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Healthy Wealthy & Smart

Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT

The Healthy Wealthy & Smart podcast with Dr. Karen Litzy is the perfect blend of clinical skills and business skills to help healthcare and fitness professionals uplevel their careers.

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  • 23 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

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  • #777
    Thursday · 48 min

    Dr. Natasha Trentacosta: Building a Body That Lasts - The Orthopedic Secrets to Lifelong Strength and Mobility

    Dr. Karen Litzy is joined by Dr. Natasha Trentacosta, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Angel City FC team physician, and director of the Cedars-Sinai Women's Sports Health and Movement Center. Together, they look beyond skincare and explore how movement, strength training, and injury prevention can help preserve mobility and independence as we age. They discuss progressive strength training, bone health across the lifespan, youth sports specialization, ACL injury prevention, and the need for more research focused on female athletes. In this episode · Why healthy aging means preserving strength, balance, bone density, and mobility—not just living longer · How to begin strength training and why progressive loading matters · Why bone health is shaped early in life, with peak bone density reached around age 30 · How overtraining and inadequate recovery can contribute to stress injuries in young athletes · Why year-round single-sport specialization may increase injury risk · What is known—and still uncertain—about hormones and ACL injuries · How warm-ups and prevention programs can help reduce knee injury risk · Why it's a misconception that running causes knee arthritis Timestamps 00:00 — Rethinking anti-aging: joints, bones, and movement 02:23 — Longevity versus quality of life 04:20 — Movement as medicine 05:55 — Starting strength training when you're new to lifting 07:46 — Making the case for exercise 08:43 — Bone strength, fractures, and independence 10:37 — Why bone health starts in childhood 11:25 — Stress fractures, overuse, and recovery in young athletes 12:24 — Building peak bone density before age 30 13:51 — Why recovery days matter 15:51 — Sports specialization and injury risk 17:15 — The benefits of playing multiple sports 18:42 — Looking at the long-term health of young athletes 22:26 — Sports volume and ACL injuries 23:47 — Menstrual cycles and ACL injury risk 25:05 — Hormones and ligament susceptibility 26:13 — Research on oral contraceptives and ACL injuries 27:36 — The gap in sports medicine research on women 28:30 — Why female athletes need research that reflects their needs 30:18 — ACL prevention programs for different sports 31:38 — Making time for injury-prevention exercises 33:43 — Injuries in recreational sports and middle age 34:46 — Strength training as the body changes with age 36:52 — Jumping, jump rope, and bone health 38:29 — Favorite sports to watch and play 39:54 — Does running really harm your knees? 41:00 — Resources on women's health and sports medicine 44:09 — How Dr. Trentacosta stays active 45:27 — Where to find Dr. Trentacosta 48:19 — Final thoughts on prevention and healthy aging More about Dr. Trentacosta Dr. Natasha Trentacosta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with dual fellowship training in adult and pediatric sports medicine, Director of the Cedars-Sinai Women's Sports Health and Movement Center, and team physician for Angel City FC. A leading researcher in female athlete health and ACL injury prevention, she is a trusted voice at the intersection of orthopedics, women's health, sports medicine, and longevity. Her prevention-first philosophy drives everything she does, helping people build stronger, more resilient bodies at every stage of life. Resources From this Episode: Dr. Trentacosta Website Dr. Trentacosta on Instagram USA Today Feature Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #776
    September 24 · 41 min

    Dr. Erin Kinney: What If Cortisol Isn't the Enemy? Rethinking Stress with the Cortisol Bank Account

    The Cortisol Cure with Dr. Erin Kinney Dr. Karen Litzy sits down with Dr. Erin Kinney, naturopathic doctor, stress physiology expert, clinic founder, and author of The Cortisol Cure, to reframe how we think about cortisol. This episode explains why cortisol is not the enemy, how the body uses it as an energy and anti-inflammatory hormone, and why burnout is often more about an overdrawn energy system than a hormone that simply needs to be "lowered."They also explore practical ways to recognize cortisol depletion, the role of hidden stressors such as nutrient deficiencies and stealth infections, and how clinicians and high achievers can make small daily "deposits" to support resilience. Key topics · Why cortisol is better understood as an energy hormone—not just a stress hormone · The "cortisol bank account" framework: sleep and rest are deposits, while daily demands are withdrawals · Why chronic stress may show up as low cortisol rather than high cortisol · How burnout can lead to wired-but-tired energy, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and overwhelm · How low cortisol can cause the body to compensate with adrenaline and eventually draw from sex hormones · The connection between cortisol, glucose, insulin resistance, and inflammation · Why perimenopause symptoms can overlap with burnout · Hidden internal stressors, including nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, Lyme disease, mold exposure, and suppressed emotions · Practical support strategies for clinicians and busy professionals · Why building a strong "relax muscle" matters just as much as developing the stress response Timestamps 00:00— Why cortisol is not the enemy 01:25— Cortisol as an energy and anti-inflammatory hormone 02:48— The problem with "manage your stress" advice 03:11— Introducing the cortisol bank account framework 04:37— Daily life as energy deposits and withdrawals 05:34— What happens when the cortisol account gets overdrawn 06:02— How low cortisol can draw from sex hormones 07:17— Why cortisol gets blamed for inflammation and glucose spikes 09:02— Why "lower cortisol" is not always the right goal 10:14— Morning cortisol testing and how to prepare 11:41— How to estimate your energy balance before symptoms appear 12:30— The cortisol debt assessment 13:44— Why clinical business owners are vulnerable to burnout 14:41— Dr. Kinney's time-blocking and recharge strategy 15:52— What an overdrawn cortisol account can look like 17:01— How low-cortisol symptoms differ between men and women 18:59— Perimenopause versus burnout 19:53— When hormone therapy helps—and when burnout may be the deeper issue 21:43— Hidden internal stressors that quietly drain energy 22:38— Lyme disease and other stealth pathogens 24:58— The energy cost of suppressed emotions 26:30— Red flags for people who always push through 28:23— Why symptoms may be the body's way of asking for attention 29:47— Practical ways to make cortisol deposits during the day 31:33— Why skipping meals can increase the stress response 32:37— Breath work, reading, and simple recovery rituals 33:37— The nervous system's "stress muscle" and "relax muscle" 35:21— Why relaxation takes practice 36:54— The core takeaway: healing happens when energy exceeds expenditure 37:35— Lightning round: recovery habits and book recommendations 39:07— Meditation, binaural beats, and daily regulation 40:23— Where to find Dr. Kinney and The Cortisol Cure Dr. Kinney's central model treats cortisol like currency: · Sleep and rest are deposits. · Work, caregiving, exercise, driving, and emotional strain are withdrawals. · Symptoms can appear when withdrawals outpace deposits. · Small recovery practices throughout the day can help restore balance. More About Dr. Kinney Dr. Erin Kinney is a naturopathic doctor, author of The Cortisol Cure, and stress physiology expert helping high-functioning men and women overcome fatigue, hormone imbalance, and burnout. She is the creator of the Cortisol Bank Account™ framework and founder of The Kinney Clinic in Annapolis, Maryland. Resources From this Episode: Dr. Kinney's Website Dr. Kinney on Instagram Get the Cortisol Cure today Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #775
    September 17 · 30 min

    Dr. Osman Ahmed : Para Sport and Concussion: What's Changing and what's on the Horizon?

    Dr. Karen Litzy speaks with Dr. Osman Ahmed about how concussion care has evolved for paraathletes, why standard tools often fall short, and what the new ParaScat 6 tools aim to fix. They also discuss the Concussion in Parasport Group, the importance of athlete input in research, and why clinicians should think differently about baseline function in athletes with impairments. Key Topics · In this episode, Dr. Osman Ahmed explains what paraathletes are and why the term matters when discussing concussion care. · We discuss why paraathletes were historically left out of concussion research and how that gap reflected broader patterns in sports medicine. · Osman breaks down why standard tools like the SCAT can be difficult to apply to athletes with amputations, visual impairments, spinal cord injuries, or wheelchair use. · He shares how baseline symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, or light sensitivity can be normal for some paraathletes and should not be assumed to indicate concussion without context. · We talk about the creation of the Concussion in Parasport Group and the first position statement that helped guide clinicians on assessment, management, and return to play. · Osman describes how the position statement used a practical color coding approach for tests: o green for appropriate o yellow for use with caution or modification o red for not appropriate · We discuss the research and clinical gaps that led to the development of ParaScat 6 tools for wheelchair users and athletes with visual impairment. · Osman shares how athlete lived experience shaped the design, testing, and refinement of the new tools in real time. · He explains why the biggest shift for clinicians is to think carefully about baselines before doing post injury concussion assessments. · Osman also previews his presentation at the Sixth World Congress of Sports Physiotherapy in Bern and encourages clinicians to engage with paraathletes humbly and proactively. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome back and why this concussion conversation matters 01:04 - What counts as a paraathlete 02:34 - Why paraathletes were left behind in concussion research 03:32 - Why SCAT testing often does not fit paraathletes 04:27 - How the first position statement came together during lockdown 05:19 - What changed after the position statement was published 06:53 - Why standard concussion tests can break down for amputees, wheelchair users, and visually impaired athletes 08:42 - Common clinician mistakes when applying standard tools 09:57 - How the Concussion in Parasport Group formed 11:59 - The assessment, management, and return to play domains 13:25 - The position statement's biggest contribution: awareness 14:41 - Why para sports research still struggles with funding and scale 16:34 - Introducing ParaScat 6 WC and ParaScat 6 VI 17:31 - Why athlete lived experience was built into the tool development 18:58 - Preparing the tools for wider use ahead of LA 2028 23:03 - How the tools were developed with wheelchair users and visually impaired athletes 24:56 - Why athlete partnership improves research and clinical tools 25:54 - Expanding the tools beyond the Paralympics 26:50 - The next frontier for other impairment groups in parasport 27:35 - The single biggest shift clinicians should make: think baselines 28:24 - What Osman will present at the World Congress of Sports Physiotherapy 30:01 - Why paraathletes need more clinicians and researchers involved 31:04 - How to overcome imposter syndrome in parasport work 32:28 - What Osman wishes he knew earlier in his career 33:10 - The sports medicine book that shaped his development 34:22 - Advice for physiotherapy students and early career clinicians 35:09 - What he is most looking forward to in Bern 36:03 - Staying healthy after knee surgery with strength and conditioning 36:42 - Where to find Osman Ahmed online 37:40 - Why the World Congress of Sports Physiotherapy is worth attending 38:30 - Closing thoughts and final thanks More about Dr. Ahmed: Dr Osman Ahmed is the Player Health Lead for Para Football at the Football Association (England) and a Physiotherapist at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (England). He trained as a Physiotherapist at the University of Nottingham (England), before undertaking his Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy and subsequently his PhD at the University of Otago (New Zealand) on the topic of concussion in sport. He is an Associate Editor at British Journal of Sports Medicine, Deputy Editor at BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, Visiting Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth (England), and Co-Chair of the Concussion in Para Sport Group Resources from this Episode: Dr. Ahmed's Website Dr. Ahmed on LinkedIn Para athlete concussion care following the Amsterdam 2022 International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: an urgent need for inclusivity within concussion research Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport-Amsterdam, October 2022 Concussion in para sport: the first position statement of the Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS) Group Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #774
    September 10 · 58 min

    Melanie Warner: Turning Pain Into Purpose

    In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy speaks with Melanie Warner about how clinicians and healthcare professionals can turn years of hard-won expertise into a tangible business asset. Melanie explains how writing a book, building a personal brand, and crafting a purposeful message can help experts stand out, reach more people, and create new revenue streams. They also explore the mindset shifts that hold people back, the biggest mistakes experts make when writing a book, and why it's essential to focus on the reader, not just the author. Melanie walks Karen through her Purpose Method and shows how to uncover a message that can be turned into a book, course, talk, or business. What we cover in this episode: Why expertise alone is no longer enough How to turn your knowledge into intellectual property The role of books, podcasts, and speaking in building authority How to shift from self-doubt to service Melanie's Purpose Method: Pain, Uniqueness, Results, Passion, Opportunity, Service, and Execution Common mistakes people make when writing a book Why marketing matters just as much as writing How to measure book success beyond bestseller list TimeStamps: 00:01 Karen introduces the topic: turning clinical expertise into a business asset 00:25 Melanie Warner introduced 01:07 Why expertise needs to be packaged to stand out 04:08 Shifting your mindset around books and personal brand 06:04 Writing for patients instead of other clinicians 09:08 Using your process or method as the framework for a book 11:43 Introduction to the Purpose Method 12:28 Pain: identifying the problem you solve 12:56 Uniqueness and results 13:53 Passion and service 15:23 The idea that keeping knowledge to yourself is selfish 20:52 Melanie's purpose work and global impact 23:15 Live purpose exercise begins 23:43 Question 1: What comes easily to you that's hard for others? 25:22 Question 2: What would you do if money weren't an issue? 25:48 Question 3: How do you give back? 27:18 Karen's answers reveal her purpose around chronic pain 29:13 How clarity leads to monetization 31:20 Biggest mistake: writing for yourself instead of the reader 32:44 Oprah's approach to audience intention 34:35 Why audience-centered speaking matters 37:37 Creating value beyond the stage or book 40:22 Why your book and speech are income-generating assets 42:24 How to define success with a book 43:56 Why self-published authors still need marketing 50:11 Why a book funnel matters more than only selling on Amazon 51:48 Lightning round begins 52:11 Myth about self-publishing cover design 52:48 Fastest way to test a book idea 53:26 Advice Melanie would give her younger self 54:11 Melanie's health and wellness routine 55:59 Where to find Melanie online 56:28 Free gift: Melanie's playbook for rebuilding life and business 58:01 Final takeaway: if your knowledge is trapped inside you, it isn't serving anyone More About Melanie: Melanie Warner is a business writer for Forbes, bestselling author, television producer, and the founder of Defining Moments, a platform that helps experts turn their knowledge into books, media visibility, and global influence. After experiencing profound personal loss and facing more than $3.6 million in debt, Melanie rebuilt her life and business using a powerful strategy for monetizing expertise and storytelling. Within 18 months, she had rebuilt her company and scaled her income into the millions. Today she works with entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders around the world to help them expand their platforms, reach more people, and turn their message into meaningful impact. She is also the executive producer of PBS television programs reaching more than 240 million households and the host of the upcoming show Defining Moments, launching globally in 2026. Resources from this Episode: Melanie on LinkedIn Melanie on Instagram My Defining Moments Website 7 Figure Book Method Free Gift: Purpose to Platform Playbook Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Front Desk @ Jane Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #773
    September 3 · 49 min

    Luke Bongiorno, PT: A Pain Science Informed Approach for Healthcare Professionals

    In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy speaks with Luke Bongiorno, PT, Director of NOIGroup, about what it really looks like to bring pain science into the treatment room. Karen and Luke dig into how he blends manual therapy, breath work, movement, and even music into a pain-science-informed approach and why consent, communication, and simply being human with patients matter as much as any technique. They also talk about leading a global education company, protecting a "care at the forefront" culture as the business scales, and staying grounded as a clinician wearing a dozen different hats. What we cover in this episode: Luke's path from PT school in Australia to 30 years in private practice in New York How manual therapy, breath work, movement, and music combine in a pain-science-informed session DIMs and SIMs: an inside look at the Protectometer (danger-in-me / safety-in-me) Consent, "no-go zones," and reading a patient's comfort in the moment The shift from trigger-point/dry-needling training to a pain-science lens — and how hard that shift was Balancing leading a patient with empowering them The Resolve Trial and how changing beliefs about pain changes outcomes Staying human and vulnerable as a clinician and business owner Protecting a "care at the forefront" culture while leading a global team at Noi Group Luke's HOPE (Hands-on Pain Education) course and upcoming NY and San Francisco dates Timestamps: 00:31 Karen welcomes Luke Bongiorno, recording live from Gotham Production Studios 03:23 Luke's background: PT school in Australia, moving to the US, landing in New York 04:53 Discovering David Butler's work and the path to Noi Group 06:21 Blending manual therapy, breath work, movement, and music in a session 08:37 Bringing awareness back to a body part that's been "ignored" in pain 09:28 Karen's own experience with touch sensitivity and neck pain 10:59 Why communication and consent change everything in manual therapy 11:24 Moving away from trigger-point/dry-needling explanations toward pain science 12:33 How Luke decides which "tool" to use in the moment 13:03 Explaining DIMs and SIMs (the Protectometer) 15:05 Identifying "no-go zones" and respecting patient boundaries 16:36 Consent culture: teaching in Australia vs. the US, then and now 18:31 The tension between leading a patient and empowering them 19:44 Being a person first — an empowerment story from a workers' comp patient 22:14 Why Luke still sees patients after 30 years 22:54 The power of simply listening and validating pain 25:48 The Resolve Trial: how changing beliefs about pain improves outcomes 27:43 Karen's own "carrying a loaf of bread" story from working with David Butler 29:42 Staying human while running a business, teaching, and traveling 31:16 Small grounding practices you can use between patients 32:01 Advice for clinicians who feel too busy to take their own advice 33:34 Vulnerability in practice — and why clinicians aren't trained for it 36:58 Wearing every hat in a small practice, and learning to leave gaps in the schedule 38:09 Leading Noi Group remotely and learning to trust a team 39:12 Protecting a "care at the forefront" culture as a business scales 41:09 Key takeaways: value your human skills, reframe your role, use music when talking isn't working 44:31 Lightning round: book recommendations, favorite tool, best business advice, non-negotiable habits 47:37 Where to find Luke, his HOPE course, and NY/San Francisco course dates More About Luke: Luke Bongiorno is the Owner and Director of the pain education company, The Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, also known as Noigroup. At the heart of Luke's work is a simple belief: good clinical care starts with listening, understanding, and helping people make sense of their pain and injury. Luke's physiotherapy journey began with a degree from the University of Melbourne, Australia, followed by a move into clinical practice in New York. In NYC, Luke co-founded New York Sports Medicine, a company later acquired by United Healthcare. Still one of New York City's most prominent physical therapists, Luke's extensive experience in managing acute and chronic pain and sports injuries means he travels frequently to work with professional and Olympic athletes, as well as members of touring performing arts and dance companies. He currently serves as a consultant to the NBA League and European professional soccer teams. Luke is also affiliated with the clinical education programs of Columbia University and Touro College. Luke takes a hands-on approach to care, combining his advanced manual therapy skills with exercise and education. He genuinely cares about helping people understand their pain, build confidence in their bodies, and achieve the best possible recovery and performance. He strongly believes that education is fundamental to optimising patient recovery and performance. Luke has taught advanced skills courses in Manual Therapy internationally since 2004 and has been part of the Noigroup faculty since 2015. His years of clinical experience, combined with his practical and thoughtful approach to patient care, make him a highly respected clinician and educator. Visit the Noigroup course platform to explore courses with Luke Bongiorno. Resources from this Episode: NOIGroup Website Luke on Instagram NOIGroup Instagram NOIGroup on LinkedIn NOIGroup on Facebook HOPE Course (Hands-On Pain Education) — New York, October 2026 and San Francisco, September 2026 Discount Code: HWS10 — good on any Noi Group product, valid through October 25, 2026 Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #772
    August 27 · 44 min

    Jennifer Burnham-Grubbs: How Healthy People Can Stop Subsidizing the Sickness System

    Dr. Karen Litzy sits down with Jennifer Burnham Grubbs, founder of Ionava, to unpack why traditional health insurance often penalizes healthy people instead of rewarding them. Jennifer draws on 21 years in the insurance industry to explain what she saw, why she built a new financial category, and how Ionava is designed to reward health-conscious behavior with greater flexibility and less friction. We discuss why healthy people often get poor value from insurance, how Ionava differs from HSAs, FSAs, and health sharing ministries, and how its wallet-based model is meant to make health financial preparedness more practical. Key topics Jennifer explains why she built Ionava after two decades as an insurance broker and consultant, including seeing denied coverage, surprise billing, and confusing utilization patterns firsthand. The episode explores the idea that healthy people often subsidize the system without getting a meaningful return, even when they follow preventive care recommendations. Karen and Jennifer compare traditional insurance with a "good driver discount" model, highlighting how insurance rarely rewards healthier behavior. Jennifer explains why Ionava is not health insurance or an HSA, but a new financial category built around health, financial preparedness, and wellness spending. The conversation covers how Ionava's wallet works, including how users can spend on qualifying health and wellness expenses, from gym memberships to supplements and cosmetic wellness categories. Jennifer contrasts Ionava with HSAs and FSAs, emphasizing that Ionava is funded through the subscription and is designed to roll over rather than expire. They also discuss health sharing ministries and why Ionava was built to be secular and broadly accessible rather than tied to religious attestation. Jennifer explains the health score quiz, how it helps price vaults, and why Ionava currently starts with the healthiest applicants to maintain actuarial discipline. The episode dives into pre-existing conditions, how current health status affects eligibility, and why some people may be asked to wait as the pool expands. Karen and Jennifer unpack how Ionava avoids the network and contracted-rate limitations that shape traditional insurance, including why cash-based purchasing offers more flexibility across states and even internationally. Timestamps 00:00 - Why healthy people feel punished by the insurance system 01:13 - Jennifer's 21 years inside insurance and what she saw 02:40 - Denials, surprise bills, and the pain points that shaped Ionava 03:30 - Why there is no "good driver discount" for health 05:01 - Why most people never get their money's worth from insurance 06:18 - Preventive care that still triggers hidden costs 07:16 - The problem with opaque medical pricing 08:38 - Why innovation often falls outside traditional coverage 09:27 - Why Jennifer first tried to fix insurance from the inside 11:43 - The limits of claims help and out-of-network gaps 13:42 - Why the private sector had to build a new answer 14:15 - What "health financial preparedness" means 15:39 - Health as physical, mental, and financial readiness 16:41 - Why people still buy insurance even when they hate it 17:12 - Ionava as an alternative or layered financial strategy 18:28 - How Ionava differs from HSAs 20:20 - Why Ionava is more like a funded debit wallet 21:46 - What counts as a qualified spend 22:10 - Why FSAs can feel like a use-it-or-lose-it trap 23:34 - Why Ionava rolls over and rewards healthy behavior 24:17 - How Ionava differs from health sharing ministries 26:36 - Why the health score exists 27:34 - How vault pricing works and why rates are locked for life 29:01 - Optional biometrics and earning more on your wallet balance 30:29 - How Ionava thinks about pre-existing conditions 31:57 - Why some applicants may be asked to come back later 33:11 - Beauty, fitness, and wellness spending inside the wallet 34:37 - The support system for new users 36:15 - Why Ionava is different from reimbursement-based models 37:37 - How insurance networks and contracted rates really work 41:04 - Why Ionava uses cash pricing worldwide 42:39 - Jennifer's weekly wellness spend: supplements 43:18 - The biggest myth healthy people believe about insurance 43:47 - Why she wants HSAs to fund Ionava vaults 44:18 - Books that shaped her thinking: The Go Giver and Give and Take 46:10 - Gardening, herbs, and staying grounded while building a company 47:18 - Where to learn more about Ionava and reserve a vault More About Jennifer: Jennifer (Azar) Burnham-Grubbs, is the Founder and CEO of Quantum Insurance Services and the Founder of ionava. She's spent 21 years inside the insurance industry as a fiduciary broker, managing over $100 million in insurance products for clients ranging from professional athletes and C-suite executives to everyday families. She's also the co-founder of Womxn of Wealth, a nonprofit dedicated to building women's financial acumen. After more than two decades inside the system, she launched ionava — a new financial category built for the healthy consumers the insurance system overcharges and underserves. She's a Princeton grad, based in Los Angeles Resources from this Episode: Ionava Website Jennifer on LinkedIn The Go Giver (book) Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Front Desk @ Jane Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #771
    August 20 · 45 min

    Dr. Pedro Teixeira: Thoughtful AI: The Honest Conversation Healthcare Isn't Having

    Dr. Karen Litzy is joined by Dr. Pedro Teixeira, Vice President of AI Engineering at Prompt Health and former co-founder and CEO of Prediction Health, for a practical conversation about how AI fits into healthcare workflows. Pedro breaks down the differences among automation, AI, and agentic systems and explains why the best tools support clinicians rather than replace their judgment. This episode focuses on what clinic owners and clinicians should look for when evaluating AI tools: workflow fit, safety, latency, cost, and whether the system improves over time. If you want a grounded, non-hype conversation about AI in healthcare, this is a useful one. Key topics · In this episode, Karen and Pedro compare thoughtful AI vs powerful AI and why workflow fit matters as much as model capability. · Pedro explains latency in practical terms, including why perceived delay matters and how feedback like loading states can make AI feel faster. · They unpack tokens, model size, and cost, including why input and output usage can change pricing so quickly. · Pedro shares how AI can work in the background across notes, codes, compliance checks, and analytics for clinic owners. · The conversation covers HIPAA, PHI, encryption, sandboxing, and limited tool access as essential safeguards for healthcare AI. · Pedro distinguishes automation, AI, and agentic systems, with examples of when rules are enough and when messy data really does call for AI. · They compare predictive vs generative models and explain why generating plausible text is not the same as forecasting a clinical outcome. · Karen and Pedro discuss how some clinics are using AI as a decision support tool, while still keeping humans in control of final decisions. · Pedro emphasizes that clinic owners should think in terms of systems, including what happens when AI works well and when it fails. · He closes with a simple evaluation question for any AI pitch: How does this system get better over time? Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and why Pedro Teixeira is a grounded voice on AI in healthcare 01:24 - Why thoughtful AI matters more than powerful AI 03:57 - What latency means and why perceived speed changes the user experience 05:16 - How models work with transcripts, prompts, and tokens 07:24 - What tokens are and why AI bills can rise fast 09:13 - The real cost of large models, GPUs, and background processing 11:23 - How AI can quietly support clinic analytics and business coaching 13:13 - Why healthcare AI must stay closed loop and HIPAA safe 15:13 - Automation vs AI vs agentic systems 18:59 - Predictive vs generative models explained for clinic owners 21:45 - When AI can predict patterns from clinician notes and when it cannot 24:03 - How power user clinics are using AI tools in practice 25:56 - Why AI should do what clinicians decide, not decide for them 28:37 - Designing AI around systems, workflows, and failure states 30:22 - Using SOPs and training docs to think through AI implementation 31:57 - How clinic owners should evaluate whether to bring AI into the practice 35:53 - The one question to ask any AI vendor: how does it improve over time? 37:00 - Final takeaways and encouraging clinics to experiment 38:02 - Lightning round: overhyped AI tools in healthcare 39:20 - What clinicians should understand about how AI really works 40:50 - What Pedro would do if he were not building healthcare AI 41:41 - Real world learning, messy data, and why experience matters 42:59 - Pedro's health habits and the AI built tracker on his watch 44:15 - Where to find Pedro and Prompt Health Notable quotes "Thoughtful AI is really taking into account where are people using it, how does it fit into their day to day?" "The best systems are the ones where you are deciding." "How does this system get better?" Resources & Links: · Prompt Health · Pedro on LinkedIn More About Dr. Pedro Teixeira: Pedro Teixeira, MD, PhD, is Vice President of AI Engineering at Prompt Health and previously served as Co-Founder and CEO of PredictionHealth, now a Prompt Health company. With nearly two decades of experience across AI and healthcare and PhD-level training in biomedical informatics from Harvard and Vanderbilt, Pedro is one of the most grounded voices on AI in healthcare. He believes healthcare's biggest challenges are systems problems, not technology problems, and that the real promise of AI is creating leverage so clinicians can spend more time on what matters most: their patients. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #770
    August 13 · 35 min

    Hannah Kim: Front Office Bottlenecks in Physical Therapy Clinics

    Dr. Karen Litzy speaks with Hannah Kim, CEO and co-founder of Pocket, about the hidden operational burden that happens before a patient ever reaches the clinic door. They break down why front office teams get stretched too thin, how insurance verification and scheduling create revenue leakage, and what it looks like when a clinic automates the full pre-arrival workflow without losing the human touch. In this episode: · Karen frames the episode around the pre-arrival patient journey and why it matters for physical therapy clinics. · Hannah Kim explains Pocket's focus on automating intake, insurance verification, scheduling, and patient communications. · The biggest front office inefficiency is overload: one team is often handling phone calls, insurance verification, scheduling, onboarding, and patient greetings. · Insurance verification is more complex than checking a portal - clinics often need to call payers, confirm authorization requirements, and verify visit limits. · Manual verification can take hours and includes documentation, EMR entry, calculating patient responsibility, and explaining benefits to patients. · Growth exposes weak systems: workflows that work for one or two locations often break when a clinic scales. · Slow or incomplete pre-arrival responses can cause patients to book elsewhere, creating missed visits and revenue leakage. · Pocket aims to own the full process from start to finish, including extracting patient info from the EMR, verifying benefits, making calls when needed, creating documentation, and uploading it back into the EMR. · Beyond insurance, Pocket also supports intake, onboarding, case creation, first-visit scheduling, and automated patient communications. · Hannah shares that the best transformations free front office staff to spend more time with patients, reduce burnout, and support clinic growth without adding staff. Timestamps: (00:01) Intro to the pre-arrival patient experience (00:52) Hannah Kim's background in healthcare and scaling Clipboard Health (02:10) Front office inefficiencies that show up again and again (03:20) Why insurance verification eats so much time (04:15) EMR documentation and the scheduling "Tetris" problem (05:53) The red flag that front office is quietly bleeding money (07:39) What front desk time could be used for instead (08:55) Why problems get worse as clinics scale (09:33) Why the pre-arrival journey affects first impressions and revenue (11:51) The biggest patient-loss window: weekends and after hours (14:08) Why insurance verification is still so manual (15:59) What a clearinghouse is and why it is not enough (17:11) The cost of sloppy or incomplete verification (18:20) How Pocket handles the full verification workflow (21:02) Expanding beyond insurance into the entire pre-arrival journey (23:48) What transformation looks like after automation (26:09) How clinics get comfortable letting go of manual processes (28:16) Why technology should reduce burnout, not replace people (29:47) Lightning round: front office assumptions, coordination of benefits, and advice from banking (34:30) Where to find Hannah Kim and Pocket Key frameworks · Pre-arrival journey: everything that happens before the first visit · Full-process automation: not just clearinghouse checks, but calls, documentation, EMR updates, and patient communication · Coordination of benefits: verifying primary, secondary, and tertiary coverage before problems show up later Notable quotes · "The pre-arrival journey is just so important. It's the first impression that patients have from your clinic." · "Nobody wants to be drowning in admin stuff." · "Technology implemented in the right way really helps a lot of clinics and really helps ease some of that burnout." Resources & Links: · Hannah on LinkedIn · Pocket Website · 2048 Ventures More About Hannah: Hannah Kim is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pocket, an AI-powered pre-arrival platform that automates patient intake, insurance verification, scheduling, and patient communications for physical therapy clinics. She devoted her entire career to healthcare - began her career in healthcare investment banking at Centerview Partners before joining Clipboard Health, an "Uber for nurses" that built a marketplace connecting healthcare facilities with nurses for on-demand staffing. As Chief of Staff, Hannah helped scale Clipboard Health from Series A to Series C, supporting the company's growth into a billion dollar company. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #769
    August 6 · 52 min

    Dr. Tom Walters: Is the Physical Therapy Profession Broken or Brimming with Opportunity?

    In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy and Dr. Tom Walters explore the current state of the physical therapy profession, weighing the challenges with the bright opportunities ahead. If you're a PT student, new graduate, or seasoned professional, this discussion offers valuable insights on navigating growth, risk-taking, and innovation. Key Topics Covered: The contrasting narratives about PT career prospects—debunking myths and highlighting opportunities Factors influencing PT career decisions, including debt, job satisfaction, and entrepreneurial ventures Strategies for students and new grads to create diverse career pathways beyond traditional settings How social media has transformed PT education, branding, and income streams over the past decade The importance of trust, clarity, and confidence in communication for professional success and patient care The influence of industry challenges such as insurance constraints and healthcare system limitations Practical advice for building a cash-based practice while managing burnout The potential for social media and content creation to elevate the entire PT field The role of patient education, telehealth, and hybrid models in future PT delivery Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Is the PT profession broken or full of opportunity? 02:21 - Dr. Walters' take on whether PT is a broken system or ripe for growth 04:35 - How social media has changed career possibilities for PTs 05:42 - Advice to students and new grads about seeking opportunities and taking risks 06:47 - Personal stories of career leaps and the importance of thinking beyond traditional roles 08:48 - Building trust and clarity through communication for confidence and success 10:45 - Overcoming fears related to further education and career shifts 11:29 - Reflecting on the time investment of education and professional growth 13:00 - How teaching and social media experience have contributed to Dr. Walters' success 15:23 - The importance of consistency and long-term effort in building a following 16:52 - The evolution of social media content from early days to now 18:38 - Opportunities outside insurance-based clinics and how to leverage clinical experience 20:28 - Guiding students in career planning and the value of entrepreneurial thinking 22:28 - Strategies for transitioning from employment to ownership through small steps 24:13 - Can PT influencers replicate a successful model? Is it achievable for most? 26:26 - Social media's impact on professional visibility and community growth 27:55 - How content creation can elevate the PT profession as a whole 29:35 - The balance between hands-on care and digital/remote PT services 31:09 - The importance of rapport and human connection in healing 32:18 - Possibility of hybrid models combining in-person and remote PT 34:01 - The potential of technology to supplement, but not replace, hands-on care 36:35 - Addressing platform technical issues during the episode 38:36 - Final thoughts on building the future of PT and embracing new opportunities 39:31 - Advice for prospective DPT students on exploring career paths early 41:35 - The importance of financial literacy and budgeting education in PT programs 43:28 - Personal stories about student debt and managing educational costs 44:11 - Trust, clarity, and confidence as pillars for PT success and patient relationships 47:09 - How authenticity and communication foster trust within and outside the PT profession 50:22 - Review of what should be emphasized in PT curricula to prepare future practitioners 52:39 - The impact of viral content and strategic content creation on career trajectory 54:59 - Is the healthcare system broken or an opportunity? Dr. Walters' nuanced view 56:41 - Navigating personality types and finding the right work environment 56:55 - Practical tips for maintaining health, wealth, and intelligence in a PT career Final Takeaways: The PT industry is both challenged and full of opportunity—proactive, strategic, and authentic efforts can help shape its future. Embracing digital tools, building trust, and diversifying skills are keys to long-term success. Continuous learning, honest communication, and openness to entrepreneurship are essential for growth in today's evolving landscape. Thank you to Dr. Tom Walters for sharing his experience and insights. For more resources, courses, and his book, visit Rehab Science. Remember, your career trajectory depends on intentional choices, resilience, and innovative thinking—so take that leap! More About Dr. Walters Dr. Tom Walters is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of pain and movement disorders. He is the founder of Rehab Science and has spent almost two decades teaching people about human movement, pain science, and how to effectively recover from injury. In addition to running his own clinical practice, Tom served as a full-time undergraduate kinesiology professor for eight years, teaching human biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, and pain science. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University and completed a residency in orthopedic manual physical therapy and a fellowship in lower quarter functional biomechanics. Through his books, social media platforms, and the Rehab Science membership, Tom has helped millions of people better understand their bodies and take control of their recovery. Find more of Tom's content on Instagram and YouTube @rehabscience Resources from this Episode: Tom's Website: Rehab Science Tom on Instagram Tom on YouTube The Rehab Science Book Series The Rehab Science Membership Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Front Desk @ Jane Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #768
    July 30 · 14 min

    Dr. Karen Litzy: Why Physical Therapists Are Bad at Marketing

    In this solo episode, Dr. Karen Litzy breaks down five common myths about marketing in physical therapy and explains why visibility is essential for helping more people. She shares practical reframes around marketing, social media, niching, and word of mouth, all through the lens of educating patients and growing a practice with integrity. Key Takeaways Marketing is education at scale You need systems, not more hours Specific content builds trust Niching improves results Word of mouth is the foundation, but marketing is the amplifier Timestamps 0:00— Welcome back + today's topic: why physical therapists are bad at marketing 1:57— Myth #1: Marketing feels sleazy 3:47— Myth #2: "I don't have time" 5:43— Reframe: you don't have a time problem, you have a systems problem 6:12— Myth #3: Social media doesn't bring in real patients 8:04— Myth #4: "I need to market to everyone" 9:28— Reframe: own a lane and become the go-to expert 9:57— Myth #5: If I'm good enough, word of mouth is enough 11:52— Reframe: your work speaks better with marketing support 12:21— Quick recap of all five myths 13:13 — Final takeaway: marketing is visibility 13:46— Closing + call to share, DM, or email Karen If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who needs to hear it. Resources from this Episode: karen@karenlitzy.com Karen's Website Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Front Desk @ Jane Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #767
    July 24 · 37 min

    Dr. Karen DeSimone: Burnout to Freedom, Building a Cash-Based Practice Without Losing Patients

    In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy talks with Dr. Karen DeSimone, physical therapist and owner of KD360 Wellness and Physical Therapy, about building a hybrid practice that combines insurance-based care with cash-based wellness services. Karen shares how she shifted from treating visits to delivering outcomes, why that change helped her reduce burnout, and how other clinic owners can apply a similar model without adding staff, locations, or more marketing spend. Why it works: outcome-focused messaging makes the value feel concrete and emotionally compelling, which helps listeners see the episode as a practical solution to a problem they already feel. Key topics covered: · Why declining reimbursements pushed Karen to rethink her business model · The difference between treating visits and treating outcomes · How to introduce cash-based services without abandoning insurance · Why fewer patients and fewer visits can lead to better results · How to have confident, patient-centered conversations about pricing · Why the model works for solopreneurs and small clinics · The mindset shift needed to step off the insurance treadmill Timestamps: · 0:01 — Welcome to the Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart Podcast and the episode's focus on healthcare and business · 0:29 — Karen DeSimone's background and the shift toward an outcome-based model · 1:53 — What drove Karen to build a new model · 2:54 — Why she stacked cash-based services on top of physical therapy · 4:58 — How to talk to patients about cash-based care · 6:43 — How those conversations happen in practice · 8:09 — Why this model can work for other areas like knee pain and surgery avoidance · 9:29 — What is included in the cash-based offering · 11:25 — Bundling services into one package instead of adding visits · 12:32 — Building profitable programs from existing patients · 13:25 — Why this approach can work without more marketing · 14:56 — Why she did not want a larger business or more locations · 16:40 — Why clinicians should think beyond growth for growth's sake · 18:39 — The difference between selling and serving · 19:46 — Why it should never feel like a hard sell · 20:27 — Building conviction and confidence through repeatable outcomes · 21:46 — Practicing how to talk about pricing · 23:03 — How to keep patients moving forward in a 12-week program · 24:30 — Long-term results and patient return visits · 25:03 — Deciding who the model is right for · 26:42 — Why timing matters in the clinical conversation · 28:49 — The first shift: decide · 31:49 — Who can implement this model · 33:51 — Lightning round: money beliefs, metrics, and burnout advice · 36:47 — What Karen is doing to stay healthy, wealthy, and smart · 37:30 — Where to find Karen and learn more · 38:24 — Free starter framework for clinicians · 39:12 — Final encouragement to share the episode Notable takeaways: · "We're not treating visits, we're delivering outcomes." · Cash-based services can be stacked on top of physical therapy to improve results and revenue. · Patients often pay for faster outcomes when the value is clearly explained. · The first step is a decision: choose the model you want, then commit to it. · Confidence comes from repeatable results, not from perfect wording. Resources & Links: · Clinical Architecture Website · KD 360 PT and Wellness · Instagram · LinkedIn · Free Gift: The Freedom From Back Pain Starter Framework, More About Karen: Karen DeSimone, PT, DPT, has practiced physical therapy for 26 years. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, began her career at Massachusetts General Hospital, and in 2009 opened KD360 Wellness & Physical Therapy in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, where she still practices today. A solo clinician running a hybrid cash and insurance model, she helps clients avoid surgery and heal faster using a structured, outcome-driven program. After years inside the insurance-based model, Karen reached a hard conclusion: you can't build a successful system on a broken model. So she built her own: a defined clinical pathway with enrolled patients and predictable outcomes. That pathway became the Freedom From Back Pain Clinical Success System, the online implementation program she now teaches through her company, Clinical Architecture, helping other PT clinic owners deliver the same cash-based care inside their own practices, without adding new patients, staff, or marketing. Her work centers on one principle: we're not treating visits, we're delivering outcomes. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #766
    July 16 · 42 min

    Jared Maynard: From the ICU to the Platform: What Almost Dying Taught Me About Coaching Clinicians

    From Life-Threatening Illness to Powerlifting Comeback: Jared Maynard's Journey of Resilience and Reinvention In this inspiring episode of Healthy Wealthy & Smart, Jared Maynard shares his extraordinary journey from nearly losing his life to a rare blood disease to returning to the powerlifting platform with even greater purpose. His story underscores the importance of resilience, identity, and the ongoing process of rebuilding after profound adversity. Main topics covered: · Jared's experience with HLH and its impact on his physical and mental health · The role of physical strength in identity and recovery · Strategies for mental resilience and navigating uncertainty · Managing self-worth and detaching from outcome-driven validation · Building and scaling a coaching business amidst personal challenges · Lessons on delegation, mindset, and embracing imperfection Timestamps: · (00:00) – Introduction and pandemic of adversity: Jared's journey begins · (01:45) – Experiencing HLH: initial symptoms and misdiagnosis · (06:39) – The physical and emotional toll during hospital stay · (09:50) – Understanding HLH and its mortality rate · (11:19) – Sedation, dreams, and memory blackouts during critical illness · (15:10) – The role of muscle mass and physical strength as life insurance · (18:11) – Emotional aftermath: grief, identity loss, and rebuilding · (20:30) – Overcoming physical atrophy and mental challenges in recovery · (22:19) – Transition from hospital to home and ongoing rehab · (24:48) – Ongoing management of diagnosis and vision loss · (33:49) – Powerlifting comeback and celebrating life with family · (34:46) – Lessons in resilience and continuing reinvention · (36:18) – Building a business with clarity amidst declining vision · (37:05) – The importance of mindset, delegation, and embracing fear · (43:02) – Final message: "You are not done yet" Resources & Links: · Crucial Conversations by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan · Jared's Instagram · The Confident Sports Clinician's Checklist More About Jared: Jared Maynard is a Physical Therapist, strength coach, powerlifter, ClinicalAthlete provider, business owner and speaker who believes that "you're not done yet." In 2023, after nearly two decades of lifting and a decade of coaching, Jared was diagnosed with HLH—a rare, often fatal immune condition that landed him in the ICU on life support. His body broke down, the last treatment failed and the doctors prepared his family for the end. But his life was saved by two things: a miraculous recovery, and the muscle he built through the years spent in the gym. He woke up in the ICU as skin and bones – 40 pounds lighter, and unable to walk, talk or breathe on his own. Just over 1 year later, he returned to powerlifting to deadlift a lifetime PR – then did it again three months later. Now, despite being legally blind and navigating progressive vision loss, Jared's mission is clearer than ever: to give you the skills, support and hope to rebuild after everything falls apart. Through his business, Unbreakable Strength, he's the coach who helps coaches and clinicians beat decision fatigue, get out of pain, and build strength & confidence. He speaks on podcasts and stages as living proof of what's possible when you believe that "you're not done yet." Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #765
    July 9 · 53 min

    Sturdy McKee: The Simple System Most Practice Owners Fail to Implement—And How It Frees You From the Routine

    This episode explores practical strategies for practice owners who feel overwhelmed and are essential to their business. Host Dr. Karen Litzy interviews Sturdy McKee, a seasoned practice owner and coach, who shares actionable insights on creating self-sustaining clinics, effective delegation, and data-driven decision-making—so owners can step back with confidence in their operations. Main insights include: · Recognizing the cost of being the bottleneck—lost growth opportunities and burnout · Building foundational systems like answering phones and hiring with clear criteria and standardization · Using the Critical Seven Metrics as a dashboard to monitor business health · Differentiating between leading and lagging indicators for proactive management · Implementing culture and core values discovery to shape team behavior and diversity · Effective delegation versus micromanagement: empowering staff with ownership and clarity · The importance of non-clinical skills, like communication and process management, for clinical success · How top teams customize strategies (like sports coaching) for optimal performance · Practical steps for owners to identify and hire high-impact team members · Overcoming perfectionism and control issues by recognizing the value of delegation and trust Timestamps: 00:00 - The importance of stepping away from your practice 02:06 - When realizing being the bottleneck is holding you back 03:40 - What a typical bottleneck looks like in daily operations 05:55 - Transitioning to working on, not just in the business 08:02 - The real cost of ignoring metrics and data 09:53 - The significance of visit rates and patient retention 11:20 - Systematizing patient care and communication 14:23 - Essential first system for scalability—answering the phone 17:15 - Building effective hiring rubrics aligned with core values 18:50 - Improving team diversity and cohesion through values 22:22 - Key systems for operational independence 24:11 - Understanding the Critical Seven Metrics 26:07 - Differentiating leading and lagging indicators 28:35 - Why units per visit is undertracked and clinical behaviors behind it 33:04 - The financial impact of small improvements in billing efficiency 37:03 - Handing ownership down through clear, ownership-based delegation 40:26 - Overcoming perfectionism and control issues in leadership 45:09 - Hiring better than yourself and creating a truly scalable practice 50:17 - Building a culture of consistent standards beyond your presence 51:16 - The one essential metric practice owners must track this week 53:18 - The impact of leadership and coaching on team performance 54:14 - Delegating critical tasks—answering the phone first 55:04 - Maintaining health, wealth, and smart habits as a business owner 56:12 - Connecting with Sturdy McKee for more guidance Resources & Links: · Sturdy Coaching — Learn more about coaching services and resources · Sixer HQ — Referral software platform · Critical Seven Metrics — Download the framework · Free Gift: The Owner-Independence Roadmap Connect with Sturdy McKee: · LinkedIn · Instagram More About Sturdy: Sturdy McKee spent over 20 years as a physical therapist and practice owner. He built San Francisco Sport and Spine Physical Therapy into six locations and 40-plus staff, then sold it. For the last decade he has coached private practice owners through his 6-Hour CEO approach, helping them stop being the bottleneck in their own business and become the leader who builds a practice that runs without them. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #764
    July 2 · 49 min

    Will Humphreys: Building Better Practices: Teamwork, Recruiting & Profitability

    In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy hosts Will Humphreys, a seasoned physical therapist-turned-entrepreneur, to explore practical strategies that healthcare clinicians can use to build thriving practices. From mastering recruitment to leveraging virtual assistants, Will shares actionable insights to elevate your business, improve profit margins, and strengthen team dynamics. Main insights include: · The significance of team building and how Knicks' teamwork mirrors successful business practices · Differentiating purpose and profits for sustainable growth · Creating an ideal hire profile and utilizing job scorecards for effective recruiting · Leveraging relationships with PT schools and students to build a pipeline of future hires · The importance of systems for lead generation and hiring consistency · Navigating firing with integrity and fostering alignment within teams · How virtual assistants can offload administrative burdens and boost profitability · The critical role of ethical billing and a healthy relationship with money · Reframing profit as a driver for mission fulfillment and industry impact · Practical steps to start implementing change today Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and the importance of teamwork in practice success 02:20 - Lessons from the Knicks: team energy as a business asset 03:44 - Connecting purpose, profits, and team fulfillment 05:33 - Reflecting on the struggles and breakthroughs of building a practice 09:08 - Strategies for turning around a failing business 11:45 - How to create an effective recruiting process for healthcare practices 13:09 - The importance of defining your ideal hire with a clear profile 15:13 - Utilizing job scorecards to measure candidate success early 16:40 - The difference between lead generation and hiring in practice growth 18:23 - Building relationships with PT schools and students for pipeline development 22:41 - Systematic recruiting leveraging university connections and mentorship 23:07 - Recognizing when it's time to let someone go and how to do it ethically 24:00 - How to handle firing with dignity and preserve reputation 26:25 - The mindset of stewardship and continuous alignment with team members 27:51 - Regularly evaluating if your team is a "hell yes" to stay 29:17 - Handling difficult conversations and letting go with compassion 33:00 - The role of virtual assistants in reducing administrative overload 34:44 - Offloading tasks to virtual assistants to enhance profitability and free time 36:34 - The link between ethical billing, profitability, and purpose 38:39 - Strategic reinvestment and industry impact through profitability 40:35 - The importance of aligning money, purpose, and team success 41:35 - The opportunities brought by technology and AI to practice growth 42:04 - Gratitude for physical therapists' contribution to industry and patient care 43:10 - The quickfire lightning round for practical tips Resources & Links: · Virtual Rockstar · Rise, Stand and Lead · The Willpower Podcast · The E Myths Revisited by Michael Gerber · Jim Collins' Good to Great · Topgrading and Brandon Smart's Job Scorecard Connect with Will Humphreys: · LinkedIn · Instagram · Virtual Rockstar Instagram More About Will Humphreys: Will is a passionate entrepreneur, physical therapist, and dedicated family man. With over 26 years of experience, he has built multiple businesses, including Virtual Rockstar, which helps medical entrepreneurs thrive by outsourcing non-clinical tasks. Known for his humor, inspiring leadership, and drive to transform healthcare, Will focuses on empowering others to scale their impact while staying true to their purpose. Beyond business, he cherishes his wife and four sons, seeks adventure, and finds fulfillment in helping others succeed. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #763
    June 25 · 33 min

    Craig Dacy: How to Pay Yourself More (Without Hurting Your Practice)

    This episode explores financial management strategies tailored for physical therapy practice owners, highlighting how behavioral finance principles can lead to more sustainable and profitable practices. Dr. Stephanie Weyrauch speaks with Craig Dacy and shares actionable insights on building cash reserves, setting equitable owner compensation, and fostering a long-term profitability mindset—key considerations especially relevant in a landscape of changing reimbursement policies. In this episode: · How practice owners can implement the Profit First system to improve cash flow and profitability · Strategies for paying PT owners and team members competitively while maintaining business health · The importance of behavioral finance and habit formation in managing healthcare business finances · Building cash cushions to buffer the impact of delayed insurance reimbursements · Transitioning from solo to multi-location practice: financial and strategic shifts · Insights on hiring and retaining staff in a competitive employment market, including creative compensation models · Special considerations for insurance-based PT practices and handling delayed payments · The role of long-term thinking in promoting lifelong patient engagement with physical therapy · Craig's journey to authoring a book tailored to physical therapists on financial management Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and host introduction to Craig Dacy 00:14 - Craig's background and link with Ramsey Solutions 01:05 - Transition from teaching to financial coaching, motivated by personal debt freedom 02:04 - Connecting personal finances with managing a healthcare practice 02:26 - The link between physical therapy and finance, and the need for early financial education 03:22 - Why focus on physical therapists and their unique financial challenges 03:57 - Short-term engagement models and their impact on PT practice finances 04:37 - Promoting lifelong physical therapy and long-term patient relationships 05:05 - Expanding services and revenue streams beyond injury-based care 06:01 - Overcoming scarcity mindset in insurance-reliant practices 06:35 - Owner compensation strategies and making practices more sustainable 07:18 - Implementing profit-based accounting to manage personal and business finances 08:36 - The role of budgeting and behavioral finance in practice management 09:57 - The Envelope system adapted for business accounts 10:23 - Building a practice on a lean budget and avoiding debt 11:04 - Managing delayed insurance payments and cash flow buffers 12:02 - Percentage-based budgeting and cash cushion strategies 12:47 - Tailoring Profit First principles for healthcare settings 13:31 - Different financial strategies for growing practices 14:01 - Prioritizing payroll and managing equipment expenses 14:38 - Challenges of hiring in a competitive market and offering competitive salaries 15:06 - How to determine sustainable compensation—percentages and alternative pay models 15:56 - Profit sharing and creating ownership culture for employee retention 16:50 - Boosting practice profitability through mindset shifts 17:31 - The importance of profit in business health and longevity 18:30 - Transitioning from solo to multi-location practices and financial planning 19:19 - Growth phases and financial shifts at different revenue levels 20:48 - Proactive planning to fund expansion and staffing 21:20 - Behavioral changes needed for practice profitability and culture 22:07 - How profitability benefits the team, patients, and business sustainability 23:04 - Making profit a priority by shifting financial behaviors 24:18 - Small habits for long-lasting financial health—starting with just 1% into profit 25:00 - Speaking at Web PT's Ascend conference, and the growth mindset around money 26:20 - Craig's journey to writing a book for PTs on financial systems 27:53 - Inspiration behind the book and the process of writing 29:22 - Advice to younger self: embrace authenticity and risk-taking 30:18 - Connecting with Craig and upcoming resources for practice owners 31:23 - Final tips: opening a profit account and celebrating profitability 32:05 - Closing remarks and encouragement to adopt financial habits Resources & Links: · Profit First by Mike Michalowicz · pf4pt.com — Book landing page and pre-order info · Dacy Coaching — Practice financial consulting Connect with Craig: · Website · Schedule a coaching session · Craig on Instagram · Craig on LinkedIn · Craig on YouTube More About Craig Dacy: Craig Dacy, owner of DACY Financial Coaching, has helped hundreds of small businesses, with a focus on Physical Therapists, find confidence and clarity in their finances. After spending over a decade as an educator, Craig combines his knack for small business and love for teaching to help make the overly complicated concept of business finances incredibly simple to understand. Craig lives in Austin, TX with his wife and 2 kids. When he's not spending time with his family, he can be found reliving "the good old days" as the lead singer and bass player for his 90s cover band, Zoodust. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #762
    June 18 · 1 hr 7 min

    Drs. Dr. Courtney Conley & Milica McDowell: WALK, Your Life Depends on It!

    Unlocking the Power of Walking: Feet, Movement, and Health. This episode dives deep into how something as simple as walking is a foundational pillar for health, longevity, and overall well-being. Dr. Karen Litzy welcomes expert insights from Dr. Courtney Conley and Dr. Melissa McDowell, you'll learn practical strategies to optimize foot health, rethink footwear choices, and incorporate walking into everyday life for maximum benefit. In this episode: · Why walking is considered a sixth vital sign and what it means for health assessment · The evidence-based optimal step range and busting myths around 10,000 steps · How foot strength and proper footwear influence pain, injury, and longevity · The biochemistry of walking and its effects on hormones, brain health, and disease prevention · Strategies clinicians and individuals can use to operationalize walking as a therapeutic and preventive tool · Challenging misconceptions about shoes, orthotics, and barefoot walking Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Rethinking walking as a vital sign and its importance 02:15 - Walking as a necessity: Beyond exercise, a core biological requirement 03:40 - The myth of 10,000 steps: Evidence-based step targets for different health outcomes 05:04 - Micro walks and ambient activity: How small moments add up 06:31 - Meeting people where they are: Tailoring step goals and activity levels 08:32 - Debunking the 10,000 steps myth and the influence of misinformation 09:56 - The impact of walking on mental health and chronic disease management 11:44 - Foot mechanics and gait: Insights into movement patterns and predicting systemic health 13:15 - The importance of foot strength and preserving foot biomechanics over time 14:32 - Foot health's relationship to fall risk and aging 16:54 - Biological impacts of walking on hormones, brain growth factors, and cognitive function 18:14 - Walking as an intervention for menopause symptoms, depression, and anxiety 19:41 - The power of specific step targets for reducing disease risk 21:01 - How walking should be integrated into chronic pain management 23:34 - The simplicity of behavior change: Making walking accessible for everyone 26:54 - Overcoming pain and fear: Starting with micro walks and building confidence 28:01 - Footwear essentials: Respectting anatomy and choosing proper shoes 30:46 - The influence of shoes on foot health, posture, and systemic health 33:33 - Identifying inappropriate footwear and the role of orthotics 35:45 - Addressing footwear for children and the importance of fit during growth 38:31 - The impact of heel-toe drop and shoe structure on gait and health 41:35 - How indoor shoes and surface changes affect foot and overall health 43:54 - Walking and longevity: Connecting foot strength, fall risk, and lifespan 46:22 - Practical tips for strengthening feet and the dark side of cushioned shoes 50:02 - Tips for clinicians to integrate foot health and walking into practice 53:38 - Business opportunities in community health, workshops, and education 56:23 - Final advice for practitioners interested in promoting walking and foot health 57:59 - The journey of publishing a health-focused book: Tips and encouragement 58:06 - The importance of passion and ongoing learning in health professions 66:35 - Resources, social media, and where to find expert guidance Resources & Links: · Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking and How It Can Improve Your Health and Happiness · Gait Happens - Foot and gait analysis training · Melissa McDowell - Instagram | Website · Courtney Conley Website| Instagram | YouTube More About Dr. Courtney Conley: Dr. Courtney Conley is the founder of Gait Happens, where she pursues her passion for helping as many people as possible reclaim their foot function. As an internationally renowned foot and gait specialist, Dr. Conley teaches both nationally and internationally. She is a chiropractic physician with a BA in Kinesiology, a BA in Human Biology, and a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. Based in Lakewood, CO, Dr. Conley owns and operates Total Health Solutions clinic and Total Health Performance gym, where she leads patient care focused on restoring gait mechanics and resolving foot problems to help people move more easily and pain-free. She is also a founding member of the Healthy Foot Alliance, an international team of practitioners dedicated to promoting the benefits of natural footwear, preventing unnecessary surgeries, and improving foot function to create a stable foundation from the ground up. More about Dr. Milica McDowell: Dr. Milica McDowell holds two Bachelor of Science degrees (Exercise Physiology and Health Promotion, (Montana State University), a master's degree (Physical Therapy, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center), and a Doctorate degree (Physical Therapy, Idaho State University). She served as a university faculty member in Human Performance for nearly a decade, has developed numerous medical education curricula and has been an invited speaker on many national stages, including the American Physical Therapy Association and American College of Sports Medicine's conventions. She has been an invited presenter for numerous professional organizations, and she has delivered over 300 educational lectures at state, regional, and national levels. Dr. McDowell founded Clearwater Physical Therapy, Bluebird Medical Supply Company, and co-founded Epic Fitness, 4C Sports Injury Analytics, and CrossFit Send It. In 2023, Dr. McDowell was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare by the Women We Admire organization. She has edited textbooks, written several university science courses, and developed professional continuing education courses that are sold in a global marketplace. One of her present interests is the responsible use of AI technologies to produce multimedia learning experiences in professional education. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #761
    June 11 · 38 min

    Kathryn Nicolai: Sleep Stories: Using Neuroscience & Narratives to Calm the Mind

    In this episode of Healthy Wealthy & Smart, Dr. Karen Litzy welcomes Kathryn Nicolai, the creator and host of Nothing Much Happens, one of the most listened-to sleep podcasts in the world. Discover how storytelling, nervous system regulation, and mindful routines can transform your sleep quality in this engaging episode. Kathryn shares practical strategies rooted in her background in yoga, neuroscience, and storytelling to help listeners foster calm, resilience, and restful nights. Key Topics: · The therapeutic power of storytelling in calming anxiety and promoting sleep · The neuroscience behind why safety and overstimulation block restful sleep · Practical tools like breathwork, joy, and routines to reset the nervous system · The concept of SIMS (Safety in Me) versus DIMS (Danger in Me) and how to shift balance · How to develop a personalized sleep ritual that feels pleasurable and sustainable · The importance of joy, predictability, and self-compassion in sleep hygiene · Mental models for reducing hypervigilance and promoting safety at night · Kathryn's process of creating comforting stories and building a connected universe for sleep · Techniques for integrating mindfulness and sensory awareness into everyday life · Encouragement to prioritize pleasure over perfection in self-care routines Timestamps: 00:00 - What makes storytelling a powerful tool for sleep 00:48 - Kathryn's journey from yoga teacher to sleep storyteller 02:12 - Why safety in the nervous system is key to restful sleep 03:22 - The role of overstimulation and how modern life hampers rest 04:45 - The magic of bedtime stories and their universal calming effect 06:00 - Understanding default mode network and the glazed eye of overthinking 07:14 - The principles of SIMS and DIMS in regulating nervous system safety 08:45 - How stories foster a reparative sense of witnessing and safety 10:05 - The art of building a nurturing, interconnected storytelling universe 11:41 - Creating a sensory-rich environment that promotes calm 13:03 - Kathryn's storytelling techniques: pacing, predictability, and authenticity 14:13 - The importance of intention and personal touch in story creation 15:33 - Making routine pleasurable — integrating joy into sleep rituals 17:04 - The calming power of familiar locations and recurring characters 18:28 - The significance of predictability and control in anxious times 20:14 - The myth of perfect sleep routines and focusing on what feels good 22:24 - Front-loading the day with joy as a resilience booster 24:24 - The uplifting impact of simple pleasures — music, a kind word, a moment of delight 26:22 - Breathing techniques and other accessible practices to turn down the nervous system dial 27:34 - The accessibility and free nature of mindfulness tools 28:34 - Building habits slowly and with pleasure, not perfection 30:23 - Letting go of rigidity: sustainability in self-care 31:17 - The importance of internal permission to enjoy and relax 32:41 - The secret ordinary moments that remind us of magic 33:44 - Choosing a story setting you'd love to live in 34:19 - Debunking myths in the wellness industry around "perfect rest" 35:16 - The transformational advice to younger selves: embrace imperfect progress 36:11 - Resources, books, and ways to connect with Kathryn 37:13 - Final words: cultivating a safe, restful, joyful sleep environment Resources & Links: · Nothing Much Happens – Website · Nothing Much Happens – Podcast · Nothing Much Happens - Instagram · On the Street Where You Live – Kathryn's upcoming book (search title for purchase info) · First This – Guided meditation show · Kathryn on YouTube More About Kathryn Nicolai: Kathryn Nicolai is the creator and host of Nothing Much Happens, one of the most listened-to sleep podcasts in the world, where millions of listeners use her stories to calm anxiety, fall asleep, and feel more at ease in their bodies. With over 20 years of experience as a yoga and meditation teacher, Kathryn is a trusted voice in self-care, with a focus on sleep hygiene, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and storytelling as medicine. She draws on lived experience and practices including Vipassana meditation, gentle movement, brain training, and bibliotherapy to support people navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Through her work, Kathryn helps people cultivate rest, creativity, and emotional resilience in a culture shaped by overstimulation and burnout. Her new audio book, On The Street Where You Live, also comes out in July. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #760
    June 4 · 43 min

    Nathan White: Collaboration Over Consolidation: Keeping Rural Healthcare Local

    In this episode of Healthy Wealthy & Smart, Dr. Karen Litzy sits down with Nathan White, JD, President and CEO of Cibolo Health and a nationally recognized leader in rural healthcare transformation; to explore how independent hospitals can thrive amidst industry consolidation. They uncover actionable strategies to maintain independence while collaborating effectively to improve patient outcomes and sustain financial stability. We discuss: How high-value networks (HVNs) and clinically integrated networks (CINs) empower rural hospitals to negotiate better and stay independent The shift from fee-for-sick to value-based care and its implications for rural providers The importance of scale, data interoperability, and primary care for rural health success How collaboration, ownership, and local control challenge the traditional view of hospital consolidation Practical examples of rural value-based programs and metrics that matter The role of AI, data, and community engagement in future healthcare models Lessons in leadership mindset, policy changes, and building resilient healthcare systems Key insights: Independence in healthcare is best achieved through strategic interdependence, not isolation Small rural hospitals need networks with ownership and governance to navigate value-based care successfully Scale provides the bargaining power and data needed for rural success, but local control preserves community relevance Data-driven, patient-centric approaches—like targeted metrics and AI—are the future of rural health Building collaborative networks requires intentionality around ownership, governance, and shared goals Timestamps: 00:00 - The challenge of maintaining hospital independence amidst industry consolidation 00:30 - Introducing Nate White and his vision for rural healthcare transformation 01:42 - How high-value networks (HVNs) and clinically integrated networks (CINs) work 02:11 - The role of CINs in payer negotiation and healthcare cost control 03:10 - The importance of scale and shared purchasing for rural hospitals 03:25 - The shift to value-based care and its relevance for rural settings 04:05 - The limitations of fee-for-sick care and the move towards prevention and health management 05:19 - Clinical integration to reduce fragmentation and unnecessary utilization 06:11 - How rural hospitals can participate in Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) 06:45 - Challenges of attribution and achieving the 5,000 patient threshold for rural hospitals 07:15 - The need for larger patient pools and collaborative models for rural success 08:13 - Data and interoperability's role in managing patient care and engagement 09:16 - The double-edged sword of technology and resource limitations in rural hospitals 09:59 - The concept of "independence through interdependence" and collaboration over consolidation 11:07 - How legacy hub-and-spoke models can undermine rural healthcare access and community priorities 12:34 - The importance of local control in healthcare decision-making 14:02 - The unique opportunities and challenges of value-based care in rural settings 15:38 - Prioritizing primary care as the foundation of rural health strategies 16:17 - Practical rural value-based care programs and metrics 17:44 - The importance of improvement incentives and relevant metrics for rural hospitals 19:16 - Building care extenders and leveraging AI to improve screening and patient engagement 21:12 - The growing role of AI in healthcare, from outreach to decision-making 23:36 - The mission-driven motivation behind Cibolo's innovations in rural health 24:52 - Lessons for healthcare entrepreneurs on collaboration, governance, and control 27:23 - The significance of ownership and control in payer and network contracts 29:54 - The power of scale and collective revenue in competitive healthcare landscapes 31:39 - The operational challenges and initial hurdles in network development 33:49 - Long-term vision: transitioning to a future-ready payment and care model 36:02 - Key takeaway: scale combined with local autonomy is the recipe for rural healthcare resilience 38:37 - Policy reforms needed to foster competition and efficiency in rural healthcare 39:59 - Mindset shifts for healthcare leaders to succeed in network environments 40:35 - Advice to future healthcare leaders: Be present, opportunistic, and adaptable 41:57 - Connecting with Nate White and learning more about Cibolo Health 42:52 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to share insights with colleagues Resources & Links: Cibolo Health Nate White on LinkedIn Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal Medicare Shared Savings Program details HEDIS Metrics Overview More About Nate: Nathan White is a nationally recognized leader in rural healthcare transformation, with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare operations, strategy, and system innovation. As the founder and CEO of Cibolo Health, Nathan has pioneered the High Value Network (HVN) model, which enables independent rural hospitals to collaborate, improve outcomes, and remain financially sustainable without sacrificing local governance. Before founding Cibolo Health, Nathan served as Chief Operating Officer at Sanford Health, where he helped grow the system from $350 million to $6.5 billion in revenue, overseeing 40 hospitals nationwide. His work has been featured in Modern Healthcare and Forbes, and he is a sought-after speaker on value-based care and rural health sustainability. Nathan's leadership was recently recognized on the 2026 TIME100 Health list, which highlights the world's most influential leaders shaping the future of healthcare. A Kansas native, Nathan is passionate about ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality, locally governed care. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #759
    May 28 · 57 min

    Dr. Minal Patel & Brijraj Bhuptani: The Future of Rehab: How Responsible AI Will Transform Physical Therapy Practice

    In this episode of the Healthy Wealthy & Smart Podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT, welcomes Dr. Minal Patel and Brijraj Bhuptani of Spry Therapeutics. We explore how AI is transforming clinical workflows, documentation, and patient care in physical therapy. We cut through the hype to understand what responsible AI integration really means for clinicians and practice owners. Key topics The origins of Spry and the real-world problems AI aims to solve in healthcare How AI-powered documentation like Spry's Scribe tool works in practice The importance of transparency, data security, and reliability in healthcare AI Balancing customization and standardization with AI tools The role of AI in addressing clinician burnout and administrative burden Future pathways: AI's potential to standardize workflows while respecting individual practice styles Practical steps for clinicians and practice owners to start exploring AI in their clinics Evolving perceptions of AI's impact on human interaction and empathy in therapy Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to AI in clinics and why it matters 02:16 - The story behind Spry's inception and industry pain points 04:44 - How COVID accelerated the need for smarter workflows 09:11 - Overcoming practice ownership inertia toward new technology 12:06 - The role of AI-powered documentation and clinician workflows 18:15 - How Spry's AI listens and transcribes in real-time during therapy 24:09 - Protecting note integrity and avoiding homogenized documentation 27:51 - The impact of admin overload on clinician burnout and patient trust 36:17 - Building trust in AI with transparency and data access 40:48 - The future of AI: opportunities and responsibilities for practice owners 43:20 - Responsible AI and industry responsibility for ethical tech deployment 47:40 - Clarifying probabilistic AI and ensuring reliable clinical outputs 48:43 - Lightning round: quick takes on practice management and AI mindset 55:09 - How to connect with the experts and learn more about Spry Resources & Links Spry Brij Bhutani - LinkedIn Dr Minal Patel - LinkedIn AI-powered documentation in healthcare: a look at Spry's approach More About Dr. Patel: Dr. Minal Patel PT, DPT, OCS is a seasoned Physical Therapist with over 17 years of clinical and non-clinical expertise. She has held pivotal roles within rehab organizations including leadership and innovation for both in-person and digital services. Dr. Patel holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Midwestern University, and is an Orthopedic Certified Specialist. As Director of Clinical Solutions at SPRY, Dr. Patel leads the development and implementation of innovative care strategies that bridge the gap between clinical excellence and operational efficiency. With a deep background in physical therapy and healthcare operations, Dr. Patel brings a clinician-first perspective to building solutions that streamline workflows, optimize patient outcomes, and enhance revenue cycle performance. At SPRY, Dr. Patel works closely with product, engineering, and customer success teams to ensure the platform supports the real-world needs of outpatient therapy practices. Their work focuses on translating clinical insight into scalable technology—empowering providers to deliver high-quality care while navigating complex payer and compliance environments. Prior to joining SPRY, Dr. Patel held leadership roles in multi-site rehab networks and has been instrumental in driving clinical innovation, EMR optimization, and value-based care initiatives. She is passionate about elevating the role of therapists in the broader healthcare ecosystem through data-driven, patient-centered tools. More About Brijraj: Brijraj (Vaghani) Bhuptani is co-founder and chief executive officer of SPRY Therapeutics, Inc., inventor of rehab therapy's first fully integrated, AI-powered EMR. As CEO, Brij drives company and product strategy as he leads the organization in the commercialization of rehab therapy's only AI-first software platform. Before SPRY, Brij co-founded and served as chief executive officer of Birds Eye Systems, the creator of major mass transit platform Ridlr. This enterprise was acquired by Ola, one of the world's largest ride-hailing companies, where Brij then served as chief technology officer. Prior to Birds Eye Systems, Brij applied his engineering background to solving some of the most pressing technology concerns facing large media and wireless firms, including Qualcomm and Sears India. For more information on SPRY, visit www.sprypt.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

  • #758
    May 21 · 59 min

    Drs. Devon Morris & Cortez Espinoza: Rizing Tide: Giving Back and Paying it Forward

    In this episode of the Healthy Wealthy & Smart Podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy, PT, DPT welcomes Dr. Cortez Espinoza and Dr. Devin Morris. They explore the journey from their Rizing Tide scholarships and advanced training to navigating the financial realities of the PT profession. The discussion covers community building, mentorship, and strategic thinking, providing a comprehensive look at how physical therapists can shape a more equitable and impactful future. Key Topics: How Rising Tide Scholarship creates community and leadership opportunities for underrepresented clinicians Differences between residency and fellowship – and why both are foundational for advanced clinical decision-making The financial landscape of PT education, including student debt, business challenges, and alternative income streams The significance of mentorship, advocacy, and policy involvement for career growth and systemic change Opportunities in direct access care, policy advocacy, media, and community engagement for young clinicians Practical strategies for aligning career choices with personal values, purpose, and long-term goals The role of holistic treatment approaches, lifestyle medicine, and lifestyle factors in patient care and clinician wellness Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and background of guests from Rising Tide 02:05 - How Rising Tide shaped clinical and leadership development 04:07 - The community and ongoing support beyond scholarships 09:00 - Clarifying the differences between PT residency and fellowship 10:44 - Financial realities of PT education and career paths 13:05 - Residency and fellowship decision-making strategies 18:35 - Opportunities for impact and leadership in early career stages 25:00 - Addressing the financial burden on PT students and clinicians 30:30 - Insights on balancing financial stress, private practice, and side income 43:19 - Emerging opportunities in direct access and policy advocacy 55:42 - Resources for early career PTs and the importance of defining success 56:49 - Personal advice on purpose, staying true to values, and career resilience 58:00 - How to connect with Cortez and Devin and get involved with Rising Tide Resources & Links: Rising Tide Foundation – community, scholarships, mentorship, advocacy The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle Andrew Huberman Labs Podcast Connect with the Guests: Dr. Cortez Espinoza - LinkedIn Dr. Devin Morris - LinkedIn More About Dr. Morris: Devon is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist focused on working with high school and elite athletes in Atlanta, GA. After earning her DPT while playing soccer at Ithaca College, she completed her orthopedic residency at Emory University, where she trained at the Atlanta Hawks Sports Medicine Complex. During her residency, she contributed to research on post-ACLR jumping and landing mechanics and began her case study research on DVT detection in diverse populations. She went on to present that work at CSM and publish it in JOSPT Cases. Alongside her clinical work, Devon serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the South College and Tufts DPT programs and teaches continuing education courses for Team Rehabilitation. What sets Devon apart is her commitment to making research feel accessible. She translates complex orthopedic and sports PT concepts into clear, practical insights that clinicians can use right away. She is also building a community and tools for early-career therapists who are looking for guidance, support, and a sense of belonging in the field. More About Dr. Espinoza: Dr. Cortez Espinoza is an orthopedic physical therapist, educator, and coach focused on bridging the gap between clinical expertise and human empowerment. With advanced training in spine orthopedic care, he is passionate about leading clinicians to go beyond a purely biomechanical model to one that incorporates behavior change, education, and long-term impact. His work is driven by a mission to improve patient outcomes and the future of healthcare education. Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

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