Last week, along with more than 1,000 other hospital and health system leaders, I attended the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. As always, it was a tremendous opportunity to connect with my counterparts throughout the country and engage in meaningful discussions about advancing health care and navigating the many obstacles facing us.
Throughout the event, one theme resonated loudly: the imperative of advocacy and collective action in shaping the future of health care. From engaging conversations with policymakers to strategic sessions on AHA’s key advocacy priorities, attendees were empowered to make our voices heard on Capitol Hill.
The meeting featured insightful discussions on a range of topics, including age-friendly care, health equity strategies, cybersecurity threats, rural health care access, and the promise and challenge of artificial intelligence. Esteemed colleagues and speakers shared their expertise and valuable insights into the evolving health care landscape.
Similarly, HASC will host its 2024 Annual Meeting at the Park Hyatt Aviara resort in Carlsbad from May 20 to 22 — just under a month away. We’re thrilled to invite you to this essential gathering of Southern California health care leaders. Under the theme of “Passion and Perseverance,” we’re aiming to reignite your passion for health care excellence and honor the enduring resilience of our industry. Our agenda includes the following sessions:
The Rebellious Recovery
Speaker: Aaron Baker
Former professional motocross champion and recovering quadriplegic Aaron Baker empowers audiences to navigate adversity and life’s cycles with resilience. He inspires individuals to discover peace, power, joy and reverence for life through mind, body, spirit and lifestyle choices.
Innovating Health Care Access for the Unhoused
Moderator: Ken Craft, CEO, Hope the Mission
Panelists:
- Katie Hren, Associate Director, Community Connect Program, Cedars-Sinai
- Alina Moran, President, California Hospital Medical Center
- Jessica Nunez, Social Services and Street Medicine Manager, MLK Community Healthcare
- Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, Chief of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, UCLA Health
- Brett J. Feldman, Director of USC Street Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC
This dynamic panel will feature speakers from HASC member hospitals and health systems. We’ll explore creative strategies for enhancing health care access for unhoused patients, including street medicine, partnerships, recuperative care and more.
No Fail Trust in Healthcare
Speaker: Lt. Col. Jason O. Harris
With over 25 years of experience as a U.S. Air Force and commercial airline pilot, Lt. Col. Jason O. Harris understands the crucial importance of trust among teams. From flying into enemy territory to carrying travelers to Paris, every flight has required absolute trust between him and his crew. Lt. Col. Harris reinforces the lesson: Trust your people like your life depends upon it.
Along with these stirring keynote sessions, we’ll get a wide-ranging view of state-level priorities from Carmela Coyle, president and CEO, California Hospital Association. I’ll also deliver an update on HASC’s top priorities in Southern California. In addition, we’re excited to host five breakout sessions that promise to be immensely valuable.
If you haven’t registered yet, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible. I’m excited to share in this brief retreat packed with learning and fellowship, and I look forward to enjoying your company next month!
Take care and stay safe.
George G.