Unveiling Doctors' Struggles: Pioneering a New Era of Empathy and Reform in Medicine with Dr. Scott Ellner

Exploring Health: Macro to Micro with Parker Condit

My guest today is Dr. Scott Ellner who has been a general surgeon for over 20 years, and can be reached at PEAK Health. He has transitioned into health care executive roles due to his passion for patient safety, quality, and value-based care delivery. His authentic leadership style inspires team members to navigate challenging situations, such as resistance to change and innovation, in order to bring about meaningful transformation. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Billings Clinic, the largest health system in Montana.

Credentials: Dr. Ellner holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, a Master's Degree in Healthcare Management (MHCM) from Harvard University, a Master of Public Health (MPH), and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Healthcare Law.
We uncover these rarely spoken truths with Dr. Scott Ellner, a seasoned general surgeon and healthcare executive. Our conversation dives into the sensitive issue of physician impairment, where Dr. Ellner shares alarming insights into how mental decline among experienced doctors poses risks to patient safety. We also dissect the complexities of healthcare reimbursement models, shedding light on the financial pressures that influence medical decisions and impact the doctor-patient relationship. This episode promises to elevate empathy and understanding for those who have dedicated their lives to caring for us.
We examine the controversial intersection of healthcare and business, with a focus on the evolving Medicare landscape and the rise of private equity in physician practices. Dr. Ellner gives us a glimpse into the tensions between profit motives and patient-centered care, raising questions about the future of healthcare models. We consider alternatives like direct primary care and the integration of lifestyle medicine into sustainable healthcare, while touching on the potential for technology to improve access. Unscripted moments, such as a surprise visit from a pet, remind us of the humanity at the core of healthcare.
Further Reading About United/Optum:
https://www.theexaminernews.com/whistleblower-releases-audio-files-complaint-cites-medical-billing-plot-at-optum/
Connect with Dr. Scott Ellner:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ellner-do-mph-mhcm-facs-76084459/
• PEAK Health: https://www.livepeakhealth.com/

Stay Connected with Parker Condit:

• YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@parkercondit/featured
• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/parker.condit
• LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-c-4529934a/
• TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@parker.condit?lang=en

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DISCLAIMER This podcast is for general information only. It is not intended as a substitute for general healthcare services does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. If you have medical conditions you need to see your doctor or healthcare provider. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

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1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Physician Impairment (00:01:55)

3. Hierarchy and Psychological Safety in Medicine (00:15:17)

4. Medicare and Value-Based Care Discussion (00:34:28)

5. Influencing Change in Health and Community (00:47:36)

6. Private Equity and Healthcare Model Evolution (01:02:02)