Advisory Board is here to do two things: tackle the toughest questions keeping healthcare leaders up at night, and push leaders' thinking on the questions they aren’t asking – but should be. In 2025, we navigated a landscape of major shifts, from policy changes, the growing presence of AI, drug innovations, and more. As we head into 2026, we are keeping that momentum going to deliver the insights you need to stay ahead.

That’s why this week, hosts Rachel (Rae) Woods and Abby Burns pass the microphone to six Advisory Board researchers to preview their top questions and topics on our research agenda for the new year. They’ll unpack what they’re researching, why it matters, and why these topics deserve your attention.

• [1:30 ] Ty Aderhold on cutting through the AI hype


• [4:15 ] Monica Westhead on margin management and hospital efficiency


• [7:08 ] Sally Kim on cutting costs and scaling health plan operations


• [9:45 ] Sebastian Beckmann on prioritizing sustainable growth through smarter forecasting and analytics


• [14:08 ] Kaci Plattenburg on rethinking service line growth strategies


• [16:27 ] Chloe Bakst on navigating the pharmacy policy shakeup

We’re here to help:

• Read Advisory Board’s 2026 research agenda


• The state of the industry: Key insights for 2026


• 249: What is 340B, and why is it in the hot seat


• 267: Care variation reduction: A $100B opportunity


• What’s driving — or slowing — service line growth?


• 270: Service line snapshot: What every health leader needs to know


• 276: The AI gold rush is changing how humans (and clinicians) make decisions


• [Tools] Use Advisory Board tools to inform your strategy for growth, cost control, and more.

We want to hear from you. What are your challenges? Where are you seeing opportunities? Email us at podcasts@advisory.com

Learn about Advisory Board Research Membership.

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A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.