Free Arkansas
Free Arkansas

Whole Health with Dr. Sharmila Makhija

In this episode of Free Arkansas, host Andy McNeill sits down with Sharmila Makhija, MD, MBA, the Founding Dean and Chief Executive Officer of the Alice L.

Hosted by Andy McNeillWith Dr. Sharmila Makhija· 51 min · May 19, 2026

Episode notes

In this episode of Free Arkansas, host Andy McNeill sits down with Sharmila Makhija, MD, MBA, the Founding Dean and Chief Executive Officer of the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, to talk about the future of healthcare in Arkansas and the work underway in Northwest Arkansas to train a new generation of physicians.The conversation explores Arkansas’ physician shortage, rural healthcare access, value-based care, whole health, medical education, AI in healthcare, nutrition, empathy, and the role Alice Walton’s vision is playing in shaping a different model for the state.🎙️ In this episode:🩺 Arkansas’ doctor shortage and rural healthcare challenges🌿 What “whole health” means in medical education🏥 The role of Mercy, virtual care and value-based care🎓 How the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is training future doctors🤖 AI, empathy and the future of healthcare🍎 Nutrition, prevention and treating the whole patient🏛️ Alice Walton’s healthcare legacy in Northwest ArkansasSubscribe to Free Arkansas for conversations on policy, business, healthcare, education and the future of Arkansas.

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