In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sit down with Sameer Sethi, Senior Vice President and Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, to explore one of the most talked-about innovations in healthcare IT today: agentic AI. From its potential to transform workflows to the nuanced challenges of adoption, Sameer offers a grounded, forward-looking take on how this next evolution in AI could change the game for clinicians, patients, and healthcare systems alike.

We dive into what sets agentic AI apart from traditional automation, how trust and governance frameworks are evolving, and why the human role is more critical than ever—even in an increasingly autonomous future. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI’s possibilities or are already implementing intelligent agents across your enterprise, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of the field’s most thoughtful leaders.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring the real-world deployment of agentic AI. Sameer walks through practical and emerging use cases—from clinician support and revenue cycle enhancements to patient experience and operational efficiency—offering a clear-eyed view of where agentic AI is already delivering value and where its potential is just beginning to unfold.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sit down with Brady Collier and Tooba Amir, two graduates of Optimum CareerPath, who are already making their mark in healthcare IT. Their journeys into the field offer an inspiring glimpse into how the next generation is stepping into roles that directly shape the future of healthcare delivery and digital transformation.

Moderated by Lydia Veal, Chief Operating Officer at Optimum Healthcare IT, this conversation explores how Brady and Tooba discovered health IT, the myths they’ve encountered as recent grads, and how organizations can evolve their hiring practices to better engage younger talent. From career-defining moments to lessons in resilience and adaptability, their stories underscore why investing in early-career professionals is not just smart, it’s strategic.

Whether you're a CIO looking to close talent gaps, or a student considering your own future, this conversation offers honest reflections and fresh perspectives. Listen in as we discuss what health systems can do to attract, and retain, the next wave of innovators.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we sat down with Andy Crowder, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Advocate Health, one of the nation’s largest non-profit health systems. Andy shares a behind-the-scenes look at the complex IT integration following the historic merger of Advocate Health and Atrium Health. From aligning EMRs and ERPs to balancing governance, infrastructure, and data migration, he walks us through the strategic decisions that enabled a smooth transition at scale.

Mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the healthcare landscape, and Andy offers actionable insights for IT leaders navigating this journey. He discusses the importance of clear standards, disciplined execution, and de-prioritizing non-essential projects to stay focused. You’ll learn how Advocate Health approached integration with a thoughtful governance model and how change management was built into the culture from the beginning.

We also explore Advocate Health’s impressive response to Hurricane Helene. Andy shares how mobile technologies and a resilient IT foundation enabled the system to maintain operations and deliver care when communities needed it most. It’s a powerful reminder of how disaster preparedness and digital transformation go hand-in-hand.

Whether you're planning a merger or preparing your organization for the unexpected, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on IT leadership, agility, and impact.