Thank you to everyone who was a part of our wonderfully dynamic 2024 Annual Health Care Conference. Our stellar emcee, Will Rucker, excellently summed up the experience with his closing remarks:

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"Wow, what an incredible two days it’s been! We started this journey with Nancy’s powerful call to elevate our practice of community. From there, we’ve explored some profound insights, each speaker challenging us to think bigger, bolder, and more compassionately about the work we do.

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'Doc Jim' reminded us that people matter. It’s a simple truth, but one that is so easy to forget in the day-to-day grind. He called on us to go to the people, to see them, hear them, and understand their needs. And let’s not forget his memorable advice to boost our vaccines against 'being an a#$hole!' It’s a good reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful impact we can make comes from finding opportunity even in the ugliness and always doing the right thing.

 

Beth Edwards taught us the value of adaptability - make it up as you go, but do it with a plan. She challenged us to think like orchestra leaders, getting everyone on the same page, and to avoid dragging old problems into new spaces. And I know we’ll all remember her pro-tip: occasionally walk through the front door to experience what our patients do.

 

Dr. Leovy reminded us that the planet matters too, that climate change is a magnifier of health disparities and, yes, a mental health issue as well. Climate vulnerability is the uber social determinant of health, and we can no longer separate the health of the planet from the health of the people we serve.

 

Melissa Stratman wrapped up day one with a call to recognize that everyone in healthcare has talent. From the front desk to the clinicians, each person plays a critical role. And her words about knowing your ‘main thing’—because if everything’s a priority, then nothing is—hit home. We must inform, train, coach, and hold our teams accountable to make meaningful progress.

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Day two kicked off with a deep dive into policy perspectives. Lea reminded us of the importance of saving babies—and yes, celebrating those 'little yays' along the way! Policy work is, at its core, about changing the rules to make things better for our communities.

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Jillian took us into the future with AI adoption. Her message was clear: we must remember that while AI is a tool, the responsibility still lies with us. It’s not a replacement (yet), but it’s fast becoming foundational. We’re already using it—so let’s embrace it and build our infrastructure with our people in mind.

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And finally, Arlo Washington closed us out with a crucial conversation on bridging the wealth gap. He made it clear that money affects more than just your bank account—financial literacy and stability are part of healthcare reform and are essential to achieving health equity.

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As we wrap up, I want to leave you with this thought: Community is not just a practice; it’s a commitment. It requires vulnerability, fairness, and reciprocity. It demands compassion. And it’s something we build together, piece by piece, day by day.

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Let’s take everything we’ve learned over these past two days and carry it forward with us. Let’s continue to lead with empathy, work with integrity, and find joy in the journey. Thank you all for being here, for showing up, and for being part of this community. Together, we are elevating the practice of community—and I, for one, can’t wait to see where we go from here."