By Willie Foerstner
Hal Wolf, president and CEO of HIMSS, addressed reporters during a press conference at the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition offering a comprehensive view of how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and health policy are reshaping hospitals and health systems worldwide.
The discussion ranged from operational uses of AI and governance frameworks to workforce integration, rural healthcare challenges, and the expanding international role of HIMSS. Wolf emphasized that while artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, its value ultimately depends on how healthcare organizations integrate it into people, processes, and care delivery models.
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Global attendance reflects the growing importance of digital health
Opening the press conference, Wolf noted the continued global reach of the conference. Attendance was expected to approach 25,000 participants, with representation from more than 70 countries.
Despite geopolitical tensions, travel limitations, and disruptions affecting international participation, the event continues to draw a broad cross-section of healthcare leaders, technology companies, policymakers, and clinicians.
For HIMSS, the scale of global participation reflects a broader reality: digital health transformation has become a strategic priority for healthcare systems worldwide.
Wolf described HIMSS not simply as a conference organizer but as a global healthcare society focused on improving care delivery through information and technology. The mission, he explained, is rooted in a central principle: “The impact of healthcare technology must ultimately move healthcare forward and improve care delivery for patients.”
Where AI is delivering immediate value
A major theme of the press conference was the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across hospital systems. While public discussions often focus on AI-driven diagnostics or clinical decision tools, Wolf said the largest immediate impact of AI is operational.
Hospitals are increasingly using AI to optimize:
• Supply chain management
• Revenue cycle operations
• Staffing and workflow coordination
• Clinical documentation processes
• Hospital throughput and operational efficiency
These implementation can have significant financial and clinical implications. When administrative burdens are reduced and operational processes streamlined, health systems can redirect resources toward higher-acuity patient care and more complex clinical services.
