Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health held a national summit on the future of rural healthcare.
The summit, held Aug. 23 at the Sanford Barn in Sioux Falls, included healthcare leaders, policymakers and industry experts.
An expert panel explored how technological innovations can catalyze the transformation of rural healthcare in the U.S.
Michael Suk, MD, a board member of the American Medical Association, took part in the panel and said that vast rural areas disproportionately struggle with healthcare-related issues.
"Taking steps to ensure rural communities can rely on telehealth and internet-enabled digital health services and have access to physician-led care teams will increase continuity of care, provide around the clock access, and help overcome clinician shortages," Dr. Suk said.
Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen said that the experts who took part in the summit are committed to changing how care is delivered for generations.
"Rural America faces unique challenges when it comes to health care, and we are committed to bringing the best and brightest together to launch bold ideas that improve our patients’ lives and make our communities healthier places to live," Mr. Gassen said.