him with expertise in clinical operations, leadership, and regulatory compliance. His career includes service with the Department of Child Protective Services, support roles in the Microsoft Data Center, and extensive experience as a Shared Home Provider under the Wyoming DD Waiver. He also operates a VA-approved Medical Foster Home, delivering 24/7 care, medication administration, life-skills development, and community integration services from a family-style residential setting. Guided by a mission to elevate the standard of care for vulnerable populations, Richard blends business strategy with hands-on service. He actively collaborates with local organizations, veteran networks, and disability advocates to expand access to high-quality support programs in Wyoming. His leadership reflects integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to strengthening the lives of others through meaningful connection, structured support, and community inclusion. Richard’s long-term vision is to scale Essential Living Support into a recognized model of compassionate care — where Veterans and individuals with disabilities are not just housed, but empowered to live with purpose, safety, and belonging.

Dr. Saravanan Thangarajan is a global climate, health, and equity governance advisor focused on how heat, air pollution, and resource insecurity shape health outcomes in climate vulnerable settings. His work connects policy, financing, and frontline service delivery, with a strong emphasis on maternal health, mental health, and community resilience. Trained in dentistry, health administration, and global health delivery, he brings operational and systems experience across public health programs and digital health infrastructure. He provides clear, quote ready insights on climate adaptation for health systems, equity centered governance, and implementation pathways that move evidence into action.

Brian is the Chief AI Officer at Health-Vision.AI, LLC, where he leads responsible AI implementation and develops ethical AI, security, and governance frameworks for healthcare and life sciences organizations in the US and EU. He is also the founder of Envision-Health.AI and creator of HealthRoundsAI, a platform that helps future clinicians use AI ethically and communicate more effectively with patients. With decades of public- and private-sector experience in health tech, AI strategy, data governance, and digital innovation, Brian is a recognized thought leader on AI ethics, AI governance, and the societal impacts of AI in healthcare. He also serves as an adjunct instructor in social sciences and AI ethics and has published in JMIR, Public Health Reports, and the Journal of Community Health.

Sridhar Rangu is a Senior Program Manager and enterprise digital transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering complex, high-impact technology initiatives across healthcare, automotive, and enterprise IT environments. He is recognized for leading large-scale programs that modernize legacy systems, improve operational efficiency, and align technology execution with broader business strategy. His expertise spans digital transformation, AI-enabled automation, cloud modernization, enterprise architecture alignment, infrastructure transformation, program governance, and cross-functional delivery leadership. In his current work supporting CVS Health through XSell Resources, Sridhar contributes to strategic initiatives involving enterprise delivery, cloud and infrastructure modernization, automation-driven process improvement, and large-scale transformation planning within one of the nation’s most complex healthcare environments. Throughout his career, Sridhar has built a reputation for managing enterprise-critical programs that require coordination across business, technology, and executive stakeholders. He has successfully led initiatives involving multimillion-dollar program portfolios, modernization of business-critical platforms, process optimization, vendor coordination, and governance structures that improve execution at scale. His work is distinguished by its focus on measurable impact, long-term scalability, and the ability to translate complex technical efforts into business value. Media and industry audiences may find Sridhar particularly valuable as a source on enterprise digital transformation, AI adoption in business operations, cloud migration strategy, healthcare technology modernization, leadership in large-scale IT programs, and the operational realities of managing transformation in highly complex organizations. He is especially well positioned to comment on how enterprises can modernize responsibly while balancing innovation, governance, speed, and stakeholder alignment. What distinguishes Sridhar is his combination of strategic vision, execution discipline, and deep experience navigating large organizational environments where transformation must be both technically sound and operationally sustainable. His perspective is grounded not in theory alone, but in years of hands-on leadership across enterprise programs that shape how organizations adopt technology, improve resilience, and deliver results at scale.

With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, I am passionate about creating positive social impact and system change through collaboration, strategy, and innovation. As the CEO of HealthForce Partners California, I lead a cross-sector, multi-regional, non-profit partnership that connects healthcare, education, and workforce development to mitigate workforce shortages and build career opportunities in the regions we serve.

I am the co-founder of PRIVAWELL, a Swiss private health vault designed for globally mobile families. My work focuses on one core problem: medical continuity across borders. Families today often live between countries, but their health records remain fragmented across systems, languages, and providers. When it matters most, during a doctor visit, relocation, or emergency, this information is rarely structured or immediately accessible. PRIVAWELL gives families a private, structured archive of their medical history that is portable, doctor-ready, and fully under their control. The system allows families to consolidate records, scan documents, and generate clear medical summaries for any appointment, without relying on fragmented hospital portals or disconnected tools. My background is in building structured digital systems with a focus on clarity, privacy, and real-world usability. Today, I work at the intersection of healthcare, international mobility, and personal data ownership, helping families stay prepared across countries, years, and changing medical environments.

Dr. Pietro Emanuele Garbelli (“Dr Garbelli”) is a UK-based physician, healthcare strategist and MedTech advisor focused on assisting healthcare leaders and organisations adopt, navigate, and implement AI/robotics and healthcare automation safely, ethically and at scale. Working at the intersection of clinical practice, technology and executive decision-making, he supports boards, executive teams and MedTech leaders to turn innovation into measurable improvements in patient outcomes, workforce sustainability and operational performance. Dr Garbelli is the creator of the Healthcare Convergence Framework™ (HCF), a practical approach that helps organisations assess AI/Robotics readiness, align leadership priorities and design future-ready care pathways without disrupting frontline delivery. His work typically spans AI and robotics strategy, governance and risk management, clinical adoption and change leadership—ensuring that new technologies strengthen trust, accountability and safety in real-world conditions. As a keynote speaker and author, Dr Garbelli translates complex topics such as AI governance, clinical safety, ethics and system transformation into clear, actionable insights for senior audiences. He is the author of The Doctor’s Future and The Doctor’s Voice, and contributes thought leadership on how medicine is being reshaped by digital transformation and emerging technologies. Known for a pragmatic, clinician-led perspective, Dr Garbelli helps leaders navigate high-stakes decisions such as build-versus-buy, pilot design, evaluation and scaling across multiple sites. His mission is to purposefully transform the future of medicine—one organisation, strategy and physician at a time—with confidence.

Dr. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at North Dakota State University, internationally recognized for his pioneering work at the intersection of digital epidemiology, pharmacovigilance, and artificial intelligence. His research harnesses advanced statistical modeling and AI to track and predict health behaviors, medication safety, and disease patterns in real time—bridging traditional epidemiology with next-generation digital health analytics. Dr. Bhagavathula has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Annals of Epidemiology, JAMA Network Open, and Lancet Digital Health. His work has been widely cited and featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, where he discussed the real-world safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro). Recognized among the Stanford–Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists (2019–2024) and elected as a Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology, Dr. Bhagavathula is known for translating complex data into actionable insights that shape public health policy and clinical practice. His ongoing projects include NIH- and NSF-aligned initiatives on AI-powered overdose forecasting, digital twins for public health, and real-world drug safety surveillance using explainable machine learning. With a decade of experience spanning more than two dozen countries and collaborations with organizations such as WHO, USAID, and UNICEF, Dr. Bhagavathula brings a global, data-driven, and human-centered approach to solving modern health crises.

I serve as Group Vice President of HealthStaffingGroup, a healthcare workforce division focused on helping hospitals and healthcare organizations navigate complex staffing and leadership challenges. My work centers on workforce strategy, leadership hiring, retention, and long-term staffing stability in high-demand healthcare environments. With experience supporting healthcare systems across the country, I regularly work with executives, administrators, and clinical leaders to address issues such as nursing shortages, physician recruitment, workforce burnout, and succession planning. I’m particularly interested in how leadership decisions, operational design, and workforce planning directly influence patient outcomes and organizational resilience. Over the years, I’ve seen that staffing challenges are rarely isolated hiring problems; they are strategic issues tied to leadership development, workload design, and long-term workforce sustainability. I often speak on healthcare leadership trends, retention strategies, and the evolving talent landscape within hospitals, clinics, and specialty care environments. My perspective combines frontline workforce realities with executive-level strategy, offering insight into how healthcare organizations can build stable, high-performing teams in an increasingly complex care environment.

My career in healthcare leadership has evolved to a dynamic intersection of clinical excellence and operational optimization as a Nurse Executive. Leveraging a PhD in Nursing Administration and a rich background as a nurse leader, I specialize in transforming healthcare for administrators and frontline staff alike. The mission to elevate patient care through innovation and strategic relationships guides my approach. My career has spanned multiple areas of expertise from adult critical care, emergency services (hospital and non hospital based), and pediatrics. I am uniquely positioned to provide guidance in hospital operations, reimbursement, staffing, engagement, and retention in a constantly pivoting economic and political climate.

Specialties: Population Health, Care Management, Accountable Care Organizations, Sustainable Health Communities, Provider Engagement, Product Development, Business & Health Care Strategy, Product Sales Support, Business Process Management, Telemedicine, Healthcare Information Technology, Operations, Physician Engagement, Clinical Redesign, Patient Flow, Wellness, Strategy, Patient Centered Medical Home, Health Policy, Managed Care, Medicaid, Medicare, Regulatory, Boards, Governance, Public Sector, Public Health, Analytics. Leadership Development and Nursing