Chief Healthcare Executive

Healthcare organizations are criticizing the layoffs and reorganization at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Groups such as the American Public Health Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) say the cuts will undermine the health of Americans. Georges Benjamin, director of the American Public Health Association, says, "It will increase the morbidity and mortality of our population, increase health costs and undermine our economy."

Unlock clinical insights from any data source. Learn more about a complete information retrieval platform designed for organizations like yours. https://ow.ly/RMWE50Vq5sL

The job cuts and massive reorganization of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services could have big implications in preparing for emergencies and responding to future threats. Tom Cotter, MPH, CEO of Health Response Alliance, tells us that he worries about the loss of capabilities. "This is a good day for any kind of emerging pathogen,” Cotter says.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services plans to eliminate 10,000 full-time positions, combine many of its divisions and close half of its regional offices. Combined with buyouts and retirements, the health department is trimming its workforce by 20,000, or a quarter of its staff. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the department will preserve essential functions and do more with less.

Hospitals in Washington state have been slow to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and most are running in the red. Hospital leaders say proposed reductions in state aid could lead to layoffs and cuts in services. Cassie Sauer, president and CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association, said, "We expect to see layoffs in hospitals around the state, and that will definitely lead to longer wait times and then potential service closures."

Before becoming president and CEO of Children's Minnesota, Marc Gorelick spent many years as an emergency physician. He says that experience proved invaluable in leading the pediatric system, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic. As he prepares to step away in July, Dr. Gorelick talked with us about his time at Children's Minnesota and the value of working in emergency medicine. “Emergency environment is not conducive to having comprehensive information over a period of time,” Gorelick says. “You do the best you can with the information you have. And I think that's really important for leaders."

Patients are more likely to stick with continuous glucose monitors if they get them from a medical equipment provider instead of a pharmacy, according to a new study. We talked with Arti Masturzo MD MBA about the research, and why patients using glucose monitors need support. "There’s a saying that the most expensive medication or device is the one that sits in the cabinet," she says.

After serving as president and CEO of LifeBridge Health for more than 12 years, Neil M. Meltzer, MPH, MHA has announced his plans to retire. He plans to stay in his post until the Maryland-based system chooses his successor. "LifeBridge Health is more than a workplace—it’s a community of passionate healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care," he says.

On World Down Syndrome Day, advocacy groups are worried about the prospect of cuts to Medicaid. We talked with Heather Sachs of the National Down Syndrome Congress about the concerns surrounding potential reductions for Medicaid and how they would impact those with Down syndrome. When asked about her level of concern, she says, "We're calling it a five-alarm fire." https://lnkd.in/ehqDehcw

AI proved to be the dominant discussion topic at both the HIMSS and ViVE conferences in recent weeks, but the conversations on AI are changing. We look at the evolving conversation on AI in the latest edition of CHE 360, our LinkedIn newsletter.