Ahead of the Curve is the Only Safe Place to Be

Premier’s COO, Mike Alkire, kicked off our 2018 Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition last month, discussing changes in the healthcare market – from technological advances to new care delivery and payment models. Regardless of the ever-changing landscape, Alkire relayed the importance of staying ahead of the curve, noting that “it isn’t a nice place to be - it’s the only safe place to be.”

About 4,300 healthcare industry representatives from hospitals, health systems, suppliers and other healthcare organizations attended Premier’s Breakthroughs Conference from June 19-22 in Nashville, Tennessee. An event designed to bring people, ideas and innovations together to transform healthcare, attendees spent the week learning, exploring and engaging with each other to stay ahead of the curve.

The conference environment inspired networking, innovation, learning and sharing. Insightful and stimulating speakers, including Co-anchor of ABC News’ Good Morning America and best-selling author Robin Roberts, author and innovator Dr. Eric J. Topol, and Washington D.C. insiders Marsha Blackburn and Nancy-Ann DeParle, shared their viewpoints as keynotes during general sessions.

Premier members led concurrent sessions where they shared insights and best practices across a variety of topics including, supply chain strategies, optimizing the care continuum, alternative payment models and quality improvement initiatives. This year a record-breaking 1,900 suppliers and more than 550 exhibitors showcased a wide variety of industry-leading products, devices and services available to Premier members.

Echoing Alkire’s message around the changing landscape, Premier CEO Susan DeVore led a discussion on personal leadership during her featured general session. She mentioned the uncertainty, fear and stress for providers delivering healthcare today, expressed frustration for those in power that choose to behave badly, and shared the obligation she felt to show future generations a way forward. “Because they tell me one important truth: We need personal leadership now more than ever,” she said.

Using examples “untraditional leadership,” Susan challenged the crowd to find their superpower – the one thing each person is exceptionally good at – and use it to create change in their circle of influence. She noted that when you surround yourself with individuals that have a superpower different than yours, you create an exceptional team. A team where everyone has a role and feels important. A team that can and will transform healthcare from the inside.

“Leading from within is about finding our place in the great mosaic of healthcare transformation. And when we do this, when we trust each other, when we each give our strengths and passions and superpowers to this work of art, there is no doubt that the end result will be beautiful,” she said.

Premier’s award ceremonies recognized hundreds of members and suppliers that are making a difference in transforming healthcare. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear the impactful, healthcare stories from University Hospitals, the Premier Alliance Excellence Award winner, and Hildegard House, the 26th Premier Cares Award winner.