Connected By Health

About Connected By Health

Connected by Health is a modern healthcare podcast hosted by Krishna Vedala, MD, MPH, MBA, CPE—a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine physician, healthcare executive, and innovation leader based in Oklahoma City. This show explores the intersection of clinical medicine, physician leadership, healthcare operations, AI in healthcare, and data-driven decision-making; all with one goal: creating more connected, effective, and human-centered care. Each episode features conversations with physicians, healthcare executives, innovators, and system leaders on: - Internal Medicine & Obesity Medicine - AI in Healthcare & Health Data Management - Physician Leadership & Practice Management - Healthcare Finance, Business Intelligence & Quality Improvement - Operational Excellence & Lean Six Sigma in healthcare Dr. Vedala brings a rare blend of frontline clinical experience, executive leadership training, and systems-level thinking, helping listeners bridge the gap between medicine, leadership, and innovation. 🎧 Connected by Health is for physicians, healthcare leaders, administrators, and anyone committed to building the future of healthcare together. Connect with Dr. Krishna Vedala 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkvedala

Publisher

Krishna Vedala, MD

Category

health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Mar 2026

Latest episode

28 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

50 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Oct 2026

   #44 - Essential to Care: The Role of International Medical Graduates in U.S. Healthcare

   In this episode of Connected by Health, host Krishna Vedala speaks with Dr. Farzana Hoque, an internationally recognized physician leader and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Saint Louis University. They discuss the contributions of international medical graduates (IMGs) and the challenges they face as they pursue residency and careers in the United States. Dr. Hoque identifies three common barriers for IMGs: unfamiliarity with the U.S. healthcare system and its workflows, limited experience with electronic medical records, and lack of structured mentorship. She also highlights strengths many IMGs bring, including extensive clinical experience, persistence, adaptability, and a strong commitment to serving patients. The conversation explores how immigration and visa policies can affect IMG recruitment and retention, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The speakers emphasize that IMGs are an important part of the U.S. physician workforce and help care for populations that often have limited access to healthcare. They also contribute as educators and mentors, supporting the development of future physicians. Dr. Hoque discusses the demands of the U.S. medical licensing exams and the added pressures IMGs may face, including exam costs, family responsibilities, and competing for residency positions. She suggests practical ways institutions and policymakers could offer support, such as structured clinical orientation opportunities, clearer pathways to gain U.S. clinical experience, and thoughtful review of visa barriers. For prospective IMG applicants, Dr. Hoque recommends starting early, treating one's accent and cultural background as strengths, and finding a mentor who can guide exam preparation and help build a competitive application. Her central message is that IMGs bring valuable skills and perspectives; with meaningful support and opportunity, they can continue to strengthen patient care and the U.S. healthcare system. Where Health, Society, and Innovation Intersect Connected by Health is a forward-thinking podcast built on a simple but powerful truth: healthcare is not a cost to be cut — it is an investment that shapes the future of everything around us. Millions of people struggle with healthcare challenges each year — whether it's lack of insurance, unaffordable costs, limited access to care, or managing chronic disease — affecting not only their health, but their financial stability and overall quality of life. Their stories are not isolated — they are all connected. From economic growth and workforce productivity to education, technology, national security, and community stability, health is the thread weaving them together. Each episode blends real-world stories with data-driven insight to show how strategic healthcare investment drives innovation, reduces long-term costs, strengthens public health infrastructure, and fuels economic resilience. Grounded in evidence but driven by purpose, Connected by Health reframes healthcare not as a line item expense, but as foundational infrastructure — because when we invest in health, we invest in people, potential, and the strength of our entire society. ──────────────────────────────────────── 🤝 If today's conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to leave a review, it truly makes a difference. 🎧 And don't forget to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode when it drops. #InternationalMedicalGraduates #IMGs #Healthcare #MedicalEducation #PatientCare

2. 

   23 Oct 2026

   #43 - When Cancer Changes Everything: Finding Hope, Strength and Connection

   Dr. Krishna Vedala hosts this episode of Connected by Health, welcoming Ms. Dena Suthers to share how cancer shaped her family and her career. As a teenager, Ms. Suthers watched her grandmother and then her mother face cancer. Those experiences changed her career plans and inspired her to become a nurse so she could better understand and explain what her family was going through. Cancer brought practical and emotional challenges for the family. Ms. Suthers recalls that her mother had to fight for insurance approval for a mammogram at age 37. Because of her family history, Ms. Suthers also began frequent screenings as a young adult, which brought financial strain and anxiety. Although no inherited mutation has been identified in the family, she chose a prophylactic double mastectomy. Seeing her aunt undergo reconstruction helped her consider the option, and she says the lengthy recovery was ultimately worth it. Her family's experiences taught Ms. Suthers that cancer affects more than the patient. She describes how grief can arise unexpectedly and how ordinary routines can bring back memories of a loved one. She encourages people who are grieving to give themselves grace, recognizing that everyone responds differently and that, with time, grief can become easier to carry. Ms. Suthers remembers healthcare professionals who showed compassion to her whole family, especially during hospital stays and hospice care. She also urges patients to contact their care teams when symptoms such as nausea or vomiting are difficult to manage. She believes healthcare providers should encourage patients to advocate for themselves, include family and friends in support, and talk more openly about metastatic cancer and the ongoing uncertainty some survivors experience. Writing has become a way for Ms. Suthers to process grief and connect with others. After reading her mother's journals, she began writing about her family's experiences and hopes her book will help readers feel less alone. Asked what she would say to people pursuing oncology nursing, she advises them not to give up—even if the path takes longer than expected. #CancerCare #OncologyNursing #CancerSurvivorSupport #CaregiverSupport #FamilyAndCancer #GriefAndHealing #PatientAdvocacy #CancerAwareness #HospiceCare #Resilience #YouAreNotAlone #susangkomen #bloodcancerunited

3. 

   19 Oct 2026

   #42 - The Future of Healthcare Leadership: Healthier Systems, Stronger Workplaces

   The conversation highlights healthcare administration as the work of coordinating people, finances, technology, quality, and safety so that good clinical care can be delivered sustainably. Dr. Stevenson says his four decades in healthcare taught him that it is ultimately a people business: financial stability matters, but it must serve a clear mission, high-quality care, and the needs of the community. He also stresses that hospitals cannot meet every need alone and should partner with community organizations to address gaps in care. Dr. Stevenson identifies financial sustainability, workforce culture, and leading through constant change as major challenges for healthcare executives. Organizations face financial pressures such as declining reimbursements and payer denials, alongside staffing shortages and burnout. Leaders can respond by staying visible, listening to employees, showing that their work matters, and addressing workplace problems rather than relying on wellness programs alone. He distinguishes management—which keeps existing systems running—from leadership, which has the courage to change them. To improve population health, Dr. Stevenson argues that healthcare should shift from treating illness toward prevention and stronger primary care. He sees primary care clinicians as guides who can understand patients' circumstances and connect them with appropriate services. He also questions incentives that reward the volume of tests and procedures rather than health outcomes, and says clinical decisions should remain grounded in the individual patient's needs. Dr. Stevenson is optimistic about technology and artificial intelligence when they reduce administrative burdens, support clinical judgment, and help solve practical operational problems. He cautions against adopting technology without first identifying the problem it is meant to address, or using it mainly to reduce staffing. Looking ahead, he is concerned about affordability, access, clinician shortages—especially in rural communities—and interference with clinical decision-making. He believes success should be measured by whether people are healthier, care is affordable and accessible, and healthcare workers still find meaning in their work. For aspiring healthcare leaders, Dr. Stevenson advises not to chase titles, but to take initiative and contribute beyond the formal job description. He recommends learning from multiple mentors without trying to copy any one person, taking thoughtful career risks, and keeping people at the center of every decision. The legacy he hopes to leave is not defined by positions held, but by caring for people, creating opportunities for talented colleagues, and doing the right thing even when it is difficult. Where Health, Society, and Innovation Intersect Connected by Health is a forward-thinking podcast built on a simple but powerful truth: healthcare is not a cost to be cut — it is an investment that shapes the future of everything around us. Millions of people struggle with healthcare challenges each year — whether it's lack of insurance, unaffordable costs, limited access to care, or managing chronic disease — affecting not only their health, but their financial stability and overall quality of life. Their stories are not isolated — they are all connected. From economic growth and workforce productivity to education, technology, national security, and community stability, health is the thread weaving them together. Each episode blends real-world stories with data-driven insight to show how strategic healthcare investment drives innovation, reduces long-term costs, strengthens public health infrastructure, and fuels economic resilience. Grounded in evidence but driven by purpose, Connected by Health reframes healthcare not as a line item expense, but as foundational infrastructure — because when we invest in health, we invest in people, potential, and the strength of our entire society. ──────────────────────────────────────── 🤝 If today's conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. ⭐ If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to leave a review, it truly makes a difference. 🎧 And don't forget to follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a new episode when it drops. #HealthcareLeadership #HealthcareAdministration #PatientCare #PrimaryCare #HealthcareWorkforce #PhysicianBurnout #NurseWellbeing #PopulationHealth #PreventiveCare #RuralHealth #HealthcareAI #HealthTech #ValueBasedCare #HealthcareInnovation

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

708 ratings

Contact Connected By Health

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.