Leading Rural Healthcare Through Growth, Innovation, and Partnership with Craig Williams

In this episode, Laura Dyrda, Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, Becker's Healthcare, discusses how health system leaders are managing rising AI costs, evaluating vendor partnerships, and strengthening governance around new technologies.

Hear from two experts in osteoporosis as they introduce the Osteoporosis Action Network—a volunteer coalition of osteoporosis leaders and industry partners focused on redefining the standard of care in osteoporosis, with a bold ambition of preventing 3 million fractures by 2033. Rita Roy, MD, CEO, National Spine Health Foundation will discuss the coalition’s mission and vision, while Susan Bukata, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics, UC San Diego, will discuss the motivation behind the creation of the coalition and share her experience with post-fracture care programs. Listeners will gain insights into action they can take to get post-fracture care programs off the ground and close care gaps. Dr. Roy and Dr. Bukata are paid consultants for Amgen. Initial support for Osteoporosis Action Network provided by Amgen.This episode is sponsored by Amgen.

John M. Fogarty, FACHE, President, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham, discusses the major healthcare trends shaping leaders today, including workforce disruption, rising chronic illness, behavioral health needs, and the shift toward community-based care. He also shares how his organization is strengthening employee engagement, embracing AI, and preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

In this episode, Scott Becker explains why hospital price caps and private equity restrictions could have unintended consequences for hospital finances and patient access.

In this episode, Edward Sankary, MD, FACP, FAMIA, ABPM-CI, Vice President, Chief Health Informatics Officer and Chief Value Officer, UT Health San Antonio; President, Regional Physician Network ACO, discusses how AI, digital health platforms, and governance are reshaping clinical workflows and value-based care.

In this episode, Patrick Velliky, Chief External Affairs Officer, HaloMD, discusses how the No Surprises Act has improved patient protections while ongoing delays in arbitration payments continue to create financial challenges for providers. He also explores the need for stronger enforcement, the impact on independent physician practices, and what comes next for the law.This episode is sponsored by HaloMD.

In this episode, Jeremiah J. Hodshire, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hillsdale Hospital, discusses how rural hospitals can expand specialty services, strengthen community access, and build sustainable growth strategies amid unprecedented healthcare challenges. He shares his perspective on workforce shortages, reimbursement pressures, and the future of independent rural healthcare.

In this episode, Austin Jones, SVP and CFO of NKC Health, discusses how the health system has driven organic growth while navigating workforce shortages, reimbursement pressures, and revenue cycle challenges. He also shares why culture, strategic leadership, and a strong focus on stewardship are essential to long-term financial success.

In this episode, Craig Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Speare Memorial Hospital, shares his vision for strengthening rural healthcare through strategic partnerships, workforce development, and expanded access to care. He discusses the opportunities and challenges facing independent critical access hospitals as they invest in sustainable growth and plan for the future of their communities.

In this episode, William Morris, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Tennr, and Sarah Kier, Principal, ECG Management Consultants, discuss the growing challenges of patient access, referral management, and specialty care wait times. They explore how care orchestration, AI-enabled workflows, and stronger operational leadership can improve access, reduce friction for patients, and create a more equitable healthcare experience.