Episode Description
Michelle Eichelmann, Executive Director for Oncology Services at St. Luke's, shares her journey from chiropractor to healthcare administrator and discusses the challenges of running a cancer center in today's healthcare environment.
• Originally from St. Louis with a doctorate from Logan College of Chiropractic
• Specialized in symptom management and acupuncture for oncology patients before transitioning to leadership
• Oversees medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion centers, research, tumor registry, and navigation
• Identifies cost containment as a major challenge while maintaining quality care
• Explains that standardized treatment guidelines (NCCN) dictate cancer therapies, not cost considerations
• Discusses how hospitals often operate at financial losses while continuing to serve communities
• Describes the shift toward value-based medicine and quality metrics driving reimbursement
• Emphasizes transparent communication and trust-building as essential leadership qualities
• Shares optimistic but cautious perspective on AI's potential to improve healthcare efficiency