HLTH Forward Podcast
HLTH (Health) Forward is where we hold space for Healthcare leaders, physicians, and key health policymakers to discuss what takes us to move Healthcare Forward. We want to hear challenges, ideas, and out-of-the-box solutions for us to unite our ecosystems further and move the needle towards an innovative, affordable, and all-inclusive healthcare ecosystem.
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HLTH Forward Podcast
Strengthening The Frontlines : Stephen Beard, Chairman and CEO, Covista
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In this episode of HLTH Forward, I sit down with Steve Beard for a candid conversation about one of the most urgent issues in healthcare today—the people who deliver care, and the system that is pushing many of them to the brink. Across the United States, the numbers tell a powerful story: about 43% of physicians report experiencing symptoms of burnout, and nearly two-thirds of nurses—around 65%—say they are experiencing high levels of burnout. The pressure is enormous, and the cost is not only personal—it’s systemic, with burnout estimated to cost the U.S. healthcare system about $4.6 billion each year due to turnover and reduced clinical hours.
- 76% of clinicians say staffing shortages are preventing them from delivering high-quality care
- Stress reduction ranks as clinicians' second-highest workplace priority — just behind adequate staffing itself
- Despite relatively high job satisfaction, 15% of physicians and 13% of nurses say they're likely to leave the profession within the next year
As I talk with Steve, we explore what these numbers really mean for the future of healthcare. Behind every statistic is a physician working late to finish electronic records, a nurse covering extra shifts because a unit is short-staffed, or a clinician questioning how long they can keep up the pace. Research shows physicians are over 80% more likely to experience burnout than workers in other professions, and many say the growing administrative burden and regulatory complexity are major contributors. These realities are exactly why conversations about workforce sustainability, training, and support systems are no longer optional—they are essential.
In my conversation with Steve, we talked about how leadership, communication, and collaboration across healthcare ecosystems can help address these pressures and ultimately build a more resilient workforce. Because if healthcare is at a turning point, the real question isn’t just how we got here—it’s how leaders, organizations, and communities come together to shape what comes next.
About
Covista (formerly Adtalem Global Education) is a major U.S. healthcare educator, serving over 97,000 students through five accredited institutions—including Chamberlain University and Walden University—focused on closing workforce gaps. The company emphasizes tech-enabled education, AI-driven innovation, and directly connecting graduates to healthcare systems
