Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: David Goldberg, President & CEO of Mon Health System and Davis Health System, and Executive Vice President at Vandalia Health

Episode Date: January 1, 2026
Host: Scott Becker
Guest: David Goldberg

Episode Overview

This episode features an insightful conversation with David Goldberg, President & CEO of Mon Health System and Davis Health System, and Executive Vice President at Vandalia Health. Goldberg delves into the landscape of healthcare in West Virginia, the state’s unique challenges and opportunities, current trends in rural health, and his leadership philosophy. He also shares what excites him most about the years ahead as Vandalia Health continues its evolution and integration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to Vandalia Health and West Virginia Health Landscape

[00:34 – 02:23]

• Formation of Vandalia Health:

  • Formed in 2022 through a merger between Charleston Area Medical Center Health System and Mon Health System.
  • Expanded with the addition of Davis Health System.
  • Now encompasses 17 hospitals and 200+ ambulatory locations, with 13,000 employees serving West Virginia as well as parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.

• Mission:

  • “We’re able to keep community care close to home, laser focused with our board of directors of West Virginia residents taking care of West Virginians.” (Goldberg, 00:58)

• State Characteristics:

  • 1.8 million residents with key cities: Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling, Weirton, and Morgantown (“University City”).
  • Strong sense of pride and community dedication.
  • “We’ve been socially distancing since 1857. We’re very loyal to our state, very humble, we work hard.” (Goldberg, 01:55)

Trends and Challenges in Rural Healthcare Delivery

[02:23 – 05:43]

• Geographic Variation in Access:

  • Urban proximity offers access to major hubs, but rural areas face significant barriers (distance, lack of major roads).
  • Focus is on “bringing care close to home.”

• Recruitment Successes:

  • Nearly 200 new allied health professionals hired in the past year.
  • Specialists travel to rural communities to ensure critical services (oncology, neurology, urology, etc.).

• Access Strategies:

  • Telehealth expansion, specialist rotations, targeted recruitment.

• Cost Management Pressures:

  • Pharmaceutical Costs:
    • 340B program essential for reducing medication costs.
    • “Pharmaceutical expenses on everybody’s radar... making sure that the costs are reduced to get access to care and pharmaceuticals to our patients.” (Goldberg, 04:42)
  • Labor Costs:
    • Must pay competitively with neighboring states to attract talent.
  • Benefits Costs:
    • Employee health plan dependents are a rising cost.
  • Technology Investment:
    • Fastest-growing budget area.
    • Significant spend needed for AI, electronic medical records, and other tech despite fixed Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement rates.

Priorities and Excitement Heading into 2026

[06:13 – 08:02; 11:04 – 13:07]

• Integration:

  • Continuing integration of assets for efficiency and cost savings, reinvesting savings into people, technology, and community programs.

• Financial Stewardship:

  • Extra care with spending as a tax-exempt non-profit.
  • Monitoring federal changes (Medicaid reimbursement, 340B, drug pricing).

• Innovation & Technology:

  • AI and digital tools to streamline healthcare delivery and improve access.

• Patient Access:

  • "We need to make ourselves frictionless, make it easier for patients to get in to see their doctors...so we can reduce cost and improve our outcomes." (Goldberg, 07:06)

• Public Health Focus:

  • Addressing significant population health issues: high rates of smoking, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, lung cancer.

• Anticipation for Federal Support:

  • Excitement about President's $50B rural healthcare transformation grant, hoping for a significant portion to drive improvement.

• Outlook:

  • “26 is going to be an incredible year...what keeps me going every day is...we’re improving people’s lives and the trajectory of their healthcare. That’s exciting.” (Goldberg, 12:47)

Leadership Philosophy & Advice for Emerging Leaders

[08:23 – 10:41]

• Give Back to Community:

  • Healthcare “the most giving profession back to a community you can take on.”
  • Hospitals are “like little cities,” requiring diverse skills and focus on the local community’s needs.

• Leadership Essentials:

  • “Don’t take yourself too seriously even though it’s a serious job.”
  • Know the details to make a difference, empower future leaders.
  • Partner closely with clinicians—avoid adversarial relationships.

• Listening Skills:

  • “God gave us two ears and a mouth for a reason. I talk a lot, so I try to slow down to listen more...” (Goldberg, 09:34)

• Quality Focus:

  • “If you don’t strive for perfection, you’ll never get there...Anything less in healthcare could mean a terrible outcome or a defect.”
  • Promote a just culture where staff feel safe to flag problems for improvement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On West Virginia culture:
  “We’ve been socially distancing since 1857. We’re very loyal to our state, we’re very humble, we work hard.” (Goldberg, 01:55)

• On care delivery in rural regions:
  “If you don’t make it easy to access healthcare, patients aren’t going to go. And if they don’t go, they’re going to get sicker.” (Goldberg, 03:31)

• On AI and tech investment:
  “The fastest growing part of our budget in most healthcare providers...is the investment in technology...very costly.” (Goldberg, 05:14)

• On leadership & humility:
  “Don’t take yourself too seriously even though it’s a serious job...Partner with your clinicians.” (Goldberg, 08:54)

• On healthcare’s impact:
  “No matter what any of us do in healthcare, we’re improving people’s lives and the trajectory of their healthcare.” (Goldberg, 12:47)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:34 – Introduction & overview of Vandalia Health
• 01:40 – West Virginia cities and health landscape
• 02:23 – Rural access challenges and recruitment strategies
• 04:42 – Financial challenges: pharmaceuticals, labor, benefits, IT
• 06:13 – Priorities and excitement for 2026
• 08:23 – Leadership lessons & advice for emerging leaders
• 11:04 – Personal motivations for 2026 and long-term vision
• 12:47 – Closing thoughts on healthcare mission

Summary

This episode offers a deep dive into the state of West Virginia healthcare as seen through the eyes of a seasoned leader. David Goldberg shares both the accomplishments and the pressing challenges faced by Vandalia Health and its regional partners, providing practical insights for both rural providers and healthcare leaders nationwide. Through stories, statistics, and a focus on mission and culture, Goldberg paints a picture of a healthcare system striving to be “frictionless” and uniquely connected to its community—with a clear eye toward the future.