The inaugural event is bringing together a diverse group of healthcare's finest in Austin, Texas.
The coming wave of healthcare leaders discussed the industry's foremost challenges and new approaches to tackling them at the first HealthLeaders UpNext Exchange.
Through day one at the two-day event in Austin, Texas, the 18 participating leaders shared their personal views and experiences dealing with the same pain points that are keeping CEOs, CFOs, and other c-suite executives up at night—but with a fresh outlook steadfast in its belief that the status quo is no longer enough.
The inaugural honorees consist of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, finance leaders, attorneys, and administrators representing organizations ranging from a 35-bed rural community hospital to a large regional health system with more than 80,000 employees.
Whereas other HealthLeaders Exchange events bring together leaders in the same role or discipline, the UpNext Exchange features a diverse group with voices in different areas of the industry, creating an environment rich with new thoughts and ideas.
Whether the topic was workforce, disruption, or technology, the leaders spent the first day stressing that the mindset for solving healthcare's biggest problems must evolve. In a post-COVID-19 world, the same strategies and way of thinking that may have worked in the past aren't necessarily the most effective now or going forward.
The pandemic has also put the entire industry on the defense or in crisis mode, which has hampered innovation. That reality forced the leaders to consider how they can get back to strategizing and revamping—while continuing to put out fires instead of waiting for them to dissipate.
Where and how technology fits into that was another major talking point, particularly in relation to the workforce. As the presence of AI and automation continues to grow, healthcare must find the most effective way to utilize that technology to supplement the workforce, not just replace it.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the UpNext Exchange, which will include ideas from day two in a full recap of the event.
The HealthLeaders Exchange is an executive community for sharing ideas, solutions, and insights. Please join the community at our LinkedIn page.
Join us for the next HealthLeaders Exchange! To inquire about attending a HealthLeaders Exchange event, email us at exchange@healthleadersmedia.com.
The 2024 HealthLeaders UpNext Exchange is sponsored by Collette Health.
Jay Asser is the contributing editor for strategy at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Up-and-coming leaders consisting of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, finance leaders, attorneys, and administrators have convened at the HealthLeaders UpNext Exchange to discuss industry dynamics and solutions.
The first day of the event featured conversations on altering mindsets to improve strategic planning, implement technology, and strengthen the workforce.