What Every CIO Should Be Thinking About in 2025 with Mark Hagan

The latest episode of the Elevate Care podcast brings a compelling conversation with Mark Hagan, Chief Information and Digital Officer at AMN Healthcare. With years of experience shaping technology strategies in the healthcare sector, Mark shares valuable insights into how leaders can better align workforce management, technology, and strategy to meet today’s challenges.

Workforce Management in a Post-COVID Era

Mark discusses how the emphasis on workforce management has dramatically shifted in the years following the pandemic. Before COVID, much of the focus rested on patient systems such as electronic medical records and population health. However, the rising costs and complexities of workforce management have since emerged as a top priority for healthcare leaders. Mark emphasizes starting with a clear workforce strategy, developed in close collaboration with HR leaders, and identifying any gaps before making investment decisions. He argues that addressing core foundational systems can pave the way for meaningful process and productivity enhancements.

The Crucial Role of CIO-CHRO Collaboration

One of Mark’s key takeaways is the importance of strategic partnerships between CIOs and CHROs. While HR leaders often bring experience in implementing technology, the broader perspective of aligning that technology with business outcomes benefits from CIO input. Together, these leaders can develop workforce strategies that leverage both digital tools and process improvements while ensuring that any new technology investments serve the overall organizational goals.

Aligning Technology with Business Processes

For leaders considering new technology solutions, Mark underscores a fundamental principle: “Good technology doesn’t fix bad processes.” He advocates for a focus on improving workflows and achieving better outcomes before implementing new tools. From change management to strong governance, successful deployments require more than just checking a box for a new system. They involve prioritizing the core challenges, making smart decisions, and ensuring smooth adoption across all levels of the organization.

Creating a Seamless Employee Experience

Happy employees lead to better patient outcomes. Mark highlights how issues like delayed credentialing or payroll complications can create dissatisfied team members, which can inadvertently affect patient-care interactions. He stresses the importance of creating a streamlined, digital experience for employees that mirrors what they’d expect in their personal lives. By removing barriers and inefficiencies, healthcare organizations empower their teams to focus fully on patient care.

The Evolving Role of AI in Healthcare

The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is becoming an operational necessity within organizations. Mark compares AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to email or Excel, explaining that ROI shouldn’t always be the only metric for adoption. Instead, AI should be embraced as a baseline necessity for improving workforce efficiency. By leveraging AI for predictive analytics, scheduling, and integration, leaders can better support their teams while optimizing broader organizational goals.

Listen to the Full Episode

For healthcare leaders navigating the intersection of technology, workforce management, and patient care, this episode is a must-listen. From actionable guidance on strategic collaboration to forward-thinking insights on AI and digital tools, Mark Hagan offers a roadmap for future success.

Don’t miss this conversation with one of healthcare’s top technology leaders. Click here to listen to the full episode and discover new ways to transform your leadership strategy and operational outcomes.

Stay tuned to the Elevate Care podcast for more expert insights that help healthcare leaders thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.