Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: In-Depth Conversation with Dr. Tony Sepal of Carilion Clinic

Release Date: June 30, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Molly Gamble engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Tony Sepal, the Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive at Carilion Clinic. Dr. Sepal offers listeners an insightful look into the operations, innovations, and future directions of one of Southwest Virginia’s leading healthcare systems.

About Carilion Clinic

Dr. Tony Sepal begins the conversation by introducing Carilion Clinic’s expansive reach and mission:

“We are a seven hospital system with a 250-mile ambulatory footprint… innovation is part of our DNA.” [00:23]

Carilion Clinic, headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, operates seven hospitals and extends its services over a 250-mile ambulatory area. The organization prides itself on its strong focus on residency training programs, research, and continuous innovation—a commitment that has earned it a spot on Forbes’ list of healthcare innovators for three consecutive years.

Carilion Clinic’s Mission and Regional Impact

Dr. Sepal emphasizes Carilion Clinic’s mission to improve community health, highlighting the organization’s strategic geographic positioning:

“Our mission… is to improve the health of the communities that we serve… if you divide [Virginia] down the middle, pretty much everything to the left of middle is Carilion Clinic’s market share.” [01:47]

Carilion Clinic serves not only Southwest Virginia but also extends into parts of West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Upcoming expansions include a new Cardiovascular Institute, the Taubman Cancer Center, and a kidney transplant program set to launch in 2026, demonstrating the clinic’s commitment to broadening its service offerings and regional presence.

Navigating Industry Challenges and Embracing Innovation

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Dr. Sepal discusses the myriad challenges and trends affecting Carilion Clinic:

“The one constant in healthcare is that it's always changing… we've maintained our true north, which is our mission… growth mindset is incredibly important.” [04:03]

Key topics include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Carilion Clinic has been utilizing AI for over a decade, recently establishing an AI Governance Council to navigate the integration of new technologies effectively. Notable advancements include reducing MRI scan times from 30 minutes to under two minutes through AI-driven radiology processes.

• Telemedicine and Virtual Care: Highlighting the surge in telehealth adoption post-pandemic, Dr. Sepal notes that 6% of Carilion Clinic’s visits are now virtual, facilitated by a specialized team of virtualists. This model not only enhances patient access, especially in rural areas, but also improves physician workflow by minimizing time spent on electronic medical records (EMR).

• Resource Management: Balancing investments in new technologies while ensuring other critical areas are not underfunded remains a strategic priority, given the finite nature of healthcare resources.

Innovative Virtualist Program

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Carilion Clinic’s Virtualist Program, which exemplifies the clinic’s innovative approach to healthcare delivery:

“We have physicians that are completely remote… 6% of our visits are virtual visits by our virtualists.” [11:46]

Virtualists are specialized physicians who provide remote care, initially starting with family medicine and pediatrics. The program is poised for expansion into various specialties such as rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, and women’s health. Dr. Sepal underscores the program’s potential to bridge gaps in rural healthcare access and enhance health equity:

“Health systems are uniquely positioned because of the brand strength and the loyalty that the patient populations have to their health system… it’s another bridge to help us get to where we want to be for those populations.” [14:01]

Leadership Amidst Turbulence

Addressing the complexities of healthcare leadership, Dr. Sepal shares his strategies for maintaining resilience and fostering a growth-oriented culture:

“Be yourself, lean on your team, maintain transparency, honesty… providing a clear vision that is mission-driven I think is the key.” [15:16]

Key advice for current and aspiring healthcare leaders includes:

• Authenticity and Team Support: Emphasizing the importance of transparency and reliance on team strengths to navigate challenges effectively.

• Mission-Driven Vision: Keeping the organization’s mission at the forefront ensures alignment and motivation across all levels of the healthcare system.

• Adaptability and Agility: Staying flexible in the face of unforeseen challenges allows for continuous improvement and transformation.

Dr. Sepal also highlights the rewarding nature of healthcare leadership, despite its inherent challenges:

“The reward for what we do… is what gets me up in the morning every day…I love being part of this health system because we're making a difference.” [15:16]

Community and Collaboration

In concluding the conversation, Dr. Sepal reflects on the importance of community and collaborative learning within the healthcare industry:

“We're learning from the others that participate… we get to make a difference for more than just this region… but for others who can learn from us.” [15:16]

He extends gratitude to Becker’s Healthcare for facilitating knowledge sharing and fostering a supportive community among healthcare leaders.

Final Thoughts

Molly Gamble wraps up the episode by acknowledging the collective effort within the healthcare industry to share best practices and support one another:

“We're very fortunate… to be in an industry where people can't help but share… they just want to ensure that system to system, that best practice knowledge, know-how is being shared.” [17:46]

Dr. Sepal reciprocates the appreciation, expressing his readiness to contribute further to the dialogue in future episodes.

Conclusion

This episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast provides a thorough exploration of Carilion Clinic’s strategic initiatives, especially in the realms of AI and telemedicine. Dr. Tony Sepal’s leadership insights offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals navigating an ever-changing landscape. The discussion underscores the critical balance between innovation and resource management, while highlighting the profound impact of mission-driven leadership in enhancing community health outcomes.

For healthcare leaders and professionals seeking to stay abreast of industry trends and leadership strategies, this conversation with Dr. Tony Sepal serves as an informative and inspiring resource.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the conversation segments as referenced in the podcast transcript.