In this episode of The Next Orbit Podcast, host Ben Wade unpacks the recently announced $50 billion federal initiative aimed at rural healthcare transformation, launched alongside significant Medicaid cuts.

Joined by Dr. Vincent J. Thompson, MD, President & CEO of the Community Health Clinical Research Corporation, the conversation goes beyond headlines to examine where the money actually flows, why frontline clinics continue to struggle, and how sustainable solutions can be built inside community health centers.

Dr. Thompson shares firsthand insights into funding misalignment, the unintended consequences of policy decisions, and how integrating clinical research into primary care can unlock new revenue streams, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen rural health systems for the long term.

This episode is essential listening for healthcare leaders, policymakers, community health executives, and innovators working to close gaps in access and care.

00:00 – Why rural health funding is back in the spotlight

00:41 – Welcome to The Next Orbit Podcast

01:19 – Overview of the $50B rural health funding announcement

02:08 – Why rural health funding often fails at the ground level

03:35 – The real-world impact of Medicaid cuts on clinics

05:16 – How federal funds are distributed—and where they stall

09:03 – Preventive care vs. hospital-based care: a cost reality check

13:37 – The role of HRSA and its influence on community health centers

17:20 – What effective fund allocation should actually look like

23:03 – Innovative approaches to stabilizing rural healthcare

32:07 – Building sustainable funding pathways beyond grants

35:04 – Dr. Thompson’s journey into leadership in primary care

35:25 – The risks of over-reliance on Medicaid funding

35:52 – Using clinical research as a financial and care solution

37:37 – How policy changes ripple through health centers

38:51 – Founding the Community Health Clinical Research Corporation

39:49 – Realigning private-sector dollars for public health impact

40:21 – Addressing diversity gaps in clinical research

41:08 – Why research participation benefits health centers and patients

42:26 – Overcoming barriers to research adoption

42:57 – Training and support for health centers entering research

45:07 – Creating a national research cohort

48:00 – Sustaining community health centers through research models

51:12 – How health centers can get involved today

52:03 – Ethical, effective research practices explained

52:58 – Clearing misconceptions around clinical research

56:32 – Financial upside and long-term sustainability

01:02:37 – Call to action for community health leaders