Heading to HLTH 2026: From Healthcare AI Ambition to Real-World Impact

By Ritu M. Uberoy
Co-Host, The Big Unlock Podcast

Healthcare is in the middle of an important conversation about its future. Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, new care models are emerging, and organizations are rethinking how technology can support both patients and the people who care for them.

But as the possibilities grow, so do the questions. Which innovations are making a meaningful difference? How do we move promising ideas into everyday practice? And how do we make sure that technology strengthens the human relationships at the heart of healthcare?

These are some of the questions I’m looking forward to exploring at HLTH USA 2026, taking place November 15–18 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.

Rohit Mahajan and I will be attending as co-hosts of The Big Unlock Podcast, where we have the privilege of speaking with healthcare leaders about the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry. I’m excited to continue those conversations at HLTH and connect with the people turning ideas into action.

Moving AI into the flow of work

AI will undoubtedly be a major part of the conversation. HLTH’s agenda includes an AI Zone, and its featured areas span emerging technology, diagnostics, clinicians, and workforce health. I’m particularly interested in hearing how organizations are moving beyond pilots and incorporating AI into the workflows that clinicians, administrative teams, and patients rely on every day.

The discussion has evolved from what can AI do? to where can it make a measurable difference? That means looking closely at how a solution fits into existing processes, who is responsible for acting on its output, and whether it actually makes work easier or care more accessible.

AI agents and voice agents are creating new opportunities to support tasks such as information gathering, coordination, and patient communication. Their value, however, depends on thoughtful workflow design and clear human oversight. I hope to hear candid perspectives on what implementation looks like after the initial excitement—and what leaders are learning along the way.

Keeping people at the center

Technology can help address some of healthcare’s most persistent challenges, but it cannot succeed without the trust and participation of the people it is intended to serve.

I’m looking forward to conversations about how organizations are engaging clinicians and staff in the design and adoption of new tools. Are these solutions giving teams more time for meaningful work? Are patients finding it easier to navigate their care? And are leaders creating the governance and support needed to use AI responsibly?

These questions matter just as much as the capabilities of the technology itself. Lasting change depends on bringing people along and making sure innovation responds to real needs.

Connecting across the healthcare ecosystem

One of the things I value most about gatherings like HLTH is the chance to hear different perspectives in the same room. Providers, technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and other healthcare stakeholders each see a different part of the challenge.

The most useful conversations often happen when those perspectives come together: a founder hearing directly from a clinician about a workflow problem, a health system leader sharing what it takes to scale a solution, or an innovator explaining how patient feedback changed their approach.

As Rohit and I prepare for HLTH, we’re looking forward to learning from those conversations and hearing the stories behind the progress—what worked, what was difficult, and what comes next.

If you’ll be at HLTH USA 2026, we’d love to connect. Reach out to Rohit or me, and let’s continue the conversation about building a more connected, thoughtful, and effective future for healthcare.

Learn more about the event at hlth.com/events/usa.