Event pricing
Member Seat - $170
Non-member Seat - $210
Member Table - $1,400
Non-member Table - $1,675
Registration is closed at this time. If you are interested in attending, please email cbeck@westmarc.org, and we will inform you if a seat(s) has opened up.
Topics & Speakers
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
