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Pulse on Carolina Health

Pulse on Carolina Health

Written by: Smith Anderson
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Pulse on Carolina Health is a podcast powered by Smith Anderson, delving into current health care trends, regulations and policies shaping the landscape in North Carolina. In each episode, our host pairs up with industry executives and leaders from across the state to discuss where their finger is on the pulse of timely health care topics and to broadcast issues of importance that affect their business most.

Tune in to stay informed about the latest developments in health care law, policy and industry trends and discover what’s driving change in North Carolina’s health care system.

Learn more about Smith Anderson, www.SmithLaw.com. For questions about this podcast, please contact Robert Shaw, 919.821.6779 or rshaw@smithlaw.com.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-anderson

© 2026 Pulse on Carolina Health
Hygiene & Healthy Living Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • #6 – From Policy to Practice: Healthcare Workforce Reform in Action
    Jan 6 2026

    In this episode, host Josiah Irvin of Smith Anderson’s Health Care practice is joined by Wes Edwards, chief financial officer of MedFirst Primary and Urgent Care, and Smith Anderson attorney John Gibson for a discussion on the healthcare provider workforce and recent licensure reforms in North Carolina.

    The conversation focuses on House Bill 67, newly enacted legislation aimed at addressing provider shortages across the state. The panel explores key components of the law, including North Carolina’s entry into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, new licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians, the pending licensure compact for physician assistants and expanded team-based practice models for PAs.

    Beyond the statutory framework, Wes offers an insider perspective on provider recruitment, retention and the day-to-day operational challenges facing primary care practices, while examining how these licensure reforms may reduce barriers to care, support value-based healthcare models and expand access for underserved communities.

    Host – Josiah Irvin, Counsel, Smith Anderson
    Co-host – John Gibson, Associate, Smith Anderson
    Guest – Wes Edwards, Chief Financial Officer, MedFirst Primary and Urgent Care

    Smith Anderson is a full-service business and litigation law firm serving regional, national and global companies. Our team of experienced health care lawyers are committed to guiding medical professionals, hospitals, health care facilities and industry organizations through the attendant changes and evolving regulatory environment. We advise on health care policy, legislative advocacy, executive strategy, mergers and acquisitions, privacy and data security, litigation and the complex business requirements of organized medicine. We have been integrally involved in launching innovative health care delivery initiatives such as clinically integrated networks, joint ventures between health systems and practitioners, Community Care of North Carolina and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) nationwide.

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    26 mins
  • #5 – Connecting Care Through a Clinically Integrated Network
    Oct 30 2025

    Technology, trust and transformation — three forces reshaping the future of healthcare in North Carolina. In this episode of Pulse on Carolina Health, host Robert Shaw, co-chair of Smith Anderson’s Health Care practice group, sits down with Shaun Cox and Doug Golub of Element by Arkhe Consortium Health, two leaders driving the state’s Medicaid transformation toward integrated, value-based care.

    Shaun and Doug share how Element is helping small mental health and substance use disorder providers leverage data analytics, AI-powered insights, and clinically integrated networks to close care gaps, improve outcomes, and bring culturally sensitive mental and physical healthcare to North Carolina’s most vulnerable communities.

    From navigating the challenges of Medicaid reimbursement to embracing AI’s growing role in care coordination, this conversation explores how innovation and collaboration are transforming healthcare delivery.

    Host - Robert Shaw, Partner, Smith Anderson
    Guest – Shaun Cox, Chief Executive Officer and Doug Golub, Value-Based Care and Population Health Consultant, Element by Arkhe Consortium Health

    Smith Anderson is a full-service business and litigation law firm serving regional, national and global companies. Our team of experienced health care lawyers are committed to guiding medical professionals, hospitals, health care facilities and industry organizations through the attendant changes and evolving regulatory environment. We advise on health care policy, legislative advocacy, executive strategy, mergers and acquisitions, privacy and data security, litigation and the complex business requirements of organized medicine. We have been integrally involved in launching innovative health care delivery initiatives such as clinically integrated networks, joint ventures between health systems and practitioners, Community Care of North Carolina and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) nationwide.

    SUBSCIRBE TO LEGAL UPDATES!

    GET IN TOUCH:
    LinkedIn


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    33 mins
  • #4 – Dental Care at a Crossroads: Medicaid and Access to Care
    Sep 18 2025

    In this episode of Pulse on Carolina Health, host Robert Shaw welcomes Elle Basile, public affairs senior manager with the North Carolina Dental Society, which represents more than 3,900 member dentists in the state and is committed to advancing oral health for North Carolinians.

    Elle discusses the critical role Medicaid plays in providing dental care for North Carolina’s most vulnerable populations, challenges with access to care and the impact of low reimbursement rates on dentists’ ability to serve Medicaid patients. She also shares insights on current legislative efforts, the importance of preserving the adult dental benefit and what policy changes could mean for patients and providers.

    Host - Robert Shaw, Partner, Smith Anderson
    Guest – Elle Basile, Public Affairs Senior Manager, North Carolina Dental Society

    Smith Anderson is a full-service business and litigation law firm serving regional, national and global companies. Our team of experienced health care lawyers are committed to guiding medical professionals, hospitals, health care facilities and industry organizations through the attendant changes and evolving regulatory environment. We advise on health care policy, legislative advocacy, executive strategy, mergers and acquisitions, privacy and data security, litigation and the complex business requirements of organized medicine. We have been integrally involved in launching innovative health care delivery initiatives such as clinically integrated networks, joint ventures between health systems and practitioners, Community Care of North Carolina and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) nationwide.

    SUBSCIRBE TO LEGAL UPDATES!

    GET IN TOUCH:
    LinkedIn


    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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