The AHA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., provided attendees with a variety of informative sessions and discussions. Highlights from the day included discussions on the federal antitrust landscape, sustainability and decarbonization, health equity strategies, and dramatic changes and challenges in post-acute care. The event is an important opportunity for healthcare professionals to learn about the latest developments in the industry and improve patient care.
On the first day of the AHA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., attendees were treated to a variety of informative sessions and discussions. Here is a recap of some of the highlights from the afternoon and morning sessions.
At 7:00 a.m., the registration desk opened, and the 2023 AHA Annual Meeting officially began. The day kicked off with the Allied Meeting between the State, Regional, and Metropolitan Hospital Association Executives. AHA President Rick Pollack recognized a few long-time executives, while AHA President John Haupert discussed current issues hospitals are facing. AHA staff also discussed advocacy efforts on 340B, site-neutral policy, workforce, and other issues, as well as the latest on AHA’s Telling the Hospital Story initiative.
At 9:00 a.m., the AHA sustainability workgroup gathered to attend a session titled Pathways to Health Systems Sustainability and De-carbonization. Michael McGinnis from the National Academy of Medicine moderated the conversation.
At noon, outside of the AHA PAC meeting, attendees were treated to delicious versions of David Axelrod and Karl Rove. Inside the PAC meeting, the former presidential advisors informed PAC-donating members about the current state of the national political landscape and what may lie ahead for Democrats and Republicans.
At 1:30 p.m., a session for first-time attendees and new members took place, where they learned how to maximize their experience this week.
At 2:00 p.m., a discussion on dramatic changes and challenges in post-acute care took place. The session was moderated by AHA Board Member Jim Prister, president and CEO of RML Specialty Hospital, and included Scott Peterson, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Franklin, Denise Keefe, executive vice president of Continuing Health for Advocate Health; and Erin Shadbolt, COO of Ascension Post-Acute and At-Home Services.
At 2:40 p.m., at the Advancing Health podcast booth, Joy A. Lewis, senior vice president for health equity strategies and executive director of the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, recorded a live podcast with Asha Rodriguez, vice president, and facility executive at Atrium Health. Rodriguez is a member of the Roundtable for Black Women CEOs, which was launched by IFDHE in 2022 to help facilitate meaningful connections and raise the visibility of Black women leading hospitals and health systems as CEOs.
At 4:15 p.m., former FTC commissioner Noah Phillips discussed the federal antitrust landscape with Josh Soven, a partner at the law firm Paul Weiss.
The AHA Annual Meeting provides a valuable opportunity for healthcare professionals to come together and share their expertise and experiences. From political discussions to discussions on health equity strategies and post-acute care, attendees have the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the healthcare industry and how they can improve patient care.
