HealthPartners today launched Thriving Forward: A HealthPartners Podcast, a new series featuring conversations with leaders and innovators about how to improve health and well-being and move healthcare forward.

Hosted by HealthPartners Chief Medical Officer Mark Sannes, MD, Thriving Forward examines the most pressing issues facing healthcare today, including affordability, access, innovation, population health and the future of care. Through conversations with guests from inside and outside the healthcare industry, the series explores what’s working, what isn’t and what it takes to help people and communities thrive.

“Healthcare is at an important moment. Patients, clinicians, employers, policymakers and communities are all looking for solutions that improve health while making care more accessible, affordable and sustainable,” Dr. Sannes said. “Thriving Forward creates an opportunity to learn from leaders across healthcare and beyond, share new perspectives and explore ideas that can help move healthcare in the right direction.”

The first episode features Andrea Walsh, HealthPartners president and CEO. Drawing on her experience leading an integrated health system that spans care delivery, insurance coverage, research and education, Walsh discusses how meaningful connections help people thrive. She shares examples of how community partnerships, innovative care models and collaboration across sectors can strengthen health and well-being.

“Health and well-being are influenced by much more than what happens during a clinic visit,” Walsh said. “Helping people thrive requires strong connections between healthcare organizations, communities and the many resources people rely on every day. Through this podcast, we’re excited to engage in conversations about how we can work together to create healthier futures.”

Future episodes will feature leaders from across healthcare and other industries discussing topics such as healthcare innovation, leadership, trends, policy and technology. The podcast is designed for business and community leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in the future of health and well-being.

A new episode of Thriving Forward: A HealthPartners Podcast will be available each month at healthpartners.com/thrivingpod and on all major podcast platforms.

Interview opportunity: To schedule an interview with Dr. Mark Sannes, contact Jimmy Bellamy at 218-343-6917 or jimmy.j.bellamy@healthpartners.com.