2025 Annual Conference
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Deep Dives
Attend focused, in-depth sessions on Saturday, March 29, from 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm. These sessions will explore key topics such as Optimizing Your Workforce, Future of Medicare Advantage, Physician Unionization, Chronic Care Management and GLP-1s, and a Master Class on Innovation Excellence.
Saturday, March 29
Alexander Chang, MD, MS, Associate Professor, Clinical Research, Center for Kidney Health Research, Departments of Population Health Sciences and Nephrology, Geisinger
Join us at the spring Chronic Care Roundtable during AC25 as we explore designing a health system strategy for population health management of patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We will focus on the interplay between Type 2 diabetes, CKD, and Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome (CKM) and discuss practical solutions for primary care providers, endocrinologists, nephrologists, and system population health and quality leaders. The goals for this meeting include:
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Empowering primary care providers to work at the top of their license and discuss integrating specialists, pharmacists, and other team members into a continuous care model for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease
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Integrating cutting-edge tools and newer therapies into patient care
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Leveraging data, predictive analytics, AI, and SDOH insights to make smarter decisions in care delivery
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Addressing the intersection of type 2 diabetes, CKD, and cardiovascular disease
Mark B. Hallett, MD, Senior Vice President and CMO, St. Charles Medical Group;
Rebecca Berry, VP, CHRO, St. Charles Healthcare;
Jack Silversin, DMD, Dr.PH, President, AMICUS, Inc.;
Mary Jane Kornacki, Partner, AMICUS, Inc.;
Keahn Morris, Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP; and
Fred Horton, President, AMGA Consulting
Physician unionization is gaining traction across the country. As healthcare systems evolve, many physicians find themselves grappling with issues related to burnout, administrative burdens, staffing levels, ineffective operations, exclusion from governance and compensation. Unionization is emerging as a potential solution to address physicians’ concerns, but it comes with its own set of complexities that can have a significant impact to the physician enterprise. This deep dive will explore the growing trend of physician unionization – providing participants with a firm understanding of the, underlying causes, legal and ethical considerations, and predictive tools that can help identify whether or not your organization is at risk.
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to: understand the primary motivations behind physician unionization efforts; analyze the potential impact of unionization for both physicians and patients; recognize the legal and ethical considerations surrounding physician unions; and discuss real-world examples of physician unionization and their outcomes.
Beth Averbeck, MD, FACP, Senior Medical Director, Primary Care, HealthPartners Care Group;
Michelle Olson, Regional Director of Operations - Primary Care, HealthPartners Care Group,
Jennifer Hayden, AVP, Ambulatory Operations, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and
David Shelburne, MD, Physician Leader – Primary Care Service Line, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
As the demand for accessible and equitable healthcare grows, organizations must rethink workforce strategies to ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care while alleviating pressure on emergency departments. This session explores innovative approaches to workforce optimization that enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient access, and address emergency room (ER) compression and will provide ample time for participants to work together on strategy development to address access issues and workforce challenges.
In this session, two case studies will be presented, exploring successful models such as Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health’s 24/7 Urgent Care and Virtual First offerings, which provides around-the-clock in-person and/or virtual care delivery to reduce non-urgent ER visits and improve patient flow. We'll also delve into HealthPartners' access strategies, which integrate technology and team-based care to streamline appointments, minimize bottlenecks, and ensure care continuity using virtual APCs.
Key topics include:
- Expanding workforce capacity through strategic scheduling and resource allocation to prevent ER overcrowding.
- Leveraging telehealth and virtual care solutions to divert non-emergent cases from ERs.
- Enhancing team collaboration and role flexibility to maximize workforce impact.
- Addressing social determinants of health to mitigate drivers of ER reliance.
- Lessons learned and scalable solutions from leading organizations.
This session will provide actionable strategies for healthcare administrators, clinicians, and workforce planners to create resilient systems that prioritize access, equity, and efficiency. Join us to explore how innovative workforce solutions can transform healthcare access, alleviate ER compression, and improve outcomes for patients and providers alike.
Charlotte Flood, CMPE, MHA, CEO, Northwest Primary Care;
Anil Keswani, MD, Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Scripps and
Leslie Docken, RN, MHA, Leslie Dockan, Vice President, Primary Care, Clinic Operations, HealthPartners Care Group
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have emerged as a significant driver in the healthcare landscape, offering opportunities for growth, value-based care innovation, and patient engagement. However, organizations must carefully weigh the benefits and risks of participating in these contracts to align with their strategic objectives and financial goals. This fully interactive deep dive will discuss the complexities of Medicare Advantage, equipping healthcare leaders with the insights needed to evaluate whether to remain in MA contracts or pursue alternative strategies. Led by industry experts, the session combines data-driven analysis, case studies, and interactive strategy discussions to foster informed decision-making. Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks for evaluating their MA strategy and determining the best path forward for their organization.
Craig Samitt, MD, MBA, CEO, Longitudinal PHM and Eric J Larsen, Senior Advisory Board Member, TowerBrook Advisors
Explore the cutting edge of healthcare innovation in this deep-dive masterclass led by industry leaders TowerBrook and Longitude PHM. This session will provide a comprehensive examination of how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the healthcare landscape, driving efficiency, enhancing patient care, and creating new opportunities for growth and impact. Attendees will gain unparalleled insights into AI-driven solutions for predictive analytics, population health management, and operational efficiency. TowerBrook’s expertise in strategic investment and Longitude PHM’s innovative approaches to population health will combine to demonstrate how healthcare organizations can leverage AI to solve complex challenges, scale innovation, and improve outcomes.
Key topics could include:
- Utilizing AI for predictive modeling to address patient needs and optimize resource allocation.
- Enhancing population health strategies with AI-driven insights and targeted interventions.
- Operationalizing AI in real-world healthcare settings: challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned.
- Understanding the financial and ethical considerations of implementing AI in healthcare.
- Case studies showcasing successful applications of AI across diverse healthcare systems.
This masterclass is designed for healthcare executives, innovators, and strategists eager to harness AI's full potential. Join us to engage in dynamic discussions, learn from practical examples, and leave with actionable strategies to lead AI-driven transformation in your organization.
Lorrie Jacobetti, SVP, Chief Financial Officer, Prevea;
Traci Kobayashi, Queens Health;
Mark LePage, MD, SVP, Medical Groups and Ambulatory Strategy, Trinity Health Medical Groups and
Mike Coppola, Vice President, AMGA Consulting
Given health systems’ ongoing challenges, the financial performance of the physician enterprise remains a critical focus amid rising inflationary pressures, stagnant or declining reimbursement rates, and intensifying market competition. This in-depth session will equip attendees with actionable insights and proven methodologies for navigating these financial complexities. Drawing on leading practices from medical groups, the session will explore how organizations define and communicate financial performance, leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive sustainable outcomes. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the metrics and strategies that underpin effective financial stewardship in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to: Develop and implement strategies for financial and operational improvement in order to harness the power of an aligned and optimally performing physician enterprise. This includes insight related to: managing part time providers in their operations and staffing footprint, understanding how to successfully approach investment per provider metrics for maximum success, regardless of your organization’s structure, and how to track and manage key performance metrics with regard to operational efficiency and patient access, in a manner that leads to physician engagement.