More Older Adults Than Children by 2035: This Foundation CEO is Racing Against Time || EP.221

"By 2030, 2035, they're saying we're gonna have more older adults than children in this country. And if Medicaid cuts happen, where are people gonna get care? Their first resort is gonna be going to the emergency department." Dr. Sarita Mohanty knows exactly what's coming—she sees it every shift in urgent care. As President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, she's racing to transform how America ages while still practicing medicine because, as she puts it, "clinical work gives me an opportunity to really engage on the ground versus being at the 50,000 foot level." Her non-linear journey from LA County General Hospital—where patients waited for days with lines wrapping around the building—through health plan leadership at LA Care and Kaiser Permanente, to now running a major philanthropy, taught her one crucial lesson: the system wasn't built for the people who need it most. Now, with potential Medicaid cuts threatening services like adult day health centers and in-home support, she's watching decades of progress hang in the balance. "When everything costs money, many people just avoid going to see a doctor if they can," shares one older adult through The SCAN Foundation's "People Say" platform—a stark reminder of what's at stake. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Dr. Mohanty reveals: Why she still practices urgent care despite running a major foundation ("I get to see how patients come in, what their challenges are") The coming demographic crisis that will reshape America's healthcare system How COVID proved what's possible when stakeholders drop their silos and move fast Why she went back to business school with three small kids to transform her leadership The power of elevating older adults' voices directly to policymakers How impact investing can catalyze innovation when traditional approaches fail after 30 years Her philosophy: "Leadership isn't about having all the answers, but by listening and collaborating" "Medicine teaches you to avoid mistakes. But leadership requires you to take risks and sometimes fail forward," Dr. Mohanty reflects on her transformation from exam room to boardroom. From treating uninsured patients at LA County to leading a foundation that's reimagining aging in America, Dr. Sarita Mohanty embodies the physician-leader who refuses to choose between ground-level care and systems change. At The SCAN Foundation, she's not just preparing for the silver tsunami—she's ensuring that when it arrives, America's older adults can age with the dignity, purpose, and support they deserve. Her mission isn't just professional—it's personal. With three kids and an aging mother, she's fighting for the healthcare system she wants them to inherit. One where aging isn't a crisis, but a universal reality we're prepared to honor. Chapters 03:35 - Still Practicing Medicine While Running a Foundation 05:33 - The Non-Linear Path from Physician to CEO 08:28 - America's Aging Crisis: More Seniors Than Children by 2035 10:05 - When Medicaid Cuts Hit: Real Impact on Real People 12:20 - Influencing Policy in Today's Political Environment 16:35 - Leading Differently: Doubling Down in Challenging Times 19:31 - Finding Energy When Optimism Seems Impossible 23:32 - Paying It Forward: Advice for Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Sarita Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify