Raleigh Healthcare Summit showcases major advances and future opportunities in health sector

Industry leaders in health and science converged in downtown Raleigh Thursday to highlight the area’s latest advancements in healthcare, including how to safely integrate AI.

The Greater Raleigh Chamber hosted its 2024 Healthcare Summit at the Marbles Kids Museum off Hargett Street.

Top executives with the Triangle’s big three health systems also discussed the latest developments within WakeMed, UNC Health and Duke Health.

“We are leaders in technology, we are leaders in life sciences,” said Adrienne Cole, Greater Raleigh Chamber President and CEO. “The ability for those things to converge and create opportunities in the future positions not only the Triangle in a great place but also is so exciting for society at large.”

WakeMed Health and Hospitals President and CEO Donald Gintzing reported the system has seen over 330,000 emergency department visits for fiscal year 2024.

He also mentioned the system is working to develop new ways to bridge the growing workforce gap.

UNC Health System Hospitals President and COO of UNC Health Jeff Lindsay highlighted efforts to build the North Carolina Children’s Hospital as the system’s top project.

North Carolina is the largest state without a free-standing children’s hospital.

President of Acute Care Services for Duke University Health System and the President of Duke University Hospital Greg Pauly discussed ongoing research efforts.

The Duke University Health System is the fifth-most funded institution for NIH grants and contracts.

Pauly emphasized one of its current focuses includes a nearly $30M Bloomberg grant aimed at creating a pipeline for eight graders to enter health careers.

The Duke leader also noted upcoming expansion of its Duke Cary location to include a cancer center, mother and baby care and emergency services.

Executives with Biogen, CSL Seqirus and United Therapeutics also held a panel discussion surrounding the latest advancements in biotech.

Conversation also heavily centered on sparking interest in the field in younger generations. One idea proposed was through more partnerships with Wake County Public Schools.

“There is a huge opportunity for jobs in healthcare for young people that are in high school and middle school now to be thinking about careers in healthcare,” said Cole. “There is a need for talent in all aspects of healthcare and they bring a unique perspective.”

The Greater Raleigh Chamber will also host an upcoming session in December where the focus of the conversation will be on climate change.