The New Healthcare Access Layer: Connectivity, AI, and Real Operational Gains

In this episode, Tanner White, FACHE, CEO of Altru Devils Lake, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of keeping care close to home for rural communities. He shares how bringing specialty providers into local markets can improve access and continuity of care, and reflects on what he anticipates for the future of community healthcare delivery.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Spring 2026 Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit features Ryan Telford, VP, Portfolio Strategy, Accelerate Pharmacy Solutions. He shares insights from the Pharmacy Outlook 2026 report, highlighting key enterprise metrics, strategies to reduce specialty pharmacy leakage, and how health systems can prepare for the growing impact of cell and gene therapies.This episode is sponsored by Accelerate Pharmacy Solutions.

In this episode, Carl Hoopes, MS, MBA, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, GRAND Mental Health, discusses redesigning behavioral health workflows, leveraging AI and telehealth technology to reduce clinician burnout, and expanding access through new pharmacy and telepsychiatry initiatives.

In this episode, Mohan Giridharadas, Founder and CEO, LeanTaaS, explains why hospitals must move beyond traditional workflows to a connected, AI driven operating model that improves patient flow, staff efficiency, and financial performance in a complex and capacity constrained environment.This episode is sponsored by LeanTaaS.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Dr. Ricky Choi, Strategic Medical Advisor at Xealth, Head of Digital Health at Samsung Electronics, and Associate Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, who explores how health systems can move beyond fragmented digital tools to a more integrated, patient-centered strategy. He discusses the role of AI, home-based care, and data orchestration in improving workflows, reducing complexity, and turning insights into action.This episode is sponsored by Xealth.

In this episode, Robert Sabina, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of exposing young people to careers in healthcare to improve long-term retention. He highlights initiatives like Volunteer Month, the value of hands-on experience, and why helping people see the humanity in healthcare is critical to building a stronger, more engaged workforce.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Jeffrey Flaks, Chief Executive Officer, Hartford HealthCare. He shares how Hartford HealthCare is leveraging AI and innovation to improve access, affordability and patient experience, while building a culture centered on purpose, leadership courage and continuous improvement.In collaboration with Insight Global.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting features Scott Liles, president of the medical and veterinary segment at Covista, who breaks down the scale of the healthcare workforce shortage and its impact on underserved communities. He also shares how expanding educational pathways and supporting nontraditional students can help build a more diverse, sustainable pipeline of clinicians.This episode is sponsored by Covista.

In this episode, David Edwards, Chief Technology Officer, Relatient, shares how improving connectivity is unlocking innovation, where AI is delivering measurable value today, and why voice AI is transforming patient access and operational efficiency. He also discusses responsible AI adoption in healthcare and the importance of aligning technology with real business problems.This episode is sponsored by Relatient.

In this episode, Todd Conklin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Care New England Health System, joins the podcast to discuss how AI is transforming healthcare operations and decision-making. He shares perspectives on the shift toward more continuous, convenient, and accessible care for patients, along with the financial and operational challenges tied to an aging population and the growing demand for elderly care services.