Advancing Health

Millions of Americans are burdened by medical debt — but solutions are emerging. In this conversation, Undue Medical Debt's Allison Sesso, president and CEO, and Eva Stahl, vice president of policy, engagement and research, share how the organization has helped eliminate over $27 billion in patient debt, and how hospitals are partnering with Undue Medical Debt to help relieve financial burdens for patients. Hear actionable strategies and ideas that are key to improving patient financial health.

The role of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is rapidly evolving as health care systems focus on the present and future. In this conversation, Phillip Chang, M.D., chief medical and quality officer of CommonSpirit Health, shares insights on measuring data and quality, leading clinicians through change and building a more patient-centered future.

As hospitals face rising demand, staffing shortages and overcrowded ERs, how can America's health care system keep up? In this conversation, Scott Edelman, executive director of Burke Rehabilitation, shares how post-acute care hospitals are helping relieve pressure on acute care facilities, and how these rehab centers act as a critical safety valve to improve patient flow, reduce length of stay and deliver better outcomes.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the future of health care — from predictive early warning systems that detect patient deterioration to ambient AI tools that streamline clinical documentation. In this Leadership Dialogue conversation, Marc Boom, M.D., president and CEO of Houston Methodist and the 2026 AHA board chair, speaks with Amy Rockman, director of the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence, a systemwide initiative of Rutgers Health and RWJBarnabas Health. The two explore AI applications that are delivering measurable improvements in hospital mortality, safety, and clinician burnout, and how a “living lab” approach, interdisciplinary teams, and responsible AI integration are benefitting patients and the health care workforce.

Improving community health requires more than clinical care alone. In this conversation, Venita Owens, president of Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center, and Andrea Hayes, manager of marketing and public relations for Baylor Scott & White, discuss how medical care, nutrition, education and fitness are coming together to support underserved populations in Dallas.
To learn more about the Healthier Together Conference, please visit https://healthiertogether.aha.org/