Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Driving Surgical Agility with AI at RUSH
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Overview
In the July 1, 2025 episode of Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Scott Becker interviews Sam Davis, Associate Vice President of Perioperative and Interventional Clinical Services at Rush University Medical Center. The discussion delves into Rush’s innovative approach to transforming surgical operations through agility and sustainability, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and patient care.
1. Introduction to Sam Davis and His Role at Rush
Timestamp: [00:00] – [01:21]
Scott Becker introduces Sam Davis, highlighting his extensive background in perioperative leadership spanning over 15 years. Sam holds multiple degrees, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Transformative Leadership from Rush University, a Master’s in Health Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Citadel, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University.
Key Quote:
"Sam is the epitome of a lifelong learner who continues to try and get better and better what he does." – Scott Becker ([00:00])
Sam oversees Rush’s surgical, interventional, and procedural areas, including operating rooms, interventional radiology, endoscopy, and hybrid suites. His primary focus is aligning operational performance with clinical strategy to ensure efficiency, scalability, and growth.
2. Transforming Surgical Operations: From Idea to Reality
Timestamp: [02:12] – [03:42]
Scott asks Sam about the pivotal moments that transitioned Rush’s surgical model from concept to reality. Sam explains that traditional metrics like block utilization were insufficient, revealing gaps in efficiency.
Key Points:
- Introduction of collectible time: Measuring block performance through a surgeon-centric lens provided deeper insights.
- Building visibility and access: Implementing prescriptive tools to guide surgeons in improving performance.
- Cultural Shift: Consistent engagement and translating feedback into actionable scheduling changes fostered a shared mission.
Notable Quote:
"When people saw that their feedback translated into real scheduling changes and more OR access, we really saw a cultural turning point." – Sam Davis ([02:42])
3. Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Operations
Timestamp: [03:42] – [05:05]
The conversation shifts to the strategic decision to incorporate AI into surgical operations. Sam discusses the inadequacies of traditional Electronic Health Records (EHR) and manual processes in meeting Rush’s growth and operational needs.
Key Points:
- AI Integration: Transitioning from retrospective reporting to real-time prescriptive decision-making.
- Choice of Partner: Selecting IQ for their deep understanding of the surgical environment and ability to align with surgeons' workflows.
- Practical Application: Utilizing AI for evidence-based decisions on block release, time reallocation, and volume forecasting.
Notable Quote:
"It wasn't just about technology for its own sake. It was about enabling transformation at scale." – Sam Davis ([04:03])
4. Cultivating a Data-Driven Culture
Timestamp: [05:05] – [06:41]
Scott inquires about fostering a culture that embraces data among doctors, nurses, and administrative teams. Sam attributes this cultural shift to transparency and consistent data engagement.
Key Points:
- Transparency: Ensuring all stakeholders work from the same definitions and data sets.
- Regular Performance Reviews: Establishing routine scorecard sharing and integrating metrics into daily operations.
- Empowerment through Data: Allowing teams to make informed decisions, leading to tangible improvements.
Notable Quote:
"When a department reduced cancellations by adjusting their scheduling patterns, the connection between the data and real-world outcomes became undeniable." – Sam Davis ([05:33])
5. Measuring Success: Beyond the Numbers
Timestamp: [06:41] – [08:25]
Sam shares the impressive return on investment from Rush’s initiatives, highlighting both financial gains and cultural advancements.
Key Metrics:
- 5% Growth in case volume
- 8% Increase in case minutes
- 12x Return on investment over several years
Additional Outcomes:
- Enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving.
- Improved access to prime surgical times, benefitting both surgeons and patients.
- Plans to expand AI-driven models to procedural areas and modernize staffing workflows with predictive solutions.
Notable Quote:
"What I'm most proud of is the culture and collaboration we've built along the way." – Sam Davis ([07:11])
6. Enhancing Team Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance
Timestamp: [08:25] – [09:12]
Scott emphasizes the importance of optimizing surgical schedules to improve work-life balance for surgeons and nursing teams. Sam agrees, noting that enhanced scheduling flexibility leads to higher satisfaction and better patient care.
Key Points:
- Surgeons can obtain cases at optimal times, reducing the need for early mornings or late nights.
- Better communication and scheduling efficiency contribute to overall team well-being and operational success.
Notable Quote:
"It's really contributed to a lot of our efficiencies that we've developed in the OR." – Sam Davis ([08:48])
7. Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Team Transformation
Timestamp: [09:12] – [11:37]
Scott asks Sam about additional insights and his dedication to lifelong learning. Sam emphasizes the people-centric nature of transformation and the importance of continuous personal and professional development.
Key Points:
- People Over Platforms: Success was achieved by involving surgeons and frontline teams in the transformation process.
- Operational Excellence as Clinical Excellence: A fundamental belief guiding their initiatives.
- Team Gratitude: Acknowledging the crucial roles of perioperative staff, IT, analytics partners, and executive leaders.
- Lifelong Learning: Sam remains committed to staying abreast of innovations and continuously expanding his expertise to drive healthcare advancements.
Notable Quotes:
"Transformation is a team sport and I'm very proud of the team that we built." – Sam Davis ([10:02])
"I want to be on top of what's new, what's next, how I can be innovative in healthcare." – Sam Davis ([10:45])
8. Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [11:37] – [12:14]
Scott concludes the interview by praising Rush’s achievements in improving operating room efficiency through technology and strong team leadership. He acknowledges the effective alignment of AI tools with team dynamics, underscoring the importance of collaborative effort in technological transformations.
Notable Quote:
"What a terrific job you folks have done at Rush on this." – Scott Becker ([11:37])
Sam expresses his appreciation for the conversation, reiterating the collective effort behind Rush’s success.
Conclusion
This episode of Becker’s Healthcare Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of how Rush University Medical Center, under the leadership of Sam Davis, harnesses AI and data-driven strategies to revolutionize surgical operations. The discussion underscores the significance of cultural shifts, transparent data practices, and continuous learning in achieving operational excellence and enhancing patient care. Rush’s journey serves as a compelling model for healthcare institutions aiming to integrate advanced technologies while fostering collaborative and empowered teams.