On April 15-17^th 2025, AHEAD hosted our 2nd annual Healthcare Summit. The three-day event provided healthcare technology executives an opportunity to network and discuss topics related to healthcare innovation and AI. The aim of the Summit was to offer a platform for AHEAD clients to share their experiences in driving innovation in clinical settings, including both their successes and the challenges they encountered along the way.

The Summit included representatives from over 20 different providers nationwide, featuring prominent Academic Medical Centers (AMCs), national Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs), and regional health systems. The event showcased a diverse mix of physicians and technologists who contributed to numerous thematic discussions, including:

• Andrew Rosenberg, MD, Chief Information Officer, Michigan Medicine
• John Doulis, MD, Distinguished Architect; Digital Transformation & Innovation, HCA
• Melek Somai MD MPH, Vice President – Chief Technology and Chief Product Officer, Froedtert Health
• Brett Meeks, Vice President, Health Innovation Alliance
• Andrew Gostine, MD, MBA, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Artisight
• Allyson Fryhoff, Managing Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences, AWS
• Mat Torgow, Senior Director, Healthcare Partnerships & Sales, Americas, NVIDIA
• Josh Perkins, Vice President – Emerging Technologies, AHEAD
• Andy Sajous, Field CTO – Healthcare, AHEAD

The Summit provided numerous insights and consistent themes relating to AI and innovation over the three days. The key topics of discussion were as follows:

Federal Regulation

Although the FDA has approved nearly 1,000 devices utilizing AI, applications of generative AI, such as large language models (LLMs), pose unique challenges. The FDA has yet to authorize an LLM, and the fluidity of policy and regulations presents significant difficulties for providers.

Build versus Buy

Some health IT leaders advocate for developing software internally, believing that purchasing technology from external vendors is neither cost-effective nor timely. Conversely, many software vendor executives assert that their products offer robust and refined capabilities. Healthcare IT budgets typically represent approximately 5% of total operating costs, while system margins are around 1%. There is debate over whether reducing IT costs is necessary to protect margins or whether technology is the only viable path to achieving scale, growth, and ultimately lowering costs.

Clinical Balance

AI has the potential to radically alter processes and behaviors, necessitating profound cultural sensitivity. As AI becomes integrated into the workforce, it may be highly disruptive and counterintuitive to traditional actions or judgments.

Cloud & Workforce Modernization

Cloud modernization in healthcare extends beyond the technology stack and underscores the importance of workforce modernization. This includes training for digital-focused skills and operational efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Healthcare providers have a remarkable opportunity to redefine the future of healthcare, although it will be a challenging balancing act. The optimism exhibited by CIOs and CTOs at the Summit is commendable, and their willingness to collaborate is inspiring.

Here’s what attendees had to say:

“We appreciated the variety of content that was thought-provoking. It allowed consideration of perspectives not normally considered internally. Also, the agenda allowed for good networking and interaction time, which is greatly appreciated.” — Academic Medical Center CIO

“Peer-to-peer presentations and discussions were not only extremely valuable, but needed.” — Regional Health Center CTO

“We came away inspired by the innovative customers that attended, the discussion, and the obvious great relationships that AHEAD has created. We are honored to have participated.” — Healthcare & Life Sciences Executive

Our clients are diligently working to enhance healthcare through responsible integration of technology, aiming to improve clinician experience, operational efficiency, and most importantly, patient outcomes.

Get in touch with AHEAD today to learn more.