2025 Healthcare Conference: The Economics of Healthcare

panelists at the front of healthcare conference

The third annual 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox Healthcare Conference will bring together top healthcare executives, policy makers and academic experts to explore the economic forces shaping the future of healthcare. The agenda features a full day of engaging discussions, networking and thought leadership.

Highlights Include:

  • A Fireside Chat and Keynote featuring leaders from McKesson and CMS
  • Four panel discussions focused on topical issues facing the industry
  • Networking with peers from across the North Texas healthcare industry

Featured Guests

The 2025 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox Healthcare Conference opens and closes with bold insights from leaders driving transformation across both private and public healthcare sectors.

The day begins with a Fireside Chat featuring Brian Tyler, Ph.D., CEO of McKesson, in conversation with Shane Goodwin, LL.M., Ph.D., Executive Director of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCorporate Governance Initiative and Professor of Finance.

To conclude the day, Stephanie Carlton, Deputy Administrator of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will deliver a compelling keynote address that underscores the evolving landscape of healthcare policy and administration.


Brian Tyler Ph.D.
CEO of McKesson

Shane Goodwin, LL.M., Ph.D.
Executive Director of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCorporate Governance Initiative and Professor of Finance

Stephanie Carlton
Deputy Administrator of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Informative Panel Discussions

audience question for panelists

Panel I: The Financial Stability of Health Systems

In this dynamic panel discussion, industry-leading CEOs and Presidents will explore the headwinds and tailwinds influencing the sector—from financial pressures and policy shifts to innovation and patient care. Their perspectives offer a rare glimpse into the strategic decisions that will define the next chapter of healthcare in the U.S.

 

  • Moderator: Steve Love, President & CEO, Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council
  • Panelists:  
    • Barclay Berdan, CEO, THR
    • Fred Cerise, M.D., CEO, Parkland
    • Allen Harrison, President, HCA North Texas Region


audience asking questions at Collins Center

Panel II: The Economics of Pharmaceutical Distribution

This timely discussion will examine the evolving economics of pharmaceutical distribution, spotlighting the growing influence of game-changing treatments and exploring how these therapies are impacting cost structures, access and the broader healthcare ecosystem.

 

  • Moderator: Marco Restrepo, Partner, The Chartis Group
  • Panelists:
    • Dennis Ellis, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of North Texas & Oklahoma
    • Jack Turner, Vice President, Product Strategy & BI, McKesson
    • Sarah Way, M.D., J.D., Chief Quality & Medical Officer, Texas Health Dallas

photos of attendees at healthcare conference

Panel III: AI

This expert panel will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial foundations of healthcare. From reducing administrative overhead to optimizing treatment pathways and resource allocation, AI is enabling providers, patients and payors to drive down costs while improving outcomes across the system.

 

  • Moderator: Jaymee Lewis Desse, Global Solution Manager, Actionable Insights for Health, EY
  • Panelists: 
    • Vishal Ahuja, Associate Professor, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox
    • Chris Akeroyd, Chief Information Officer, Lee Health
    • Deepthi Bathina, Founder and CEO, RhythmX AI
    • Charity Darnell, MSN, RN, CHCIO, VP & Assistant CIO, Methodist Health System

photo of Dean Milbourn and participant

Panel IV: Regulatory and Public Policy Implications to the Economics of Healthcare

This panel will focus on the ways in which evolving legislation and policy frameworks are reshaping financial models across the healthcare ecosystem. Experts will explore the intersection of value-based care, consumer incentives and profit structures driving economic outcomes.

 

  • Moderator: Matt Garcia, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs
  • Panelists:
    • Jonathan Efron, M.D., EVP for Health System Affairs, UT Southwestern
    • Brad Hirsch, M.D., M.B.A., Co-Founder, Highlander Health
    • Mary Kosinski, Global Managing Director of Health & Life Sciences at FleishmanHillard

Program Sponsors

Platinum

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Gold

Silver

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Register to Attend

In this and other offerings/events, Healthcare Leadership Development Initiative has hosted programming specifically for the healthcare community of DFW. Tap into the network of this Initiative via this annual conference. 


Explore More from the Initiative

Created in 2022, the Healthcare Leadership Development Initiative supports community healthcare leaders hone in their skills, connect with like-minded practitioners who are also in the field, and help contribute to the academic dialogue of healthcare leadership.

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