Health and science industry leaders gathered in downtown Raleigh on Thursday to highlight the region's latest advances in healthcare, including how to safely integrate AI.
The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce held its 2024 Healthcare Summit at Marbles Kids Museum off Hargett Street.
Top executives from the Triangle's three largest health systems also discussed the latest developments within WakeMed, UNC Health and Duke Health.
“We are a leader in technology and a leader in life sciences,” said Adrian Cole, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “The ability for these things to come together to create future opportunities not only puts the Triangle in a great position, but is also very exciting for society as a whole.”
WakeMed Health and Hospitals President and CEO Donald Gintzing reported that the system accounted for more than 330,000 emergency department visits in fiscal year 2024.
He also noted that the system is working to develop new ways to close the growing workforce gap.
Jeff Lindsay, president and COO of UNC Health System Hospitals, highlighted efforts to build North Carolina Children's Hospital as the system's capstone project.
North Carolina is the largest state without a freestanding children's hospital.
Duke University Health System President of Emergency Medical Services and Duke University Hospital President Greg Polley discussed ongoing research efforts.
Duke University Health System is the fifth-highest funded institution in NIH grants and contracts.
Pauley highlighted that current focus includes a nearly $30 million Bloomberg grant aimed at creating a pipeline for eighth-graders to enter the medical field. did.
Duke also noted the planned expansion of the Duke Cary location, which includes a cancer center, maternal and child care, and emergency services.
Executives from Biogen, CSL Seqirus, and United Therapeutics also hosted a panel discussion on the latest advances in biotechnology.
The conversation also focused on stimulating interest in the field among younger generations. One of the ideas proposed was to strengthen the partnership with Wake County Public Schools.
“Working in the health care industry is a great opportunity for young people who are currently in high school or middle school and are considering a career in the health care industry,” Cole said. “We need people in all aspects of healthcare, and they bring unique perspectives.”
The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce plans to hold a session focused on climate change in December.
