On Tuesday, November 21, I attended Industry Bites: Public Health and Insurance, where I had the opportunity to hear from three seasoned professionals in the field: Fahad Al-Wetaid from OHSU, Melissa Shinney from PacificSource, and Mark Levesque from Amergis Healthcare Staffing.
If you missed the event, here’s what we covered:
- Fahad Al-Wetaid, practice plan finance director at Oregon Health & Science University, shared insights into the operational challenges faced by hospitals, emphasizing the financial strain caused by staffing shortages and rising costs post-COVID-19.
- Melissa Shinney, recruiter at PacificSource, offered a perspective from the insurance side, discussing how industry shifts have created new opportunities for innovation.
- Mark Levesque, vice president of sales for Amergis Healthcare Staffing, provided a deep dive into staffing trends, highlighting the demand for adaptable solutions in today’s healthcare environment.
One of the most impactful parts of the discussion centered on the rise of telehealth as a game-changer for the industry. The panelists agreed on its transformative power, noting how virtual healthcare appointments are expanding access, reducing costs, and increasing convenience for patients. It was fascinating to hear how this innovation is shaping the future of public health and insurance.
The session struck a great balance between addressing challenges—like the financial struggles faced by providers—and exploring the opportunities presented by emerging trends.
The approachable nature of the panelists made it easy to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions. I left the event with a clearer understanding of the current state of public health and insurance, as well as a greater appreciation for the ongoing changes in the field.
I’m already looking forward to the upcoming Industry Bites topics for winter term 2025:
- January 29 – Life Science
- February 12 – Renewable Energy
- February 25 – Nonprofits
Hope to see you there!
Author: Yasmine
