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The HLTH conference offered evidence of the growing excitement about artificial intelligence in healthcare, but the conversation is getting more nuanced.

That’s perhaps the key takeaway from the healthcare technology conference in Las Vegas. Thousands of healthcare leaders came for the convention, which started Sunday and ended Wednesday.

Here’s a rundown of some of my key takeaways from the HLTH conference.

I’ll offer a few caveats. There were literally hundreds of sessions, so obviously I didn’t attend each one. And with an estimated 12,000 in attendance, I didn’t talk to everyone.

I did speak with a good number of healthcare leaders in attendance (my dance card was full), some for interviews and others in casual conversations. This rundown reflects insights from the sessions I attended and those I spoke with at the conference.

You can also check out this video recap for more of the sights and scenes from HLTH. (The story continues below.)

The HLTH conferenced featured AI, technology and other key healthcare topics

HLTH 2024 in 2 minutes

some healthcare leaders projected that AI would be the main topic

It’s probably not surprising that AI was the dominant conversation at HLTH, and it was the topic of a host of sessions.

, MD, president and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, talked about how his health system is utilizing AI in healthcare in one of the featured addresses at HLTH. In the short term, he said AI’s impact on healthcare may be overhyped, but he also said in the long-term, AI’s potential to change the industry could actually be underrated.

“The enthusiasm for the application of AI in healthcare is appropriately high,” he said.

However, there is a little fatigue, and even some frustration, over the constant AI hype. A number of healthcare leaders said there needs to be an understanding that AI is not a magic wand that is going to solve every problem in healthcare.

Others also expressed a little wariness of vendors pushing AI technologies. Some leaders said AI companies need to focus on more than using new technology, and concentrate on developing tools that help solve real issues for healthcare providers.

They also offered advice worth heeding for AI companies: Get some input from clinicians on your AI tools, since they’ll be using them. Another hint: That should include nurses as well as doctors.

Executives continue to see AI offering more immediate benefits in helping streamline administrative tasks and helping to ease burdens on their staff.

While some leaders say AI could help expand access to healthcare, others warned that it could exacerbate disparities. 

 said he sees AI as expanding the divide.

“I’m very worried health systems are using AI honestly to segregate patients into those that are profitable and those that are not,” Califf said.

Kaiser Permanente CEO talks about acquiring more hospital systems | HLTH 2024

Some of the AI discussions are aimed at easing the workload of clinicians, and there is a recognition that doctors, nurses and other caregivers are spending too much time looking for data or filing claims, and that’s contributing to burnout.

Burnout among doctors and nurses is hardly a new phenomenon. The Physicians Foundation reports that 

60% of doctors experience feelings of burnout

. But there seems to be growing understanding that clinicians need more help and that too many are losing their joy for the job.

Healthcare leaders are also talking about reducing time spent on administrative tasks so that clinicians can focus more on their patients and have better conversations and can think more deeply about ways to help them. That’s a concern that was addressed repeatedly over the course of HLTH.

Health leaders also exhibited some restlessness over the state of healthcare.

Even as many talked about AI and other digital tools to improve care, executives noted the glaring problems that persist for many Americans.

Americans have shorter lifespans than those living in other countries, Califf noted. Too many people don’t have a primary care doctor, and too many communities don’t even have family physicians.

Too many can’t afford the care they need, and are grappling with social factors such as homelessness, food insecurity, or simply lacking a full-service grocery store.

Some of the conversations about health equity felt a bit ironic in the Venetian, the lavish site of the conference. But it’s good that there was a recognition of the reality for many Americans beyond the Vegas strip.

Some of the best conversations involved the growing mental health crisis in America.

. As executives of pediatric hospitals have lamented, 

more children are showing up in emergency rooms

Experts on the panel warned against dismissing a child’s depression or anxiety as just a phase. They also said some people aren’t appreciating how much the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted kids and teens.

Disturbingly, the experts said too many kids simply don’t see hope for the future. Akiera Gilbert, CEO of Project HEAL, an organization that helps young people with eating disorders, warned that many kids struggle with isolation.

“We are theoretically living in an age of connection, and we have never been more alone,” Gilbert said.

The HLTH conference gave some welcome attention to women’s health and research.

 announced the awarding of $110 million for research in women’s health research during the closing day of health.

She also urged healthcare leaders to put more attention on women’s issues.

“I know you see these opportunities in your day-to-day work,” Biden said. “Here’s what I also want you to know. The women of America are waiting on you.”

Another high-profile woman made the case for paying more attention to women’s health. 

, the Oscar-winning actress, talked about her advocacy for women’s health and the need to invest more in studies of menopause. Even though all women will go through menopause, Berry noted that there’s been little research. She’s backing a bill to invest more in menopause research and care.

“We need more money, we need more dollars, we need more research, we need more clinical trials,” Berry said.

At least in the sessions I observed, there were a good number of women on the panels, which is also encouraging.

Quite a few HLTH sessions focused on the popularity and potential benefits of anti-obesity medications, or GLP-1 drugs. The demand for those drugs has surged, and leaders at HLTH see little signs that the consumer appetite for GLP-1 drugs is waning.

While used in treatment of diabetes and weight loss, healthcare leaders also expressed interest in more research in their use to treat other conditions.

However, some derided the cost of GLP-1 drugs, which top $1,000 and are out of reach of many Americans. Califf chided drug companies for the high price tags.

“The profit margin, especially in the U.S., is outrageous,” Califf said. “They should be ashamed of themselves for what they’re charging Americans.”

Halle Berry wasn’t the only famous face at HLTH this year. Other celebrities took the stage and offered some perspectives that have some value for healthcare organizations.

Musician John Legend spoke about health equity during an appearance on the main stage Monday. In a conversation with Vanessa Broadhurst, executive vice president of global corporate affairs at Johnson & Johnson, Legend talked about seeing health disparities in his own family. He noted that his grandfather had his leg amputated due to diabetes, and talked about delays in getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

“I’ve seen how health equity and the lack thereof has impacted my own family over the years,” Legend said.

 talked about his work to improve oral health and healthcare more broadly in the Bahamas. He also pointed to a key ingredient in the success of those efforts, and offered a worthwhile lesson for providers.

The clinicians who are working with people in the Bahamas are treating them with respect and not pity, he said.

““It just feels beautiful,” Kravitz said. “You’re giving them their health back, you’re giving them their smile back, their dignity. … they’re so thankful.”

Thousands of people traveled to Las Vegas for the annual event. There’s growing enthusiasm for AI, and a little fatigue over some of the hype.

Topic

HLTH 2024: 7 key takeaways from the healthcare technology conference

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Rishi Sikka, MD, has been named the next CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services.

He will begin leading New Mexico’s largest health system on Oct. 21. Presbyterian operates nine hospitals, a health plan, and a medical group.

, who is retiring after 23 years with Presbyterian.

He previously served as president of Village Medical, a primary care provider. He formerly served as president of system enterprises for Sutter Health in California.

Sikka was appointed to Presbyterian’s board of directors in 2016.

“It is an honor to join Presbyterian at this pivotal time in healthcare,” Sikka said in a statement.

“I’m deeply inspired by Presbyterian’s purpose - to ensure every New Mexican can achieve their best health - and am fully committed to advancing that mission alongside an incredible team dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care for our communities,” he said. “Together, we will navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, innovate, and strive to deliver on our purpose in new ways for every patient and member we serve.”

Norm Becker, chair of Presbyterian’s board, said he is “thrilled” that Sikka will be leading the health system.

“Dr. Sikka is a compassionate, innovative physician executive with deep knowledge of complex systems and more than 20 years of leadership experience across the healthcare industry,” Becker said in a statement.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital names first chief data scientist

M. Madan Babu has been named the inaugural chief data scientist of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Babu is taking charge of St. Jude’s newly created office of data science, which will have a budget of $195 million and 115 positions.

“St. Jude is a unique place and I am honored to lead this initiative,” Babu said in a statement. “With our intellectual ecosystem of talented clinical, experimental and data scientists united under the same mission, there’s no better place than St. Jude to build a data science enterprise of this magnitude.”

Babu joined St. Jude in 2020. He previously spent 14 years as a program leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England.

James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude, praised the experience of Babu and touted the importance of the new office .

“Under the leadership of Dr. Babu, a globally recognized expert in this field, our Office of Data Science will strengthen data-sharing between the lab and the clinic, accelerating our progress in finding cures and developing treatments for children with catastrophic diseases,” Downing said in a statement.

Inova Health System names leader of clinical enterprise

John Moynihan, MD, has been named president and chief of clinical enterprise of the Inova Health System in Virginia.

Moynihan will oversee all of Inova’s healthcare sites and clinical service lines. He’ll also be responsible for the system’s clinical transformation strategy. He has been serving in an acting capacity since March 2024.

He spent many as a community physician with the organization and has held a number of leadership roles.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue my work as an advocate for physicians,” Moynihan said in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with Inova’s physician leaders and strengthening relationships with our medical community. Together, we will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ultimately elevate the quality of care we provide to our patients.”

Stephen Jones, MD, president and CEO of Inova, lauded Moynihan’s experience with the system.

“John has been a trusted leader and long-time partner in our mission to provide world-class healthcare,” Jones said in a statement.

Kittitas Valley Healthcare CEO announces plans to retire

Julie Petersen, who has served as CEO of Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Washington for several years, has announced her plans to retire.

Petersen plans to step down at the end of 2024. She began serving as interim CEO in June 2016 and took the position permanently beginning in March 2017.

Under Petersen’s leadership, the system has added a 24-hour outpatient retail pharmacy, in-patient dialysis and digital mammography services. Kittitas also integrated behavioral health services in the system’s primary care clinics, along with expanded cardiology, neurology and wound care.

Kittitas Valley says it’s negotiating with Jason Adler, the system’s chief financial officer, to be the next CEO of the organization.

A public hospital district, Kittitas serves patients in a rural area in central Washington state.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital names its first chief data scientist, and other leaders make news.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services selects new CEO, and more | MED MOVES

LeWanza Harris, MD, has been named the new chief quality officer of Emory Healthcare.

Harris began her new role on Sept. 30. The system says she will work to promote a culture of safety and help utilize technology to improve patient outcomes.

She previously worked with Mount Sinai Health System in New York, where she served as vice president of quality and regulatory affairs. Earlier, she also served as associate chief quality officer at New York-Presbyterian.

“Emory Healthcare is a preeminent academic leader in clinical research, health care and education,” Harris said in a statement. “I am truly excited to join a transformational team to leverage collaborations and an engaged ecosystem to continue to drive data-driven innovations that further promote the safest and best quality care for the patients and communities served.”

Harris was chosen for the post after Emory launched a nationwide search.

Joon S. Lee, MD, CEO of Emory Healthcare, described Harris as “a change agent with a proven track record of leading impactful patient safety initiatives.”

“Emory Healthcare will benefit from her expertise in clinical quality functions and leadership, as we continue our mission of exceptional, high-quality patient care," Lee said in a statement.

TriStar Skyline Medical Center selects new CEO

Brian Marger has been appointed the new chief executive officer of TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The hospital is part of HCA Healthcare. Previously, Marger served as the regional vice president for cancer services with Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at the HCA Healthcare TriStar Division.

"I’m excited to join the TriStar Skyline family and look forward to working with this team of physicians, colleagues and board members to continue delivering top-tier care in the Nashville area and beyond," Marger said in a statement.

Marger has served in several leadership roles within HCA Healthcare. He previously served as chief executive officer of TriStar Summit Medical Center and chief operating officer at TriStar Centennial Medical Center. He also served as CEO of Onsite Women’s Health before choosing to come back to HCA Healthcare.

Mitch Edgeworth, president of the HCA Healthcare Tristar Division, welcomed him to TriStar Skyline. Edgeworth said in a statement that Marger “has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our mission to improve human life through his dedication to superior, patient-centered care.”

“As a veteran healthcare leader, Brian will continue elevating clinical excellence across TriStar Skyline while fostering a positive organization culture among colleagues and physicians,” Edgeworth said.

After serving in an interim capacity, Dr. Mathew Weimer has been named the new president and chief executive officer of Valley Health Systems.

The organization serves patients in West Virginia and parts of Ohio and Kentucky.

Weimer had served as the interim leader for two months, but now he’s been tabbed to lead the organization going forward. He previously served as Valley Health’s vice president of health services and chief medical officer. He will continue to serve as chief interim medical officer for the time being, until the organization finds a replacement.

A family physician, Weimer played a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic, leading community testing and vaccination efforts, the system said.

Weimer said in a statement that he is “humbled and grateful” to lead the organization.

“Alongside 1,000 fellow Valley Health employees and under the direction of a dedicated board of directors, I am committed to achieving our mission of providing quality health care to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay,” he said. “I am also deeply committed to building our collaborative relationships and look forward to working with community partners for the betterment of the people we serve.”

Shasta Regional Medical Center appoints new CEO

Sam Itani has been named the new chief executive officer of Shasta Regional Medical Center, a Prime Healthcare hospital in Redding, Calif.

Itani began his new role as CEO of the 226-bed hospital in mid-September. He brings more than three decades of healthcare leadership experience to the post.

For the past three years, he served as the CEO of Southwest Healthcare-Corona Regional Medical Center, a 259-bed hospital in Corona, Calif. In that role, Itani expanded service lines and the hospital improved patient outcomes, the system said.

Previously, Itani spent more than two decades with Adventist Health in Bakersfield, Calif., where he served as senior vice president of operations. In that role, he helped oversee the development of a breast center and a chest pain center.




An HCA Healthcare hospital in Nashville gets a new CEO, and other leaders are taking on new positions.

Emory Healthcare names new chief quality officer, and more | MED MOVES

With Hurricane Milton steaming toward Florida’s west coast, some of the state’s hospitals have evacuated, while others are transferring patients and closing clinics ahead of the storm.

As of Wednesday, 16 Florida hospitals have evacuated, according to Florida state officials. A total of 352 healthcare facilities, including 200 assisted living centers and 67 nursing homes, have evacuated ahead of Milton, state health officials say.

Milton appears to be headed for the Tampa Bay region, which experienced heavy flooding from Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. Helene delivered plenty of damage to Florida, and 

many healthcare workers lost their homes in that storm

, said Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association.

Now, they’re bracing for a storm that could be even worse.

“Everything we're hearing is that this has the potential to be historically catastrophic, but it is also compounded by an area of the state that just suffered significant damage from Helene,” Mayhew said.

While some Florida hospitals are evacuating and moving patients, many hospitals are going to be open, or are at least keeping emergency rooms open through the storm.

“We have hospitals evacuating, but we have other hospitals, of course, that have made the decision that they can keep their patients safe,” Mayhew said. “They are remaining open. There will be a significant need for hospital services because of the impact of the storm. It’s important that those services are available 24/7.”

Helping hospital workers who suffered losses from Helene

The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay said Milton could be the most powerful hurricane to hit Tampa Bay in 100 years. Early Wednesday, Milton remained a “Category 4” hurricane, with sustained winds of 155 miles per hour, the weather service said.

But hospitals beyond the Tampa region could be facing significant flooding.

“It's not just the eye of this storm,” Mayhew said. “The extent of the surge and how far down the coast that will extend.”

Magnifying the challenge, Milton is expected to remain at hurricane strength as it moves across Florida, posing threats to a wide swath of communities. “The East Coast, Daytona Beach, they could still be experiencing a Category 2 hurricane,” Mayhew said.

Most hospitals are staying open, and facilities on the coast have transferred patients to sister hospitals in their system, or other hospitals, Mayhew said.

But Mayhew said problems may arise if flooding from Milton forces other hospitals to move other patients or evacuate, because plenty of Florida hospitals are packed.

“If there are hospitals that find it necessary to partially or fully evacuate, if they don't have other hospitals within their system that can receive or they are an independent hospital, the state will be helping to coordinate where there is capacity elsewhere,” Mayhew said. “Again, a lot of hospitals are already largely full, so this is going to require significant coordination.”

While forecasters warned of powerful winds capable of producing significant damage, hospitals are most concerned about flooding of their facilities.

“Flooding is the most significant concern and threat to hospitals, both in terms of damage to their buildings, impacting electrical,” Mayhew said. “Then it would be creating challenges for transportation to and from the hospital, for patients, for staff, so that is front and center.”

Tampa General Hospital is remaining open and has installed its “

,” a barrier designed to protect the main hospital campus from storm surge. The main hospital campus sits on an island in Hillsborough Bay.

Erinn Skiba, assistant director of public safety for Tampa General Hospital, said the organization has detailed plans in place to serve patients in the storm.

“Our fence around the Davis Islands campus is up, supplies are stocked at all hospital locations, and the teams stand ready to provide care through Hurricane Milton,” Skiba said in a statement.

The fence withstood heavy flooding from Helene, and it’s going to be tested again. Tampa General could face a difficult test with Milton, as the National Weather Service said Wednesday that the peak storm surge in Tampa could reach 8 to 12 feet. The AquaFence barrier is designed to prevent surges of up to 15 feet above sea level.

Tampa General built a new energy plant in 2022 to provide more resilience in Florida’s extreme weather. The plant sits 33 feet above sea level.

In addition to the main hospital campus, Tampa General’s hospitals in Brooksville, Spring Hill and Crystal River are staying open. Some freestanding emergency departments, clinics and outpatient facilities will be closed.

HCA Healthcare operates more than 40 hospitals in Florida, and the health system has evacuated some of its facilities.

 has evacuated West Tampa Hospital, Bayonet Point Hospital, Pasadena Hospital and Englewood Hospital and transferred patients to other facilities. A few HCA Florida hospitals are open for emergencies only, and HCA has also closed several freestanding emergency rooms.

In addition to dealing with another hurricane in Florida, HCA also operates seven hospitals in 

, including Mission Hospital in Asheville. 

The powerful storm hit a region still recovering from Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. Hospitals braced for severe flooding.

Shahzad Ahmad

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