2025 Healthcare Summit
June 11, 2025
Topics & Speaker Bios
Keynote
Current Federal, State and Legislative Impacts on Healthcare
In an era of shifting healthcare policy and funding uncertainty, staying ahead of legislative changes is critical for industry leaders. Brittney Kaufmann, CEO of the Health System Alliance of Arizona, will provide a comprehensive analysis of state and federal funding cuts and their potential impact on research and development, healthcare access, and the broader innovation landscape.
This keynote will explore National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding reductions, federal healthcare reforms, key legislative issues shaping the industry, and the evolving role of tariffs in medical supply chains. Kaufmann will also highlight current trends and emerging challenges that healthcare organizations must anticipate to remain resilient in a changing regulatory and economic environment.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the policy decisions shaping Arizona’s healthcare future and strategies to navigate the complexities of an evolving system.
Ms. Kaufmann has served as the CEO of the Health System Alliance of Arizona since 2021. Kaufmann brings significant political and public policy experience to the Health System Alliance of Arizona, with more than 20 years in public affairs and government relations, as well as managing political campaigns. She was previously with the Arizona Board of Regents as Associate Vice President of Government Affairs & Community Relations, where she developed and implemented strategic planning and programming for public policy, government affairs, and community engagement as the leading and unifying voice for higher education in Arizona.
Prior, Kaufmann oversaw public affairs and advocacy at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, developing and implementing advocacy strategies to advance significant policy positions important to the business community. In this role, Kaufmann led the Chamber advocacy efforts for Medicaid restoration, transportation infrastructure, and federal reforms. Kaufmann previously managed strategic marketing and communications efforts for a large Arizona real estate development firm where she engaged in the complex interplay between government, policy, and business. She has also worked in the public affairs arena on local, state, and federal campaigns, ballot initiatives, issue advocacy and coalition building.
Kaufmann holds undergraduate degrees from Arizona State University and a master’s degree from ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business. She and her husband, Scott, live in Phoenix with their two children and dog.
Ted Talk #1
The Future of AI in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare at an unprecedented pace, but what will its role look like in the future? In this compelling TED Talk, Dr. Hassan Ghasemzadeh explores the current state of AI in healthcare, offering a high-level view of advancements in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and operational efficiencies.
Beyond the promise, AI faces significant barriers—regulatory hurdles, ethical concerns, and the need for responsible development. Dr. Ghasemzadeh will examine these challenges and outline how policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers, and industry stakeholders can collaborate to accelerate innovation while maintaining patient trust and safety.
This session will provide a visionary look at AI’s evolving impact and the collective responsibility to shape its future for better healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Hassan Ghasemzadeh
Associate Professor - College of Health Solutions
Arizona State University
Hassan Ghasemzadeh is an Associate Professor and Director of the Biomedical Informatics & Data Science Undergraduate Program in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU). He is also on the graduate faculty of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering at ASU. Prior to joining ASU, he was an Assistant/Associate professor of Computer Science at Washington State University from 2014 to 2021, and a Postdoctoral Research Manager at UCLA from 2011 to 2013. His research interests include digital health, AI, machine learning and algorithm design with a particular focus on applications in metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Dr. Ghasemzadeh's research has been funded by National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Industry. His work has been recognized by numerous awards including NSF CAREER Award, NSF CRII Award, NSF ExpandAI Award, and multiple best paper awards.
Panel #1
Research & Development Attraction to the West Valley
The West Valley is poised for significant growth in research and development, but what factors influence R&D companies when selecting a location to expand? This panel brings together leaders in business development, higher education, and biotechnology to explore what companies evaluate in their decision-making, the existing strengths of the West Valley, and the gaps that need to be addressed to further attract innovation.
Moderated by Joan Koerber-Walker, President and CEO of the Arizona Bioindustry Association, the discussion will feature insights from Aric Bopp CEcD, Executive Director, Mayo Discovery Oasis, Ryan Ruiz, Executive Vice President of Business Development at ACA, and Dr. Carla Gartrell, Dean of the Veterinary Program at Midwestern University. Together, they will outline key drivers for investment, share strategies to enhance the region’s competitiveness, and highlight opportunities for collaboration in building a thriving R&D ecosystem.
This session is essential for stakeholders looking to position the West Valley as a hub for cutting-edge research and business expansion.
Aric Bopp is the Executive Director for Discovery Oasis at Mayo Clinic, Arizona. Discovery Oasis (www.discoveryoasis.com) is an expansive 120-acre development in Phoenix, adjacent to world-renowned Mayo Clinic, envisioned as a biotechnology corridor of collaboration to advance groundbreaking solutions to humanity’s most complex medical challenges.
Discovery Oasis creates an ecosystem of biomedical innovation among a community of established and early stage biotechnology companies, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, and medical practitioners who are leading the transformation of healthcare.
With an ideal climate, location and economic development infrastructure, Discovery Oasis is an exceptional co-location opportunity for companies with biomedicine, health sciences, medical technologies, big data, and computational focus.
Aric Bopp previously led the economic development and innovation zone efforts of ASU Knowledge Enterprise, with a specific focus on development of the NOVUS Innovation Corridor and the seven (7) ASU Innovation Zones. In his role at ASU, he helped make Arizona more economically competitive and promote the assets available at ASU to the private sector.
He worked closely with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, brokerage and real estate community, and local economic developers. Internal to ASU, he also worked with ASU Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Career Development and Professional Services, Office of Government and Community Engagement, and the University Real Estate Office.
Before coming to ASU, Bopp served as the deputy director of strategic initiatives for the city of Mesa, where he focused on development of the Mesa Gateway area. He also served as the program manager for the city of Phoenix, where he directed and implemented projects that support the city’s commercial, office and industrial development. Prior to moving to Arizona, Bopp was the executive director for Virginia’s New River Valley Economic Development Alliance.
Bopp has served on a variety of economic development boards and organizations throughout the years, including the Arizona Technology Council, Queen Creek Economic Development Commission, and the Chandler Economic Development Advisory Board. He also volunteers with the community in several capacities, including coaching Little League Softball. He was named as one of the Top 20 Leaders Under 40 in 2007 by the Blue Ridge Business Journal and the 2011 Business Executive of the Year by the Pulaski County (VA) Chamber of Commerce.
Bopp earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Johns Hopkins University, attended graduate school in economics at the University of Virginia and received his certified economic developer certification (CEcD) in 2014 through the International Economic Development Council.
Jami Mei serves as the Project Manager of the Business Attraction team for the Arizona Commerce Authority. Jami works on Battery and MedTech projects throughout the state and is committed to building a workforce that works for Arizona. Before joining the ACA, Jami was a member of the Economic Development team in the City of Avondale and was also an intern at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the City of Peoria. Jami is also a proud Navy veteran and Served on the USS John C. Stennis. She also holds a BS in Political Science and an MPA with a focus on Urban Management from Arizona State University.
Ted Talk #2
Rethinking Healthcare Access with Subscription Models
Traditional healthcare models often create barriers to access, affordability, and continuity of care. In this thought-provoking TED Talk, Dr. Travis Allen will explore how The Pilot Clinic’s subscription-based healthcare model is reshaping primary care by eliminating insurance complexities and offering direct, transparent, and patient-centered services.
Dr. Allen will discuss the advantages of Direct Primary Care, including improved physician-patient relationships, cost predictability, and enhanced accessibility for individuals seeking consistent, high-quality medical care. He will also address the broader implications of subscription-based healthcare, examining how this model can influence industry trends, regulatory considerations, and the future of personalized medicine.
Attendees will gain insight into how innovative healthcare delivery models can drive systemic change, improve patient outcomes, and create sustainable solutions for communities.
Dr. Travis Allen, MD is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician and a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. He is the founder of The Pilot Clinic, an aviation medical practice offering Direct Primary Care. He was named as one of The 100 best doctors in Arizona for 2025 by AZ Business Magazine. The 100 best doctors in Arizona for 2025 - AZ Big Media
Dr. Allen is passionate about efficient, quality medical care and has a special interest in clinic and hospital-based procedures and point-of-care ultrasound. He is committed to providing patient centered healthcare that prioritizes accessibility, quality, and the patient-doctor relationship. He advocates for innovative care models that restore meaningful connections between doctors and patients, and believes Direct Primary Care offers a promising path forward for modern medicine.
Dr. Allen is local to the West Valley of Phoenix having graduated from Buckeye Union High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and earned his commission as a military officer through the rigorous Officer Candidate School program. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies through the military-only Interservice Physician Assistant Program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He worked as a military and civilian physician assistant in the areas of combat/emergency medicine, flight medicine, family medicine, interventional cardiology, urgent care, and served in various leadership and command positions in the Army. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine Degree, Summa Cum Laude through the University of Science, Arts, and Technology from Montserrat, British West Indies. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Creighton University School of Medicine-Phoenix Program, which was a consortium of Maricopa Medical Center (now Valleywise) and St. Joseph's Hospital with rotations at Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic. He was recognized as Teaching Resident of the Year and graduated as the Outstanding Resident of the Year during his final year of residency. He was also President of the Housestaff Leadership Council. He is an assistant clinical professor at Creighton University School of Medicine.
Panel #2
Building a Sustainable Healthcare Workforce
As the demand for a skilled healthcare workforce continues to grow, ensuring effective workforce development and retention is essential to the West Valley’s long-term success. This panel will address how education providers, employers, and industry leaders can create training programs that equip learners with the necessary skills while keeping talent local.
Panelists will explore a holistic approach to workforce development, including Career & Technical Education (CTE) program awareness, national licensing and certification requirements, and the role of strategic partnerships in bridging gaps between education and employment. Experts will examine current market gaps, discuss alternative workforce models, and highlight AI-driven solutions that can enhance talent development and retention.
This discussion will provide actionable insights into strengthening the healthcare workforce pipeline, ensuring the West Valley remains a hub for innovation and skilled professionals.
With over 20 years of experience in education, Erin McGehean has dedicated her career to guiding students toward academic and career success. She began her career in college advising and advanced into leadership and strategic partnership roles. She worked for Northern Arizona University for over 14 years and she is now a Project Manager at Center for the Future of Arizona. With CFA she is working on the Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative convening partners in education and workforce systems. A passionate advocate for student and workforce success, Erin is committed to removing barriers to post-secondary career and college readiness and fostering a culture of opportunity and achievement for all students.
Dr. Travis Allen, MD is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician and a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. He is the founder of The Pilot Clinic, an aviation medical practice offering Direct Primary Care. He was named as one of The 100 best doctors in Arizona for 2025 by AZ Business Magazine. The 100 best doctors in Arizona for 2025 - AZ Big Media
Dr. Allen is passionate about efficient, quality medical care and has a special interest in clinic and hospital-based procedures and point-of-care ultrasound. He is committed to providing patient centered healthcare that prioritizes accessibility, quality, and the patient-doctor relationship. He advocates for innovative care models that restore meaningful connections between doctors and patients, and believes Direct Primary Care offers a promising path forward for modern medicine.
Dr. Allen is local to the West Valley of Phoenix having graduated from Buckeye Union High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and earned his commission as a military officer through the rigorous Officer Candidate School program. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies through the military-only Interservice Physician Assistant Program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He worked as a military and civilian physician assistant in the areas of combat/emergency medicine, flight medicine, family medicine, interventional cardiology, urgent care, and served in various leadership and command positions in the Army. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine Degree, Summa Cum Laude through the University of Science, Arts, and Technology from Montserrat, British West Indies. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Creighton University School of Medicine-Phoenix Program, which was a consortium of Maricopa Medical Center (now Valleywise) and St. Joseph's Hospital with rotations at Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic. He was recognized as Teaching Resident of the Year and graduated as the Outstanding Resident of the Year during his final year of residency. He was also President of the Housestaff Leadership Council. He is an assistant clinical professor at Creighton University School of Medicine.
Trevor Stokes is Vice President of Career Readiness Initiatives at Pathway2Careers, the world’s leading firm for research and policy support and career exploration and high school math curriculum in the Career-Connected Learning space.
His background as a labor market economist includes more than 400 regional labor market studies conducted for school districts, economic development organizations and workforce boards across the country, as well as dozens of state and community level initiatives designed to optimize the talent pipeline and better align educational strategies with the realities of the world of work.
Trevor is a member of the National Storytellers Network and has performed at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, TN. He is an alum of Lee University and now resides with his family in Peoria, Arizona where he works to make career success attainable for all.
Patti Taylor has 17 years of healthcare experience in strategy and healthcare workforce development. As Director of Student Health Careers for Banner Health she is oversees student coordination, academic partnerships and tuition assistance programs. Patti has a strong foundation in strategic alignment, public health, enhancing community health education and access to resources. Passionate about fostering academic excellence and supporting students in their healthcare careers, Patti works collaboratively with educational institutions to create meaningful partnerships and opportunities. Through this work Patti is committed to improving healthcare through education and resource accessibility that supports workforce initiatives within Banner Health.