Rebecca Woods Empowering Change in Healthcare for 2025

1. Rebecca Woods: Empowering Change in Healthcare for 2025 Rebecca Empowering Healthcare Rebecca Woods CIO | Founder Propel Health Advisors Rebecca Woods Blazing a Trail for Women in Healthcare IT and Blazing a Trail for Women in Healthcare IT and Digital Transformation Digital Transformation

5. s Breaking Barriers, Building Futures O else to fix the problems, she took action. ne person can change the future. In healthcare, that person is Rebecca Woods. She saw a way to make hospitals, doctors, and patient care better using technology. Instead of waiting for someone In this special edition, Rebecca Woods: Empowering Change in Healthcare for 2025, we celebrate her incredible work in healthcare IT and digital transformation. Through her work, she enables hospitals to improve efficiency while speeding up operations to deliver superior healthcare to patients. She advances a new healthcare system by maintaining the belief that technology tools must simplify processes rather than create additional challenges. But Rebecca’s story is about more than technology. It’s also about breaking barriers. Staying focused on her goals, she continued to succeed as a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated field. Instead of accepting challenges as terminal obstacles, she dedicated herself to establishing new opportunities for future generations. She now leads organizations and additionally mentors women to engage more with healthcare and technology. At World Health Leaders, we believe in celebrating people like Rebecca—those who see a problem and take action. Her journey reminds us that real change begins with one person who dares to make a difference. As you read this edition, let Rebecca’s story inspire you. The future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we create. And just like Rebecca, you, too, can be part of that change. Hope you have an inspiring read ahead! Pearl Shaw Pearl Shaw - Pearl Shaw

6. CONTENTS FEA TURING 06 Rebecca Woods Blazing a Trail for Women in Healthcare Blazing a Trail for Women in Healthcare IT and Digital Transformation IT and Digital Transformation ARTICLES Enduring Innovation Designing Healthcare IT Designing Healthcare IT for Tomorrow’s Patients for Tomorrow’s Patients 18 22 Empowering Providers The Impact of IT on The Impact of IT on Clinical Operations Clinical Operations

7. Creds Thanh Truong Editor-in-Chief Pearl Shaw Managing Editor Natalie May Execu?ve Editor David King Visualiser Sarah Davis Art & Design Head Anna Lee Asst. Vice President Shaima Aziz Sr. Sales Manager Nora Habib Business Development Execu?ve Mark Anderson Technical Head Jessica Thompon Technical Specialist Digital Marke?ng Manager Chris Evans Circula?on Manager Kelly Green sales@worldhealthleaders.com March, 2025 Contact Us: Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - +1614-602-4132 We are also available on : Copyright © 2025 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmi?ed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. World Health Leaders is powered by Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd.

8. Rebecca Woods CIO | Founder Propel Health Advisors

9. Featuring Rebecca Woods “ Blazing a Trail for Women in Healthcare IT and Digital Transformation I think my legacy will be in how I’ve empowered others to achieve greatness. It’s not just about what I’ve done; it’s about what others will continue to do because of the doors we’ve opened. “

10. Rebecca Woods: Empowering Change in Healthcare for 2025 A s we look toward the future of healthcare, it’s evident that technology continues to dominate the direction of healthcare systems, defining their progressive path. Healthcare systems benefit significantly through enhanced patient treatment, operational optimization, and improved provider-patient communication. However, the success of these advancements relies heavily on visionary leadership—leaders who can leverage advanced tools alongside their industry expertise and passion for navigating complex health systems. In this transformative space, Rebecca Woods emerges as a standout figure, guiding healthcare through a period of unprecedented change. transforms healthcare IT through the strategic implementation of solutions. Her journey into healthcare did not begin within medical institutions but rather in the travel industry. A chance meeting with Meditech personnel set her on a path toward establishing leadership in healthcare IT, as she found herself at a crossroads between different career paths. Through her ongoing work, Rebecca continues to expand her influence across healthcare organizations, driving improvements at the intersection of clinical operations and technological advancements. Let’s delve into the details below, where Rebecca opens about the people, experiences, and turning points that shaped her career and how she plans to continue empowering future leaders in healthcare technology! As Chief Information Officer and Founder of Propel Health Advisors Rebecca demonstrates forward-thinking leadership that combines IT expertise with a mission to advance healthcare modernization and empower future female healthcare leaders. Through her work with Propel Health Advisors Rebecca helps healthcare organizations adopt leading-edge technology to transform their care delivery processes beyond traditional systems. The mission of Propel Health Advisors rests on the belief that healthcare and technology need to work together to deliver improved services to healthcare providers throughout the United States. “ Propel Health Advisors The Vision Behind Propel Health Advisors The foundation of Propel Health Advisors grew from a mission to establish sustainable and transformative changes within healthcare systems. For Rebecca, the inspiration behind the company was simple but profound: “We saw a clear gap in the industry, a gap between technology and healthcare organizations trying to adapt to it. That’s where Propel comes in,” she says. She dedicates the organization to transforming healthcare by enhancing operational effectiveness while prioritizing patient-centered service. “We bridge the divide, taking healthcare organizations through the complexity of digital transformation and ensuring that they are positioned to provide better care for patients.” Her career reflects the combination of dedication with determination and innovation in both her leadership style and career journey. From her initial role in the travel sector to her current executive role in healthcare IT, she has deliberately selected unconventional paths by revolutionizing standard practices and developing strategic solutions which others fail to notice. Alongside her focus on present solutions, she dedicates time to establishing healthcare infrastructure that benefits all patients in the coming years. According to Rebecca every innovation she brings to the table is designed to create enduring solutions that will thrive over multiple years. She leads change through her mission at Propel Health Advisors as she The main advantage Propel Health Advisors delivers through their services includes implementing technology solutions along with custom strategy development suited for each client’s particular needs. This approach is crucial in a healthcare ecosystem that is as diverse as it is vast. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions,” Rebecca explains. “Every organization is different, and the challenges they face require solutions that are just as unique.” With this specific approach Propel Health Advisors successfully guides numerous medical institutions toward streamlined operations and advanced technology systems that enhance healthcare results. Through their data analytics technology integration and workflow optimization services Propel Health Advisors creates meaningful technology implementations which enhance system performance while delivering practical value. “ Find mentors who believe in you, and always ask questions. Never be afraid to ask ‘why,’ because that’s how you grow. “We’re not just implementing software and tools; we’re transforming the way healthcare operates,” she emphasizes. “It’s about having the right conversations and addressing issues from the ground up. It’s about collaboration—working with people to help them see the potential of technology.”

13. Through their work, Propel is helping healthcare institutions not only cope with the demands of modern healthcare but thrive in an era of constant change. From the Travel Industry to Healthcare IT Rebecca’s journey into healthcare IT wasn’t a straightforward one. It all started during her time working for a travel agency, where she found herself seated next to a Meditech employee on a flight. Little did she know this chance encounter would set the course for her career. “I had no idea what Meditech did or what the healthcare IT space was all about,” she recalls. But that conversation changed everything. Her curiosity and willingness to take a leap of faith led her to explore an entirely new industry. After securing an interview at Meditech, she quickly realized that healthcare technology offered an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference. “ Once she joined Meditech, Rebecca was immediately immersed in the transformative power of technology. “I became fascinated by how technology could help healthcare organizations improve their systems and, more importantly, improve patient care,” she says. Her early work focused on helping healthcare institutions transition from paper-based records to electronic health records (EHRs), a monumental change that would set the foundation for the modern healthcare landscape. “It was an exciting time,” she remembers. “I could see the impact we were making, and it was motivating to be part of such a significant shift in the industry.” Rebecca spent over a year and a half at Meditech, learning the ins and outs of the healthcare technology world. AI has the potential to completely transform patient outcomes by predicting health risks, streamlining administrative tasks, and making care more personalized. “ “

15. However, after gaining invaluable experience in the field, she felt it was time to move on. “I’d seen a lot, and I wanted to explore other areas of the industry,” she says. This led her to take on leadership roles at various healthcare organizations, including Porter Medical Center, where she would leave her mark on the healthcare IT sector. 4,000 followers on LinkedIn and nearly 200 active members. She is especially proud of the organization’s mentorship programs, which connect experienced women in healthcare IT with those just starting their careers. “It’s so important to have a network, to feel supported and connected,” she says. Leading Change at Porter Medical Center Through Bluebird Leaders, Rebecca has created a platform for women to share their experiences, learn from each other, and rise to leadership positions in a field that’s still largely underrepresented. “We need more women at the table,” she affirms, “because diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, and that makes us stronger.” At Porter Medical Center, she had the opportunity to build something from the ground up. “The IT department wasn’t exactly the most liked department when I first arrived,” she laughs. But her leadership style, which combined transparency, collaboration, and vision, quickly changed that dynamic. “We turned the department around. People started realizing how important IT was to their day-to-day operations,” she says. By encouraging open communication and ensuring that all stakeholders were aligned with the department’s goals, Rebecca and her team were able to develop and implement strategies that made the department a crucial asset to the hospital. The Future of Healthcare Technology Rebecca’s work doesn’t stop with her own company or nonprofit efforts. As an executive advisor to CHIME, she’s able to contribute to broader initiatives that will shape the future of healthcare. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is a huge trend right now,” she says, explaining how AI is being used for everything from predictive analytics to personalized care. “But it’s not just about chatbots,” she adds. “AI has the potential to completely transform patient outcomes by predicting health risks, streamlining administrative tasks, and making care more personalized.” “ Her biggest achievement came from integrating a new analytics platform with One Care Vermont leading to better patient care management and outcome improvements at the hospital. By implementing patient text message reminders, the hospital significantly decreased its no-show rates. The patient-centric transformation of Porter Medical Center proceeded through these significant accomplishments while technology served to support care delivery instead of creating obstacles. “It’s all about making systems work for people, not the other way around,” she reflects. Another important trend is the shift from “sick care” to “well care,” where the focus is on prevention rather than treatment. “We’re beginning to see the value of keeping people healthy before they get sick,” she explains. With the advancements, patients now assume greater responsibility for their medical needs because digital health tools enable them to monitor their health status through wearable applications while they communicate with healthcare professionals. Her leadership at Porter is a perfect example of her philosophy—technology must always serve the needs of the people it is meant to support. This approach not only improved the hospital’s internal operations but also made a tangible difference in the lives of patients. Rebecca is passionate about the shift toward patient- centered care, where technology empowers individuals to Empowering Women in Healthcare IT Throughout her career, Rebecca has been an advocate for women in technology, a field still largely dominated by men. “There are so many challenges and stereotypes, but I’ve always approached them with the mindset that I have just as much to offer as anyone else in the room,” she says. This belief drove her to take action, leading to the founding of Bluebird Leaders in 2022, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in healthcare IT. “ “ We need more women at the table because diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, and that makes us stronger. “The purpose of Bluebird Leaders is simple,” she explains. “It’s about giving women the tools and support they need to break through the barriers and find their voices in healthcare IT.” Since its inception, Bluebird Leaders has rapidly grown to become a vibrant community, with over

17. take control of their health. “We need to focus on creating systems that are transparent and user-friendly so that patients can easily access their health data and work with providers to make informed decisions,” she asserts. Striking the Balance: Work, Life and Leadership Rebecca’s professional journey is marked by dedication and hard work, but she also places a high priority on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “It’s a juggling act, but I couldn’t do it without the support of my family,” she says. Her husband plays a key role in helping her manage the demands of her career while raising two young daughters. “He’s always been incredibly supportive of my career, and I know I wouldn’t be able to do this without him,” she acknowledges. Rebecca has also made a point of including her daughters in her active lifestyle, from running 5-mile stretches while pushing them in a stroller to letting them enjoy popsicles while she trains for triathlons. “It’s important for them to see that it’s okay to work hard, but it’s also important to take care of yourself and make time for the things that matter,” she says. Her advice to aspiring leaders, particularly women, is grounded in authenticity and courage. “Find mentors who believe in you, and always ask questions. Never be afraid to ask ‘why,’ because that’s how you grow,” she advises. And above all, she emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. “Don’t try to be someone else. Authenticity is key in leadership.” A Legacy in the Making As Rebecca looks to the future, her focus remains on continuing the work that will leave a lasting legacy. “I want to be remembered for building a more inclusive healthcare system, one that is driven by innovation and compassion,” she reflects. Through Propel Health Advisors, Bluebird Leaders, and her ongoing efforts to shape the future of healthcare, she is laying the groundwork for a brighter, more equitable future for healthcare and its leaders. Her legacy will not only be defined by the projects she leads but by the lives she touches and the barriers she breaks. “I think my legacy will be in how I’ve empowered others to achieve greatness,” she says. “It’s not just about what I’ve done; it’s about what others will continue to do because of the doors we’ve opened.” And with her vision, Rebecca is undoubtedly paving the way for future generations to lead, innovate, and drive change in healthcare.

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20. Designing Healthcare IT for Tomorrow’s Patients 18 WorldHealthLeaders March 2025

21. Enduring Innovation I n an age where technology is advancing at breakneck pace, healthcare is at a crossroads. The products we create today need not only to solve immediate patient and provider needs but also to look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the future. Healthcare IT is no longer about digitizing a record or optimizing a workflow—about building systems that are flexible, robust, and patient- centered in a future we can only imperfectly imagine. The challenge is: How do we develop lasting innovation into healthcare IT for tomorrow's patients? The Foundation: Patient-Centered Design Underlying any effective healthcare IT system is a focus on the patient. Patients of tomorrow—varied in age, health literacy, and technical aptitude—will anticipate smooth, intuitive interactions. Think about the aging baby boomers who are expected to increasingly depend on healthcare services in the coming decade, as well as younger, techni- cally adept generations that insist on immediate access to their health information. Creating IT systems that serve both necessitates moving away from solutions that fit all to adaptable, individualized platforms. Consider, for instance, the history of electronic health records (EHRs). At one time, an awkward necessity for providers, EHRs are now being revolutionized as nimble systems empowering patients. Tools such as patient portals, wearables integration, and real-time sharing of information are no longer desirable features—it's what it must be. But sustainable innovation involves more than introducing new capabilities; it is making sure such systems remain user- friendly as the needs of the patient change. This entails infusing scalability and interoperability into the founda- tional architecture, such that updates do not interfere with care delivery or drive away users. Preparing for Tomorrow's Challenges Healthcare IT needs to be designed to endure the unfore- seen. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed weaknesses in legacy systems—most had difficulty coping with telehealth spikes or accommodating quick diagnostic innovations. Future-proofed IT needs to prepare for such disruptions, whether they are pandemics, climate-fueled health emer- gencies, or advances in personalized medicine. Artificial intelligence (AI) gives a glimpse of this future. Diagnostics, predictive analytics, and virtual health assistants driven by AI are already revolutionizing care. However, their long-term potential depends on systems 19 WorldHealthLeaders March 2025

22. Sustainability and Equity: The Larger Picture capable of bringing these tools together without silos or breakdowns. For example, an AI algorithm that predicts heart disease risk is only as good as the data it draws from—a messy IT infrastructure could make it worthless. Healthcare IT tomorrow has to be built on open standards and modular architecture so that new technology is easily pluggable as it becomes available. Healthcare IT also needs to respond to larger societal changes. Climate change is creating pressure for sustainable practices, and IT systems, which are frequently energy- hungry, are not exempt. Cloud computing and energy- efficient hardware can minimize the carbon footprint of healthcare delivery. Meanwhile, equity is still an issue. Rural areas and underserved populations continue to fall behind in digital access. Tomorrow's IT will have to bridge these gaps, possibly through cheap mobile platforms or offline-capable applications, to ensure innovation reaches all patients and not merely the select few. Security: A Non-Negotiable Priority As healthcare IT becomes increasingly linked, it also becomes increasingly susceptible. Cyberattacks on hospitals have risen sharply in recent years, with ransomware disabling operations and putting patient information at risk. Patients tomorrow will expect not only convenience but also trust. Building lasting IT involves baking security into every layer, from encryption methods to user verification. The Road Ahead Engineering health IT for the patients of the future is an order of magnitude tall, but it is not impossible. It calls for a shift in mentality—from fixes driven by reaction to vision guided by foresight. All must cooperate: technologists, doctors, patients, and policymakers must have common aims. Pilot initiatives, such as piloting AI for rural clinics or blockchain for trusted data sharing, provide blueprints for expansion. Think of the emergence of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)—smart insulin pumps or remote monitors. These technologies have the potential to create improved out- comes but also widen the attack surface. Healthcare IT needs to transform to safeguard those endpoints without compromising functionality. Zero-trust architectures, where all users and devices are constantly authenticated, may soon be the gold standard. For healthcare leaders and editors, this highlights an important reality: security without innovation is a liability, not an asset. Standing in 2025, the stakes could not be higher. Healthcare IT is not merely a device; it's the foundation of an infra- structure that will define lives for decades to come. By anchoring innovation in resilience, security, and humanity, we can create a future where technology does not merely keep pace with patients—it elevates them. For healthcare innovators and leaders, the imperative is clear: not to design for today, but for a tomorrow already en route. Spanning the Human-Tech Gap Technology is just as good as the people applying it. Overstressed clinicians push back against IT systems that increase complexity instead of simplifying it. Patients also ditch tools that are impersonal or overwhelming. Long-term innovation hinges on a human-oriented approach—harmonizing bleeding-edge tech with user- friendliness. - Natalie May Training is half the battle, but design is the key. Natural language processing (NLP) might enable physicians to dictate notes with ease, while conversational AI might assist patients in navigating their health apps. User interfaces need to move beyond sterile dashboards to intuitive, empathetic ones—less "tech manual" and more "trusted companion." By engaging clinicians and patients in the design process, IT developers can make their tools not only work but connect. 20 WorldHealthLeaders March 2025

24. The Impact of T IT on Clinical Operations he healthcare sector has seen a massive transforma- tion over the years due to technological interven- tion. Technology is no longer considered a luxury, but it has become a necessity. Information Technology (IT) has become a vital part of clinical operations, transforming the manner in which providers practice, handle workflows, and engage with patients. From electronic health records (EHRs) to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, IT is allowing healthcare providers to work smarter and improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. This article explores the profound ways in which IT is reshaping clinical operations and why it's important for healthcare's future to embrace these technologies. Simplifying Workflows with Digital Accuracy Perhaps the most immediate impact of IT in healthcare is its ability to simplify processes. No longer decoding illegible handwriting or rooting around paper charts. EHRs have revolutionized the way providers document, retrieve, and share patient information. With the press of a button, clinicians can see a patient's history, lab results, and medication lists—often in real time. Such efficiency reduces administrative burdens, allowing providers to focus on what they do best: treating patients. Besides documentation, point-of-care evidence-based suggestions by clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and other information technology tools supplement decision-making. An example would be a health provider treating a patient with multiple chronic conditions who is 22 WorldHealthLeaders March 2025

25. Empowering Providers 23 WorldHealthLeaders March 2025

26. alerted to potential drug interactions or suggested treatment individualized from the latest available guidelines. Such systems act as a virtual safety net, reducing error and improving confidence in providers. curves and cybersecurity threats. Healthcare professionals frequently report dislike of poorly designed screens and long hours spent with technology despite the goal of IT to reduce clinical workload. Small medical facilities face significant challenges when it comes to funding high- quality information systems thus widening disparities between affluent institutions and resource-limited clinics. Improving Communication Across Teams Health care is an intrinsically team-oriented enterprise that needs open communication among physicians, nurses, specialists, and administrators. IT closes those gaps through vehicles such as secure messaging systems and telehealth systems. A surgeon at one hospital may talk to a radiologist in a different city miles away and read imaging in real time. Simultaneously, care coordinators can adjust patient plans instantly so that all team members remain on the same page. The issue of interoperability stands as a major disagreement between stakeholders. The inability of healthcare systems to exchange data with each other leads providers to face delays alongside missing information that contradicts the goal of uninterrupted patient care. Both healthcare leaders and IT developers share the responsibility to invest continuously and develop intuitive designs and standardize protocols to resolve these operational challenges. Elevating Patient Engagement The Road Ahead IT functions as a platform which enhances the provider- patient relationship while offering these benefits to providers. Patient portals which are standard components of modern EHR systems enable people to obtain total control over their health data. Through IT platforms patients can schedule appointments and request prescription refills and communicate with medical providers from their computers which improves their sense of medical care control. Medical personnel experience shorter phone conversations alongside more efficient patient-provider meetings during office appointments. As technology continues to advance, its use in clinical operations will only increase. New technologies such as wearable devices and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) will have the potential to provide real-time patient information to providers directly, allowing for proactive instead of reactive care. Blockchain will have the potential to strengthen data security and trust, and 5G networks will potentially turbocharge telemedicine with more efficient, more stable connections. Adaptability is what will release the IT for the providers. Courses of training must keep pace with technological development, equipping clinicians with the competence to operate these tools. Looking ahead, one thing is certain: adopting IT isn't about keeping up—it's about remaining at the leading edge of the evolution of clinical operations for the better. Using Data for Smarter Care IT's most transformative aspect consists of its data retrieval ability. Complex analytics systems transform the informa- tion generated from patient-to-patient contact into practical knowledge sources. Medical staff identify population-wide healthcare trends through data analysis which allows them to make strategic decisions about employee scheduling and vaccination programs. Predictive analytics helps medical staff discover patients who face high complications risk leading to life-preserving and cost-effective interventions prior to adverse events. - Natalie May Overcoming Challenges The clinical implementation of IT delivers numerous benefits although it requires clinicians to handle multiple obstacles when using these systems. The integration of IT into clinical practice faces three main obstacles including high implementation costs together with steep learning 24 WorldHealthLeaders March 2025