The health care landscape is undergoing significant transformation as organizations increasingly turn to collaboration to navigate growing competition and financial pressures. In early 2025, a report from Kaufman Hall revealed that 37 percent of hospitals were operating at a loss. This challenge is particularly pronounced for independent and rural hospitals, with the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform identifying 756 rural hospitals at risk of closure by December 2025.
In response to these pressures, health systems are actively seeking partnerships that leverage shared resources and expertise. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also expands access to care for patients across the country. Various strategies, including mergers, telehealth integrations, academic partnerships, and data-sharing networks, are being employed to strengthen individual organizations while addressing the needs of the communities they serve.
To delve deeper into this pressing topic, Newsweek is hosting a webinar titled “Collaboration Over Competition: Charting a New Path to Better Patient Care.” Scheduled for January 15, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET, the event will feature a panel of distinguished health care leaders, including Jeff Flaks, president and CEO of Hartford HealthCare, Robert Stone, president and CEO of City of Hope, and Dr. Corey Casper, chief research officer at Banner Health. The discussion will be moderated by Alexis Kayser, health care editor at Newsweek.
Key Discussion Points on Health Care Collaborations
During this one-hour event, panelists will explore several critical topics, including:
– The increasing tendency of health systems to view peers as collaborators rather than direct competitors.
– How joint ventures and shared infrastructures can enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
– Factors contributing to the success or failure of health system partnerships over the long term.
– Governance, financial, and cultural challenges that leaders face when collaborating across different organizations.
– The potential for collaboration to drive innovation while preserving the unique mission and identity of each health system.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists through a live chat, fostering a dynamic discussion on the future of health care collaboration.
This webinar is part of a broader initiative by Newsweek to address critical issues in health care throughout 2026, including financial pressures, workforce challenges, rapid technological advancements, and evolving patient demands. Registration is currently open for additional events, such as “Wearables: What’s The ROI For Health Systems?” on January 22, 2026, and “Preventing Chronic Disease Patients From Falling Through The Cracks” on February 3, 2026.
As the health care sector continues to evolve, the importance of collaboration among providers cannot be overstated. By pooling resources and expertise, health systems can better navigate the complexities of today’s environment and ultimately improve patient care.
Stay updated on future events in Newsweek’s health care series and subscribe to Access Health, the free weekly newsletter, to receive the latest insights and developments in the health care industry.
