Charting the Future with PCC

Chip Hart provides a quick recap of the 2026 AAP NCE - what went well, what was interesting, and what we have to look forward to in the future. This is just a quick episode to extend the energy of the event.

Chip Hart talks with Dr. Brian Birch of Treasure Valley Children's Clinic in Idaho this week about leaving hospital administration to build an independent practice, why autonomy matters to both care quality and job satisfaction, and how deliberate planning can shape growth, succession, and culture. They also explore the narrative of pediatrics in an authenticity economy, the role of AI in preventive medicine, and what the future may hold for small practices.

Learn more about Dr. Birch and Treasure Valley Children's Clinic here.

Chip celebrates the one year anniversary of the podcast by making a return to where it all began: the Florida AAP chapter conference! This time, he welcomes Dr. Shannon Fox-Levine to the microphone, and the two take a deep dive into the world of pediatrics, advocacy, vaccination efforts, and so much more. You don't want to miss Dr. Fox-Levine's story of taking a three-practice operation to the next level, as well as accomplishing astounding advocacy work, and politely refusing the concept of "work-life balance".

Dr. Fox-Levine is the medical director for Bluebird Kids Health, the medical director for the Center for Child Counseling, is the former chair of the FCAAP Pediatric Council from 2014 to 2022, and currently serves the AAP at the national level on the Payer Advocacy and Advisory Committee.

On this episode of CTF, Dr. Tanya Altman discusses her journey from traditional pediatric practice to the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, highlighting the challenges of the traditional healthcare system and the benefits of the DPC model. She also shares her experiences in authorship and consulting for various companies. She and Chip cover the multifaceted role of a pediatrician, including their motivation to help, innovative projects, challenges in dosing and medication safety, concerns in pediatric care, and the importance of early health interventions for longevity and well-being. Dr. Altmann also shares reflections on her career and advice for her younger self.

Learn more about Dr. Altmann and her practice, Calabasas Pediatrics, by visiting her website: https://www.drtanya.com/

Dr. Katrina Skinner joins Chip this week to talk about building an independent pediatric practice from the ground up — and why the mindset of a CEO can be just as important as clinical expertise.

Dr. Skinner shares how she went from a teenage hospital employee asking to shadow surgeons to opening her own practice immediately after residency, the lessons she learned about entrepreneurship and delegation, and why pediatricians need to spend more time doing what only they can do, as well as more of what they love to do. She also discusses her work creating Women in Pediatrics and Pediatric CEO, the importance of connection and community, and what she believes independent pediatric practice may look like in the years ahead.

Learn more:

Pediatric CEO

Women in Pediatrics

Dr. Katrina Skinner

Dr. Christoph Diasio joins Chip Hart for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges—and extraordinary promise—of modern pediatrics. He reflects on rising anti-science sentiment while finding hope in lifesaving advances such as RSV immunization, renewed public advocacy, and the enduring trust between pediatricians and families. Drawing on his experience building a fully integrated behavioral health program, Dr. Diasio explains why every child deserves access to mental healthcare and describes his effort to create a pediatric supergroup capable of expanding that model across North Carolina. Throughout the discussion, he makes a compelling case for physician leadership, greater investment in children, and the courage to keep asking, “Why not?”

In this episode of Charting the Future, Chip Hart sits down with Dr. Brian Bowman to reflect on a career shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and an unusually deep commitment to independent pediatrics. Dr. Bowman describes the growth of his North Carolina practice from a single office into a 17-clinician organization, and explains how he gradually became its go-to leader for billing, payer negotiations, quality programs, and practice operations. His perspective is clear: strong pediatric practices are built not merely by demanding better payment, but by demonstrating value, reducing administrative friction, sharing knowledge, and working collectively to improve care for children.

As Dr. Bowman begins transitioning from partner to part-time employed physician, he offers a thoughtful and candid perspective on succession, identity, and knowing when to step away. He discusses preparing younger physicians to lead, leaving the practice in capable hands, and making room for travel, family, and new adventures while he is still physically able to enjoy them. He also reflects on the threats facing pediatrics—including vaccine misinformation and public policy disconnected from public health—and closes with practical wisdom for younger physicians: do not settle for a career or life that leaves you unhappy, and never underestimate how much pediatric care depends on empathy, communication, and the ability to meet families where they are.

Chip is joined at the GA AAP's Pediatrics By The Sea event by practice owner and incoming chapter president, Dr. Patrick Pulliam. Dr. Pulliam has a strong vision for the future of pediatrics and hopes to reorganize how the AAP works for and represents pediatricians and children, starting with his own chapter.

Check out the video version of this episode on our Youtube channel!

In this episode of Charting the Future, Chip Hart sits down with Dr. Steven F. Hirsch, MD, FAAP founder and medical director of Hirsch Pediatrics, to explore what it means to build a pediatric practice with intention. From designing an office that feels more like a welcoming European village than a medical clinic to creating workflows that prioritize preventive care, patient convenience, and physician well-being, Dr. Hirsch shares the philosophy that has guided his independent practice from day one.

The conversation spans everything from data-driven practice management and patient portals to burnout, vaccine confidence, mental health integration, and the future of independent pediatrics. Along the way, Dr. Hirsch makes a compelling case that thoughtful design of spaces, systems, and relationships can improve both the patient experience and the sustainability of pediatric care.

What does "good" AI look like in healthcare? That's the question that Chip poses to fellow PCCers Brian LaClair and Scott Kirby, two members of the team that created PCC's ambient AI Scribe tool. They describe how they approached creating an AI charting tool with security, customization, and clinician control in mind.

Plus, Chip gets really excited about Raspberry Pi.

Learn more about PCC Scribe

Defector article mentioned by Brian

This week, Chip is joined by Dr. Mike Jordan of ResponseRX for a conversation about independence in pediatric practice, innovative clinician compensation models, and the growing importance of online reputation management. Dr. Jordan shares his journey to becoming an independent pediatrician, and he and Chip explore their collaboration on physician compensation frameworks designed to support sustainable, rewarding practice models.

The episode also highlights ResponseRX, Dr. Jordan’s HIPAA-compliant Google Review response engine that helps pediatric practices generate meaningful patient reviews and respond thoughtfully -- making it easier for more families to discover and trust your practice.

Connect with Dr. Jordan at mike.jordan@responserx.ai.

Learn more about the compensation visualization tool here: ResponseRX Continuum Framework

For additional insights on clinician compensation models, visit Chip’s Blog: Employed Provider Continuum Framework

Today I’m joined by Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma, a part-time pediatrician, CEO, practice co-founder, entrepreneur, and mindset coach for professional women. Through Thought Work, MD, and her podcasts From Pissed-Off to Poised and Doctors Living Deliberately, she helps physicians and professionals understand the thoughts and patterns behind anger, perfectionism, and burnout — and turn them into more intentional, grounded leadership.

Dr. Gigi Youngblood, MD of Tots 'N' Teens Pediatrics in Birmingham, AL joins Chip on the podcast as the two prepare to attend the Jefferson County Pediatric Society meeting. They discuss Dr. Youngblood's approach to revitalizing practice culture, the joy of independence, and her journey from 15 years of working in a corporate hospital system to the "beautiful opportunity" of joining an independent practice in her neighborhood. They examine the timing of the shingles vaccine, swap Disney World chickenpox stories, and Dr. Youngblood gives her advice for pediatricians who are considering independence.

https://www.totsnteenspediatrics.com

This week's episode features a conversation between Chip Hart and Morgan Ellixson-Boyea, PCC's operational head of Clinical Data Exchange. With her pharmacy background, Morgan is also PCC's SME on all things e-prescribing. Chip and Morgan discuss her journey to PCC, pharmacy inventory problems, prior authorizations, and the impact of PBMs on the healthcare industry. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by pediatricians and the innovative solutions being developed to streamline processes and improve patient care.

Ready to learn more about e-prescribing at PCC? Visit us at pcc.com! You can also check out Morgan's art and projects from her Burlington, VT studio, Friendly Earth Designs.

Chip attended the Cumberland Pediatric Foundation conference and recorded some rapid-fire interviews live with Dr. Todd Wolynn, Chad Hermann, and Joyce Winkler, RN before settling in for a chat with CPF Executive Director Dr. Rob Lillard. Hear from the voices of the Trusted Messengers and the Cumberland Pediatric Foundation on their work in supporting pediatricians.

https://cumberlandpediatric.org/
https://www.trustedmessengerprogram.org/

It's a double feature! Chip welcomes Dr. Alan Johnson and Dr. Kathy Chebib to the podcast, where the two share their extensive histories in medicine, and discuss how they began their buying group, originally known as the Pediatric Federation, now known as PracticeWell, bringing vaccine purchasing power and many more benefits to 6,000 practices and over 20,000 physicians nationwide.

https://www.practicewell.org/about-us

"I think that understanding at the core, good care, is that one-on-one relationship. And when you have a smaller practice, you can absolutely deliver that in the best way possible."

In this episode recorded at the 2026 PMI Conference in New Orleans, LA, Chip sits down with former AAP President Dr. Sandy Chung, who discusses her almost accidental step into pediatric healthcare and her rise from humble beginnings to leading hundreds of pediatricians in the Trusted Doctor Alliance, a nonprofit that maintains practices' independence while saving money via group purchasing power.

Learn more at https://www.trusteddoctorsalliance.com/

Chip invites Dr. Herb Bravo, co-host of The Pediatric Lounge podcast, to share his story of entering medicine. A self-described unusual pediatrician, Dr. Bravo began his medical career with an inspiring relationship with a mentor during his training in Costa Rica. The two also discuss the very exciting future of Type 1 Diabetes.

Check out Dr. Bravo and Dr. Rogu at https://thepediatriclounge.com/.

Dr. Nelson Branco from Tamalpais Pediatrics joins Chip in a discussion about behavioral health, the impact of AI on pediatrics and healthcare, relationships, and...heavy metal from the 80s.

Chip welcomes Lisa Callahan, DNP, CPNP of Grants Pass Pediatrics in Grants Pass, Oregon. Together they discuss being paid in eggs, navigating life as a capitation model practice, taking time to fill your cup, and when to negotiate for what matters -- and when not to.

Longtime friend of Chip and PCC, Nneka Unachukwu, MD joins the podcast this week. The two discuss the inner workings of building a practice, learning to manage and market, adapt and negotiate to achieve your goals for your patients and your practice.

entremd.com

Chip welcomes Dr. Amaka Nnamani, MD FAAP to the show this week. Dr. Nnamani shares her experience buying and running a pediatric practice as a new CEO, and explains how her career has evolved over time to include medicine, a children's book, breastfeeding advocacy, and public speaking.

Check out her children's book, Ziora's Quest: Mommy's Milk Rocks! https://www.dramakannamani.com/

Chip sits down with pediatrician Dr. Anna Groebe, DO of Bloom Pediatrics in Metro Detroit, Michigan, and she shares her practice's culture of weighing risks, seizing opportunity, and showing up for children.

http://bloompediatricsmi.com/

Chip is joined by an old friend this week: Dr. Eric Arzubi, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and the CEO/Co-Founder of Frontier Psychiatry, a telemedicine-exclusive practice that was doing telehealth before it was cool. Dr. Arzubi discusses how he switched from hedge fund management to medicine and how the lessons in data he learned from finance may help solve gaps in the pediatric healthcare system.

Learn more about Dr. Arzubi and Frontier Psychiatry: https://frontier.care/providers/arzubi/

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Follow us on social media, or visit us at pcc.com . You can also find Chip at chipsblog.pcc.com .

This episode, we get a two-for-one interview with Drs. Normarie Albino and Hiral Lavania, who spoke to Chip while attending the Florida AAP chapter meeting in late August, 2025. Dr. Lavania discusses fears and hopes for the future of pediatrics, including vaccinations and type 1 diabetes research, and Dr. Albino discusses her work with the non-profit Who We Play For, including new Florida legislation she hopes will spread to more states.

More about Who We Play For: https://www.whoweplayfor.org/

Dr. Lavania is the founder of One Family Pediatrics in Cumming, GA. https://onefamilypediatrics.com/

Dr. Albino is a solo pediatrician practicing out of The Villages, FL: https://www.albinomd.com/

For more information about PCC's EHR and services, visit https://www.pcc.com/

Please subscribe and share this episode with a colleague or friend! Thank you!

What can pediatricians do to protect communities in the face of policies and laws that loosen requirements around vaccination? Chip attends the Florida annual chapter meeting and sits down with the chapter's executive director, Alicia Adams, who details her chapter's game plan.

Charting the Future is a PCC podcast hosted by Chip Hart. Production and editing by Chip Hart, Allie Squires, and Chris Forleo. Music by Challenger C, with additional help from Mark Hurne.


www.pcc.com

Chip Hart introduces our podcast. Please subscribe to follow our conversations with pediatric healthcare industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators.