Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1531585
28 CIO / HEALTH IT Health system IT leaders prep for 'future-ready healthcare systems' By Laura Dyrda H ospitals and health systems experimented with artificial intelligence last year and see 2025 as a crucial turning point for identifying top use cases and solidifying long-term strategies. ere are clear benefits to leveraging AI for operational excellence and clinical decision support, but there are also big risks as the technology changes and hackers become more sophisticated. "e top headwinds for 2025 revolve around managing the increasing complexity of AI-driven threats, the rapid evolution of regulations surrounding AI and data privacy, and the challenges of security hybrid and multi-cloud environments," Matt Morton, executive director and CISO at the University of Chicago, told Becker's. "e integration of generative AI into operations and its potential misuse will require robust monitoring and governance." Luis Taveras, PhD, senior vice president and CIO of Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, said he is focused on fortifying the system against cyber threats by staying ahead of the curve with cutting-edge technologies. "We are focused on creating a future-ready healthcare system and university," he said. "By modernizing our infrastructure and streamlining our applications, we are paving the way for an environment where data drives excellence and efficiency." Jefferson is still making digital enhancements and investments bolting back to organizational goals. "Our ongoing investments in IT solutions are transforming our operations," he said. "ese advancements empower our clinicians to deliver exceptional patient care and achieve outstanding results. As the IT department, our mission is to maximize benefits of these innovative solutions." Darrell Bodnar, CIO of Whitefield, N.H.-based North Country Healthcare, is also focused on making the most out of IT investments, including improving EHR usability, rolling out ambient voice technology and integrating solutions into staff workflows. "We're also looking at how AI can help us work smarter – whether it's through better clinical decision support, financial modeling, or improving operations," Mr. Bodnar said. "Financial stability is another major focus. Managing vendor performance and helping our teams use tools and information to make better financial decisions will be critical in 2025." Marc Perkins-Carillo, MSN, RN, CNIO of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., also has financial stability top of mind as a critical issue to address next year. "Achieving long-term financial stability for healthcare organizations will necessitate strategic planning and efficient resource allocation," he said. "is includes optimizing our budgetary practices, exploring innovative funding opportunities and implementing cost- saving measures without compromising the quality of care." He also anticipates significant challenges in the next year with generative AI and the digital front door bringing in new patients and requiring sophisticated IT expertise. "ese technologies demand meticulous planning, strategic implementation and continuous evolution to integrate seamlessly into our healthcare systems and improve outcomes in patient care," Mr. Perkins-Carillo said. "Regulatory and policy changes also represent a considerable hurdle. e evolving landscape of healthcare regulations and policies requires vigilant navigation. Preparing for potential policy shis and ensuring compliance with new regulations will be essential to maintain operational efficiency and prevent disruptions." n The tenures of CIOs at the nation's largest health systems By Naomi Diaz T he average tenure of chief information officers at some of the nation's largest health systems stands at just over two years. Many of the CIOs were appointed within the last three years between 2021 and 2024. The systems in this list are in order based on the number of hospitals reported on each system's website. Here are the 10 largest systems in the U.S. and their leaders: 1. HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.): Chad Wasserman has served as CIO since 2024. 2. Veterans Health Administration: Kurt DelBene has led the system since 2021. 3. CommonSpirit Health (Chicago): Daniel Barchi was named CIO in 2022. 4. Ascension (St. Louis): Gagan Singh has served as CIO since 2022. 5. LifePoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.): Alan Smith was appointed CIO in 2018. 6. Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.): Steve Tuohy was named CIO in 2022. 7. ScionHealth (Louisville, Ky.): Robecca Quammen has served as CIO since 2023. 8. Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.): Patrice Bordron has served as chief digital and information officer since 2024. 9. Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.): Bobbie Byrne, MD, was appointed CIO in 2022. 10. Christus Health (Irving, Texas): Jonathan Manis was named president and CIO in 2019. n