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Host: Jarvis T. Gray, The Quality Coaching Co.
Guest: Jessica Savage, Founder & CEO of Savvy Healthcare LLC

In this insightful episode of Excellence In Healthcare, Jarvis T. Gray sits down with Jessica Savage, a healthcare industry leader and founder of Savvy Healthcare LLC. Jessica shares her journey from clinical operations in radiation oncology to overseeing value-based care initiatives across health systems, payers, and IPAs. The discussion dives into leadership mindsets, the entrepreneurial leap, and top trends transforming healthcare today, with a special emphasis on data-driven care, technology, and patient engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Mindset: Jessica Savage emphasizes maintaining a patient- and provider-focused mindset, drawing on her early experiences in radiation oncology to guide her leadership style and daily decision-making.
• Entrepreneurial Journey: She discusses the challenges and rewards of leaving corporate healthcare to build her own consultancy. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in healthcare? Believe in yourself, network diligently, and understand the long timeline required to gain traction.
• Healthcare Trends:
  • MLR & Utilization Patterns: Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) and utilization are top-of-mind, with significant implications for health plans and risk-bearing provider groups.
  • Telehealth Evolution: Anticipated changes in telehealth regulation are set to impact care delivery.
  • Patient Engagement & Rural Health: There's urgent need for tailored patient engagement solutions, especially in rural areas lacking infrastructure.
• AI & Data: Artificial Intelligence is rapidly advancing in healthcare, though the industry still struggles with synthesizing and operationalizing data. Clean, actionable data—used strategically—will be a major asset.
• Leadership Challenges & Opportunities: Rising utilization costs, inflation, and outdated systems create serious headwinds. At the same time, technology and smarter data practices offer real opportunities for transformation.
• Mentorship & Core Values: Jessica highlights the importance of aligning with organizational values and credits her mentor at Brown & Toland, Delia Peterson, for instilling confidence and providing growth opportunities.
• Career Insights: Take calculated risks, invest in relationships, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—these are the action items for leadership longevity and impact.

Rapid Fire Highlights

• Inspiration: Positive self-talk and comfort with uncertainty drive Jessica’s personal motivation. She inspires others by helping them recognize and develop their unique strengths.
• Best Advice Received: Don’t pass up opportunities when they arise—embrace risk even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.
• What She’d Do Differently: Focus earlier on interpersonal relationships and networking.

Connect with Jessica Savage

• LinkedIn: Jessica Savage
• Website: www.sahvie.com

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