In 2025, healthcare leaders across the U.S. are grappling with seismic shifts in technology, finance, and policy. As health systems strive to deliver higher-quality care under tighter constraints, top executives are raising “billion-dollar questions” — inquiries so critical that the answers could define the future of healthcare.
These questions were posed to C-suite executives set to speak at Becker’s Healthcare 13th Annual CEO+CFO Roundtable this November. Here’s what some of the most influential healthcare leaders are asking in 2025:
1. How Is AI Reshaping Patient Care Today?
Dr. Conor Delaney, CEO & President of Cleveland Clinic Florida Region, sees artificial intelligence as the centerpiece of healthcare’s evolution.
“We’re actively deploying AI to improve clinical workflows and patient experiences,” says Delaney. “Our AI scribe tool is already reducing administrative burden and provider burnout. Next up is our LARS support tool for colorectal cancer, which empowers patients with AI-driven education and support.”
For Cleveland Clinic, the goal isn’t just adopting AI — it’s defining how AI can make healthcare more compassionate, connected, and effective.
2. Who Can Turn Innovation Into Real-World Impact at Scale?
Maneesh Goyal, COO of Mayo Clinic Platform, emphasizes the challenge of implementation.
“There are countless brilliant ideas in health tech, but few make it into clinical workflows. The real challenge is bridging the gap between innovation and actual patient impact.”
Mayo Clinic Platform is working to make scalable, trustworthy innovation the norm — not the exception.
3. How Should Health Systems Implement AI – and at What Cost?
Dr. Marschall Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine, highlights a twofold dilemma: technology and economics.
“Should we use third-party AI vendors, build in-house, or blend both? And at the same time, how do we manage the volatile financial environment — from Medicare cuts to labor cost inflation?”
According to Runge, the future demands agility, data-driven decisions, and strong alignment between tech adoption and infrastructure.
4. Can Health Systems Rapidly Transform and Still Care Deeply?
Dr. Craig Albanese, CEO of Duke Health, warns of a balancing act between efficiency and empathy.
“How do we deliver high-value care while preserving workforce resilience in the face of resource constraints and tech disruption?”
Duke Health sees transformation not just as operational — but human-centered.
5. Will Federal Reimbursement Cuts Undermine Academic Health Systems?
Mary Frances Southerland, CAO at UVA Health, is watching Washington closely.
“Policy changes and funding losses could deeply affect safety-net and teaching hospitals. Tariffs, executive orders, and judicial rulings all have downstream effects on healthcare operations and innovation.”
For UVA Health, staying proactive in the face of an evolving regulatory climate is a survival strategy.
6. How Do We Sustain Innovation in Rural and Underserved Communities?
James Dover, CEO of Avera Health, believes access must remain central — even in an age of AI.
“We must ensure telehealth, AI, and new workforce models don’t leave rural communities behind. The future of equitable healthcare hinges on adaptability and collaboration.”
7. How Can We Expand Access Without Sacrificing Quality?
Dr. Gerard Colman, CEO of Baptist Health (KY), ties access to smart investments.
“From $715 million in expansion to enhanced pharmacy services and a growing primary care network — we’re working to reach more patients without compromising care quality.”
Meanwhile, Rick Carrico, CFO of Baptist Health, adds:
“Digital health is key. Hybrid models, virtual care, and user-friendly tools like Care Finder are making care more convenient and personalized.”
8. What Does a Winning Consumer Access Strategy Look Like?
Peter Banko, CEO of Baystate Health, doesn’t mince words.
“The system that makes seamless access work for everyone wins — period. If you crack this code, you dominate your market for the next decade.”
9. Will Medicaid Declines Be Offset by Commercial Payers?
John Mallia, Interim CFO at Arnot Health, is concerned about payment shortfalls.
“As a safety-net provider, I need to know: how much will government reimbursement drop, and can commercial payers realistically bridge that gap?”
10. How Do We Deliver Specialized Care in Regions with the Worst Health Outcomes?
Albert Wright, Jr., CEO of WVU Health System, oversees care in one of the nation’s most underserved regions.
“We serve patients with high rates of chronic illness and limited access. We need to bring care to them, even as funding cuts threaten that mission.”
Wright notes that in areas like West Virginia, sustainability is a daily challenge — but also a deep responsibility.
Final Thoughts
The billion-dollar questions in healthcare today are not hypothetical. They’re strategic dilemmas facing real-world systems, teams, and patients. From AI implementation to financial resilience and equitable access, healthcare executives in 2025 are navigating an unprecedented crossroads.
While the answers may vary, one thing is clear: the leaders who think boldly and act strategically will shape the next decade of healthcare delivery in America.
