Rural hospitals across the U.S. are on the brink—operating with razor-thin margins, workforce shortages, and rising uncompensated care that threaten their survival. In this episode of Healthspark, we break down an award-winning strategy developed by Syracuse University’s first-place Fleming Case Competition team that offers a bold, data-driven blueprint for rural healthcare sustainability.

Drawing on publicly available financial, population health, and broadband data, the team evaluated multiple at-risk rural regions and identified Texas’s Southeast Coastal Corridor as the strongest pilot market for transformation. Their proposed solution, the Wellness and Health Insight Model (WHIM), combines shared digital infrastructure, telehealth-enabled emergency diversion, and targeted patient engagement to reduce avoidable emergency room utilization, lower readmissions, and curb uncompensated care.

The episode explores how WHIM’s regional governance model, interoperable data systems, and five-year financial pro forma translate innovation into measurable impact—projecting more than $8.4 million in cost avoidance while positioning rural hospitals for long-term sustainability beyond federal grant funding.

This conversation is a masterclass in how strategy, technology, and regional collaboration can move rural hospitals from survival to sustainability—and how the next generation of healthcare leaders is already building scalable solutions.

Zhen (Elena) Shi is an MBA candidate at Syracuse University with concentrations in Finance and Supply Chain Management. With a background in agricultural science and applied data analytics, her work has focused on using digital tools to improve productivity and sustainability in rural systems. She brings a strong strategy and operations perspective to healthcare innovation and consulting. 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhen-shi-170666326

Alexandra Perry is a dual M.S. in Biotechnology and MBA student at Syracuse University specializing in the intersection of clinical care, innovation, and business strategy. With hands-on experience as a medical assistant and medical scribe, she brings firsthand insight into patient workflows and healthcare operations. She plans to pursue a career in biotechnology and medical device patent law. 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-perry-1715b7220

Allison Hellman is a dual MBA and Master’s in Biotechnology student at Syracuse University focused on life science consulting and healthcare strategy. A former licensed biology educator and two-time case competition winner, she led the financial modeling and governance design for the Fleming competition–winning rural healthcare strategy. 🔗 http://linkedin.com/in/allison-hellman-6936baa2

Xiaoying Feng is a marketing PhD candidate at Syracuse University whose research examines consumer behavior, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. With prior training in biomedical engineering and experience analyzing large-scale emergency medical services data, she contributed behavioral science and patient engagement insights to the team’s rural healthcare solution. 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaoying-feng-b11a32192/

Celso Perez Mayo is a Master of Business Analytics student at Syracuse University with a background in supply chain management and optimization modeling. His experience spans analytics consulting, cost-performance modeling, and humanitarian logistics, bringing a systems-level perspective to healthcare sustainability challenges. 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/celso-perez-mayo-b46b54262/

Host & Editor: Dr. Ginger Raya Founder of Healthspark and a healthcare strategy leader focused on innovation, systems transformation, and the future of care delivery.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Ortiz-Guzman — scientist, entrepreneur, and systems builder — whose work spans biotechnology, clinical research, environmental innovation, and space technology. As Director of Clinical Research at Rio Grande Urology, Joshua leads groundbreaking cancer research in underserved communities, integrating clinical trials, real-world data, and biomarker discovery.

He is also the founder of Prodigy Cells Labs, developing advanced biobanking and precision medicine platforms; Aurum Tech, engineering microbes for regenerative agriculture, waste transformation, and space-based protective systems; and Minos Life Tech, a consulting firm helping bridge science, business, and policy. His ventures have gained congressional support, SBIR funding, ISS National Lab recognition, and strategic partnerships across government and industry.

We explore Joshua’s journey from advancing gene therapy at Texas Children’s Hospital to building interdisciplinary frameworks that drive real-world solutions for human and planetary health. This conversation is packed with insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of healthcare technology.

🎧 Audio Editor: Keerthi Bhoda

🔗 Connect with Dr. Joshua Ortiz-Guzman: Website: ProdigyCells.com | Aurumbio.tech | Minoslifetech.com Instagram: @joshuaortizguzman Twitter/X: @Jpit3 LinkedIn: Joshua Ortiz-Guzman, PhD

In this episode of Healthspark, we sit down with Ethan Nkana — attorney, MBA, and founder of Rocky Mountain Physician Agency — to talk about why doctors deserve the same contract advocacy as professional athletes. Drawing from his unique path from hospital administration to “talent agent for doctors,” Ethan shares how he helps physicians level the playing field in salary and contract negotiations, the biggest threats he sees to physician autonomy, and where innovation can drive real change in healthcare. Whether you’re a doctor in training or a seasoned physician, this conversation will give you practical insights to protect your value and your future.

Audio Editor: Keerthi Bhoda

📞 Connect with Ethan Nkana: Call/Text: 720.471.0059 📱 Instagram: @physicianagency 📘 Facebook: Ethan Nkana JD MBA 🐦 X (Twitter): Rocky Mountain Physician Agency official account (linked via RMPA.co) 💼 LinkedIn: Ethan Nkana / Rocky Mountain Physician Agency ▶️ YouTube: Rocky Mountain Physician Agency channel (linked via RMPA.co)

💻 Website: RMPA.co

Celeste Nevarez, MC, MPH, LPC-S

Chief of Clinical Services at Emergence Health Network

Celeste Nevarez is a dedicated mental health professional and healthcare leader, currently serving as the Chief of Clinical Services at Emergence Health Network in El Paso, Texas. With over a decade of experience, she has significantly contributed to the mental health sector, particularly in addressing impact of trauma.

Celeste holds a Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Health degree in Healthcare Management from UTHealth Houston. Her dual expertise in counseling and healthcare management allows her to bridge the gap between mental health and healthcare systems, fostering a holistic approach to community well-being.

Celeste is also an accomplished educator, having taught courses in mental health counseling and psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College. Through her work, Celeste continues to champion the importance of public health literacy, accessible mental health services, and the integration of trauma-informed care practices, making a lasting impact on the El Paso community.

Connect with Celeste 💼 LinkedIn: celestenevarezlpcs

https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestenevarezlpcs/

Lead audio editor: Lily Villarreal

A raw, hilarious take on life, leadership, and reinvention! Former hospital CEO Allie Trimble Lozano joins us to share her deeply personal journey—from divorce and career upheaval to self-discovery and empowerment. 🎙️😂

💬 Honest, bold, and inspiring—don’t miss this one! #WomenWhoLead #SelfGrowth #HealthSparkPodcast

Today I’m talking to Allie Trimble Lozano about healthcare leadership, personal growth, and what it really means to lead with authenticity.

Allie is a former CEO of multiple hospitals across Texas, a nurse, and a dedicated mother with over 20 years in healthcare. She rose to executive leadership in her 30s and discovered a deeper calling: building strong teams, fostering connection, and driving meaningful change.

Now an acclaimed author and sought-after speaker, Allie uses humor and honesty to inspire others to embrace resilience, challenge the status quo, and lead with confidence. Through speaking and leadership coaching, she helps women and professionals transform workplace culture and step fully into their leadership potential.

Connect with Allie: 🌐 Website: www.allietrimblelozano.com 📸 Instagram: @allietrimblelozano 💼 LinkedIn: allie-lozano-19351b58

Audio Credits:

Lead audio editor: Richard Martinez

Second editor: Lily Villarreal

⚖️ AI is reshaping healthcare—are the laws keeping up? Lawyer & tech expert Alex Shahrestani breaks down the legal landmines of AI in medicine, from privacy risks to ethical dilemmas. 🎙️🤖 💬 A must-listen for healthcare innovators! #AIinHealthcare #LegalTech #HealthSparkPodcast

Today I am talking to Alex Shahrestani about his innovative work at the intersection of law and technology!

Alex is a multifaceted professional with a robust background in both legal and technological fields, making him a thought leader and advocate for integrating emerging tech into the legal domain. He earned his JD from the University of Texas School of Law, which perfectly complements his deep insight into high-tech issues and complex legal frameworks.

Specializing in data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and the regulatory challenges posed by artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, Alex has dedicated his career to examining how these advancements impact societal norms and legal ethics. He has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between technology and the law, actively contributing to academic and professional discussions on current trends and future directions.

In addition to his influential work behind the scenes, Alex is a dynamic public speaker and educator known for making complex legal and technological concepts accessible to a broad audience. His efforts not only foster dialogue between tech innovators and legal practitioners but also advocate for policies that balance technological progress with essential legal principles.

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/promise.legal

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/promise-legal/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promise.legal/

🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fpromiselegal

🎮 Discord: https://discord.com/invite/vwJpYNHuVb

Audio Credits:

Lead audio editor: Lily Villarreal

Second editor: Richard Martinez

What does it take to lead in healthcare? Former hospital CEO Allie Trimble Lozano shares her journey of running microhospitals, building strong teams, and transforming patient care. 🎙️💼 💬 Get inspired—listen now! #Leadership #HealthcareCEO #HealthSparkPodcast

Today I am talking to Allie Trimble Lozano about her journey in healthcare leadership, personal growth, and empowering others to lead with authenticity!

Allie is a former CEO of multiple hospitals across Texas, a nurse, and a dedicated mother with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Rising to executive leadership in her 30s, she discovered that her true passion lies in building strong teams, fostering connections, and driving meaningful change in the industry.

Now an acclaimed author and sought-after speaker, Allie inspires others to embrace resilience and lead with authenticity. Through her speaking engagements and leadership coaching, she empowers women and industry leaders to cultivate transparency, transform workplace culture, and confidently step into leadership roles.

Connect with Allie: 🌐 Website: www.allietrimblelozano.com 📸 Instagram: @allietrimblelozano 💼 LinkedIn: allie-lozano-19351b58

Audio Credits:

Lead audio editor: Richard Martinez

Second editor: Lily Villarreal

🚀 Generative AI is changing healthcare—are we ready? Former global tech leader and AI strategist Rebecca Gonzalez reveals the risks, rewards, and responsibilities of AI-driven medicine. 🎙️🤯 💬 Tune in for the future of healthcare! #AIRevolution #HealthcareTech #HealthSparkPodcast

Today I am talking to Rebecca Y. Gonzales about her journey in the world of technology and responsible AI!

Rebecca is the Chief Customer Officer at The Cantellus Group, where she helps organizations translate technology into business value and social impact. With a career spanning over two decades in the tech industry, she has a deep expertise in harnessing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence while ensuring ethical and responsible implementation.

Before joining The Cantellus Group, Rebecca was the Global Head of Enablement at the Generative AI Innovation Center at Amazon Web Services. In this role, she led global initiatives focused on leveraging AI to drive innovation and create meaningful solutions for customers worldwide. She has dedicated six years to responsible technology, advising enterprises on how to deploy AI while respecting human rights, mitigating bias, and reducing harm. Her passion lies in empowering others to use AI for positive change.

Rebecca’s career also includes leadership roles at Dell Technologies and Advanced Micro Devices, where she specialized in business development, alliances, and consulting management. She is a sought-after speaker on responsible AI and the impact of technology on marginalized communities. Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from SMU, a Managerial Certificate from McCombs Business School at UT Austin, and Certificates in Responsible AI from both MIT and Harvard.

She and her husband split their time between Austin, TX, and Lisbon, Portugal.

Connect with Rebecca: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaygonzales/Rebecca Y. Gonzales Cantellus Website: https://www.cantellusgroup.com/Cantellus Group

Audio Credits:

Lead audio editor: Lily Villarreal

Second editor: Richard Martinez