January 2025 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review
ON THE COVER
Michael Browning. CFO, OhioHealth
Columbus-based OhioHealth CFO Michael Browning, a 30-year veteran of healthcare finance, has helped six of the eight health systems he's worked at undergo financial turnarounds. Mr. Browning told Becker's that while OhioHealth would not be considered a turnaround given its solid portfolio; he is focused on growth and operational excellence at the system.
Holly McCormack, DNO, RN. CEO, Cottage Hospital
Holly McCormack, DNP, RN, serves as CEO of Cottage Hospital, a 35-bed independent, nonprofit critical access hospital in Woodsville, N.H. She is well-versed in the unique challenges rural hospitals face, particularly in recruitment and retention.
Keith Dreyer, PhD. Chief data science officer, Mass General Brigham
As regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare remain in their infancy, Mass General Brigham, based in Somerville, Mass., is taking a proactive role with its Healthcare AI Challenge.
Seth Ciabotti. CEO, MSU Health Care
Healthcare is changing rapidly. So are the leadership traits of the most effective top executives.
Kira Carter-Robertson. COO, University of Michigan Health – Sparrow
Hospital and health system leaders often face constant decision-making, and they must manage personal responsibilities. For women in C-suite roles, maintaining personal well-being amid these demands can be particularly challenging.
Peter Banko. President and CEO, Baystate Health
Healthcare is changing rapidly. So are the leadership traits of the most effective top executives.
Health system CEOs evolving to thrive
Healthcare is changing rapidly. So are the leadership traits of the most effective top executives.
The hospital C-suite buzzword for 2025
An old challenge is quickly becoming the hospital C-suite buzzword for 2025.
26 straight 'A' safety grades: Inside 1 Northwestern hospital's approach
Ken Hedley and his team at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital are guided by a patient-first mission.
Mass General Brigham pits AI models against each other in arena-style challenge
As regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare remain in their infancy, Mass General Brigham, based in Somerville, Mass., is taking a proactive role with its Healthcare AI Challenge.
OhioHealth CFO shares 3 strategies for financial success
Columbus-based OhioHealth CFO Michael Browning, a 30-year veteran of healthcare finance, has helped six of the eight health systems he's worked at undergo financial turnarounds. Mr. Browning told Becker's that while OhioHealth would not be considered a turnaround given its solid portfolio; he is focused on growth and operational excellence at the system.
Take the PTO: How 3 female executives prioritize well-being
Hospital and health system leaders often face constant decision-making, and they must manage personal responsibilities. For women in C-suite roles, maintaining personal well-being amid these demands can be particularly challenging.
705 hospitals at risk of closure, state by state
More than 700 rural U.S. hospitals are at risk of closure due to financial problems, with more than half of those hospitals at immediate risk of closure.
The 5 skills of transformative CEOs
CEOs with strong leadership skills outperform peers in driving technological transformation and boosting related revenue, according to a recent Korn Ferry study.
8 notes on CIO pay and employment
While health system CIO pay continues to rise, turnover for IT chiefs has also been accelerating.
10 things to know about the path to — and from — CEO
The timing and approach to filling hospital and health system CEO positions vary widely across organizations and individuals.
Epic's new interoperability push, explained
Epic has intensified its pursuit of interoperability in recent months.
Most expensive EHRs, ranked
EHRs are among the largest investments health systems will ever make.
New York system to train employees as peace officers
Security officers at Rochester Regional Health now have the opportunity to become peace officers, NPR affiliate WXXI reported Nov. 25.
How this healthcare organization is reshaping Gen Z retention
As more healthcare leaders turn their focus to Gen Z, Menlo Park, Calif.-based WelbeHealth, an organization that provides older adults care through its PACE program, has cracked the code to hiring and retaining young people by launching key initiatives and programs.
CFO / FINANCE
705 hospitals at risk of closure, state by state
More than 700 rural U.S. hospitals are at risk of closure due to financial problems, with more than half of those hospitals at immediate risk of closure.
California system reduces workforce, streamlines leadership
Escondido, Calif.-based Palomar Health is planning big changes after reporting a financial loss in the 2024 fiscal year.
OhioHealth CFO shares 3 strategies for financial success
Columbus-based OhioHealth CFO Michael Browning, a 30-year veteran of healthcare finance, has helped six of the eight health systems he's worked at undergo financial turnarounds. Mr. Browning told Becker's that while OhioHealth would not be considered a turnaround given its solid portfolio; he is focused on growth and operational excellence at the system.
Health system margins 'encouraging' while hospitals report dip: 10 notes
Health system margins trended up in October after three months of declines, according to data from Strata Decision Technology. However, hospitals saw operating margins further narrow month over month.
CEO/STRATEGY
The hospital C-suite buzzword for 2025
An old challenge is quickly becoming the hospital C-suite buzzword for 2025.
New York system eliminates regional CEO roles under new operating model
Valhalla, N.Y.-based Westchester Medical Center Health Network is eliminating two regional CEO positions amid changes to its operating model, a spokesperson for the health system confirmed to Becker's.
The 5 skills of transformative CEOs
CEOs with strong leadership skills outperform peers in driving technological transformation and boosting related revenue, according to a recent Korn Ferry study.
Health system CEOs evolving to thrive
Healthcare is changing rapidly. So are the leadership traits of the most effective top executives.
10 things to know about the path to — and from — CEO
The timing and approach to filling hospital and health system CEO positions vary widely across organizations and individuals.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
How MD Anderson uses teleconsulting to tackle care gaps
Cancer centers across the U.S. are continually developing innovative solutions to address growing cancer care gaps. These solutions often include increasing access to valuable cancer trials or highly targeted screening initiatives.
Cottage Hospital CEO shares 'growing our own' workforce strategy
Holly McCormack, DNP, RN, serves as CEO of Cottage Hospital, a 35-bed independent, nonprofit critical access hospital in Woodsville, N.H. She is well-versed in the unique challenges rural hospitals face, particularly in recruitment and retention.
INNOVATION
Mass General Brigham pits AI models against each other in arena-style challenge
As regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare remain in their infancy, Mass General Brigham, based in Somerville, Mass., is taking a proactive role with its Healthcare AI Challenge.
Health systems opening AI hubs
As hospitals and health systems seek to integrate AI into healthcare operations, many are establishing dedicated AI centers to test and develop new AI tools.
Epic's new interoperability push, explained
Epic has intensified its pursuit of interoperability in recent months.
Most expensive EHRs, ranked
EHRs are among the largest investments health systems will ever make.
CMO/CARE DELIVERY
26 straight 'A' safety grades: Inside 1 Northwestern hospital's approach
Ken Hedley and his team at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital are guided by a patient-first mission.
Long COVID patients call for more treatment-focused research
Patient advocacy groups are expressing frustration over the federal government's lack of progress in identifying long COVID treatments, NPR reported Nov. 25.
How system ownership affects hospital profits, quality
After a health system acquires an independent hospital, workforces and operating costs shrink as prices and readmissions increase, according to a new report.
New York system to train employees as peace officers
Security officers at Rochester Regional Health now have the opportunity to become peace officers, NPR affiliate WXXI reported Nov. 25.
CIO/HEALTH IT
8 notes on CIO pay and employment
While health system CIO pay continues to rise, turnover for IT chiefs has also been accelerating.
The state of the health system CIO role: 12 notes
Health system CIOs are adapting to the demands of a rapidly digitizing healthcare landscape, with 71% holding the traditional CIO title and 20% transitioning to the broader designation of chief digital and information officer, according to WittKieffer's findings.
Lessons from 3 top health systems on retaining IT talent
Health system CIOs told Becker's they've had success retaining IT talent by building a culture of innovation and offering pathways for advancement.
Top 7 executives who report to healthcare CIOs
A variety of IT executives now report to healthcare CIOs, a new survey found.
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP
Take the PTO: How 3 female executives prioritize well-being
Hospital and health system leaders often face constant decision-making, and they must manage personal responsibilities. For women in C-suite roles, maintaining personal well-being amid these demands can be particularly challenging.
How this healthcare organization is reshaping Gen Z retention
As more healthcare leaders turn their focus to Gen Z, Menlo Park, Calif.-based WelbeHealth, an organization that provides older adults care through its PACE program, has cracked the code to hiring and retaining young people by launching key initiatives and programs.
A rising preference for female leadership
While the percentage of women leading Fortune 500 companies plateaued after years of steady growth, 2024 saw a notable advancement in women's leadership, The Wall Street Journal reported Dec. 2.