Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Advancing Care Through Connection and Digital Innovation with Matthew Harinstein, MD, MBA
Release Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Scott King, Becker's Healthcare
Guest: Dr. Matthew Harinstein, Vice President and Associate Chief Medical Officer, Northwell Health

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott King interviews Dr. Matthew Harinstein about the evolving landscape of US healthcare, focusing on digital innovation, system integration, and fostering a culture that drives both provider satisfaction and patient outcomes. Dr. Harinstein offers insights into Northwell Health’s priorities, including their approach to AI and digital tools, system-wide integration, and the importance of people and culture in achieving sustainable growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Background

• [01:05–02:22]
  • Dr. Harinstein describes his roles at Northwell Health and his career background, noting his clinical focus in cardiology and leadership roles at UPMC before joining Northwell.
  • He emphasizes Northwell’s “phenomenal and unique culture” that balances clinical excellence, innovation, and workforce support.

2. Opportunities and Challenges in Healthcare

• [02:34–04:54]
  Opportunities:

  • Leveraging data and digital tools, especially AI, to:
    • Give providers more time with patients
    • Identify patients who can benefit from specific treatments (e.g., for diabetes, cardiovascular, structural heart procedures)
    • Optimize clinical pathways and workflows
  • Integrating Northwell with Nuvance Health to:
    • Combine best practices
    • Elevate quality across diverse regions
    • Expand access to expertise and resources for patients from Long Island to Connecticut

  Challenges (Headwinds):

  • Workforce shortages
  • Financial constraints
  • Rapid pace of change

  Culture as a Solution:

  • “The key is... maintaining a culture where people feel valued and supported and their well being is promoted.” — Dr. Harinstein [04:17]
  • Satisfied employees lead to more efficient, productive care teams and better patient experiences.

3. AI, Digital Innovation, and Provider Experience

• [04:54–05:43]

  • Early implementation of AI tools (such as ambient AI for note-taking) is aimed at reducing administrative burdens so providers can focus on patient care.
  • These tools are being actively rolled out or expanded at Northwell.

  Notable Quote:

  • “A lot of systems are moving more towards ambient AI... focus less on the documentation and more on time spent with patient care.” — Dr. Harinstein [05:18]

4. Growth and Value at Northwell

• [05:43–07:40]

  • Growth is not just about size but about impact and value to patients.
  • Priorities include:
    • Strengthening clinical programs in transplantation, cardiac, neurosurgery, and other surgical specialties
    • Expanding access using digital tools
    • Building integrated teams across ambulatory and inpatient settings
  • Emphasizing culture as a “strategic asset”:
    • Leadership is focused on leading with empathy and purpose
    • A supportive environment drives quality, safety, and innovation

  Notable Quote:

  • "When you have a really great culture where people feel respected, part of the team, it creates really safest and highest quality care for the patients." — Dr. Harinstein [07:16]

5. Key Risks and High-Value Investments for Health Systems

• [07:40–10:19]

  • The most meaningful investment is in people—leadership development, engagement, and well-being.
  • The implementation of the Epic electronic health record (EHR) is highlighted as a major recent investment:
    • The first wave of Epic rollout across hospitals and ambulatory sites was successful, creating enthusiasm and seeing workflow improvements already.
    • Digital analytic capabilities via EHR (such as AI-generated notes and summaries) can improve provider workflow and patient care.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Even with all the training... once it’s finally time for prime time... it can be challenging, but we heard nothing but excitement and people were just talking about already how much they're seeing improvement in some of their workflows.” — Dr. Harinstein [09:20]

6. Future Growth Opportunities: Leveraging Connection

• [10:31–12:48]

  • Major future growth lies in deepening connections:

    • Between health systems (e.g., Northwell and Nuvance)
    • Among data systems and provider teams
    • With community and primary care physicians

  • The goal is seamless patient navigation and referral pathways, giving patients easy access to appropriate care—including high-acuity procedures and preventive services—across a broadly connected system.

  Notable Quote:

  • “Healthcare is about people. It's the people we care for, the people that deliver the care. When we have this environment of connection and promotion of well being, everyone has the opportunity to flourish and hopefully we can deliver the best care with the highest quality...” — Dr. Harinstein [12:17]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Culture:
  “If we can make sure that every one of our staff members, from administration to ancillary services to the provider level, is satisfied in what they're doing, I think everybody works better.” — Dr. Harinstein [04:27]

• On AI and Admin Burden:
  “A lot of systems are moving more towards the ambient AI... focus less on the documentation and more on time spent with patient care.” — Dr. Harinstein [05:18]

• On EHR Rollout (Epic):
  “We heard nothing but excitement and people were just talking about already how much they're seeing improvement in some of their workflows.” — Dr. Harinstein [09:27]

• On Growth via Connection:
  “If [primary care physicians] know who to go directly to to receive care, that will just occur seamlessly. ...now all of a sudden, that patient who may struggle to figure out...where do I go next...is going to be able to get that appointment, get into the system, and then again get the treatment they need.” — Dr. Harinstein [11:09]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:43–01:17: Dr. Harinstein’s introduction and background
• 02:22–04:54: Trends, opportunities, and headwinds in healthcare
• 04:54–05:43: AI and early results at Northwell
• 05:43–07:40: Growth strategy and the value of culture
• 07:40–10:19: Risk, investment in digital tools, and EHR implementation
• 10:31–12:48: Vision for future growth through connection and integration

Tone & Language

The conversation is forward-thinking, practical, and focused on both technological advancement and the personal element of healthcare. Dr. Harinstein speaks with enthusiasm about innovation but continually returns to the foundational importance of people, connection, and culture.

Summary Takeaway

Dr. Matthew Harinstein presents a vision for healthcare transformation where digital innovation—specifically AI and EHR advancements—serve to enable deeper human connection, reduce provider burden, and deliver safer, higher quality care. Northwell’s strategy underscores that investments in people and culture are as vital as investments in technology, and that true growth comes from connecting all domains of a health system for seamless, empowered patient and provider experiences.