Dr. Mandy Cohen

As the healthcare landscape undergoes profound shifts at the federal and state levels, organizations are grappling with how to adapt—and thrive. Drawing from her leadership at CMS, the CDC, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mandy Cohen offers a front-row view of the systemic changes reshaping the industry. She explores what’s already changed, what’s on the horizon, and how providers, payers, and policymakers can stay ahead of the curve. Her presentation covers the evolution of value-based care, integration of AI, the future of Medicare Advantage, and how to navigate Medicaid reform. With an eye toward innovation in whole-person health, Dr. Cohen empowers leaders with insights to drive sustainable, people-centered change.  

Artificial Intelligence is poised to revolutionize healthcare and public health. However, without a thoughtful approach, organizations risk being left behind or making mistakes in critical areas. In this forward-looking session, Dr. Cohen demystifies the promise and pitfalls of generative AI in clinical care, insurance coverage, revenue cycle, and patient engagement and research. She shares a roadmap for implementation, starting with high-repetition, low-risk tasks, and emphasizes the importance of cross-sector data collaboration to unlock AI’s full potential. Dr. Cohen also explores key issues like transparency, privacy, and ethics, offering practical advice on establishing governance frameworks that balance innovation with trust. This talk will prepare leaders to confidently forge ahead into an AI-powered future. 

Pandemic threats continue to emerge—from avian flu and measles to Ebola and malaria—raising the question: is the U.S. ready for what’s next? Dr. Mandy Cohen brings her frontline experience as CDC Director and a state health leader to assess our preparedness and chart a path forward. In this eye-opening session, she outlines the lessons learned from COVID-19 and how they must inform future planning around disease surveillance, diagnostics, supply chains, and workforce capacity. She explores the roles of federal, state, and local governments and private sector partners in coordinated response and emphasizes the importance of communication and public trust. Audiences will come away with a clear understanding of what’s at stake, where the gaps remain, and what actions organizations and governments must take now to be truly ready for the next global health emergency.