After more than a decade away, returning to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Forum (IHI Forum) revealed something unexpected: many of the core conversations haven’t changed—and that’s actually reassuring.
At IHI2025, the focus remained squarely on the fundamentals of healthcare improvement: patient safety, workforce well-being, equity, and delivering better outcomes without burning out clinicians. With thousands of attendees, hundreds of sessions, and a strong global presence, the forum reinforced that quality improvement is still a deeply human challenge, grounded as much in leadership, culture, and collaboration as it is in technology.
My key takeaway from IHI2025 was how restrained the conversation around AI felt—present, but not dominant. Instead of flashy promises, the emphasis was on practical improvement, shared learning, and sustaining momentum in areas that have mattered for decades. From poster presentations showing measurable safety gains to keynotes centered on caregiver experience, the message was clear: progress in healthcare is iterative, collective, and ongoing. The fact that these conversations are still happening suggests not stagnation, but commitment to getting it right.
In order of appearance in the summary video:
- Doreen McSharry – Director of Safety & Infection Prevention, Hackensack Meridian Health
- Amanada Flinders – Marketing Specialist, Stat
- Brad Kuh – Partner Account Executive, Athelas
- Frank Perna – Director of Certification, NAHQ
- Todd Geyer – Business Development Director, Inovalon
- Josh Clark – VP of Clinical Operating Systems, IHI
- Kathleen Merkley – SVP of Improvement, Health Catalyst
- Lauge Sokol-Hessner – Deputy Director for Implementation & Innovation, IHI
- Robin Carver – SVP of Commercialization, Prenosis
- Jessica Behrhorst – Faculty, IHI
- Holly Rimmasch – SVP & Chief Clinical Officer, Health Catalyst
