Building a Stronger Healthcare Ecosystem

Employment gaps, work-life balance, partnerships, artificial intelligence, and the future of healthcare and education were among the many topics discussed at the “Building a Stronger Healthcare Ecosystem” panel discussion at the 2024 Collin Leadership Policy Summit held at the Collin College Frisco Campus.

“I heard the other day that there’s a war on talent, and the person said talent won,” said Ryan Gebhart, senior vice president of Baylor Scott & White Health. “I really believe that it’s tough to find highly-qualified people that fit your culture, and some of the biggest gaps that we’re seeing are more in the technical type roles that are hard to fill: radiology techs, cath lab techs — nurses haven’t been as difficult for us — and some of the other ancillary departments, but the techs have been probably the most difficult.”

Kevin Greene, vice president of Cook Children’s Medical Center, echoed Gebhart’s comments.

“It really comes down to, and Ryan mentioned this, the culture of the organization,” Greene said. “I’ve been blessed where my journey with Cook started 19 years ago as an intern. What we’re talking about today is very important because the only reason I’m here is because of a partnership between Abilene Christian University and Cook Children’s. So, I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for people like you and educators who are able to create that bridge to inspire people to pursue a career in healthcare.”

Dr. Wes Cunningham, Frisco ISD associate deputy superintendent, added that he was grateful for this opportunity and was taking notes to share with FISD counselors.

“We are always looking for other opportunities,” said Dr. Cunningham, adding that he looks to Collin College for possibilities. “What are they offering? What are they doing? Where can we offer opportunities to see what’s happening, to have other courses, but we like to have pathways to not only Collin College but other university partners.”

Steve Love, panel moderator and CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council, shared his thoughts about the best age to begin talking to students about healthcare careers.

“I was talking to a hospital CEO the other day,” Love said. “I said, ‘You know, I guess we really need to reach into the high school level,’ and she said, ‘You’re dead wrong. We need to go to middle school and elementary school.’”

Dr. Diana Hopes, provost of Collin College’s Frisco and Celina campuses, acknowledged the value of dual credit and hospital partnerships. She also shared how hospital CEO listening tours led by Collin College District President Dr. Neil Matkin have culminated in a future health sciences building at the Frisco Campus which will house programs that will assist with the great need for workers at area hospitals.

“We will continue to listen,” Dr. Hopes said. “We will continue to hear the needs because we know technology is ever changing, and we need to make sure that we’re always meeting the needs with our local hospitals and our healthcare providers.”