17 Aug 2026

What Healthcare Leaders Need Before Implementing AI | Dr. Melinda Kidder & Bill Slovin

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing healthcare, but successful AI adoption requires much more than choosing the right technology. 

In this episode of The Beat's AI at ViVE series, Sandy Vance speaks with Dr. Melinda S. Kidder, DHA, MSN, RN, CENP, Chief Nursing Officer, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Bill Slovin, Chief Technology Officer at Brandon Systems, about what healthcare organizations need to get right before AI can truly deliver value.

Their conversation explores some of the biggest challenges facing healthcare AI adoption, including fragmented data, interoperability, data quality, alert fatigue, clinician buy-in, patient safety, and the importance of understanding the problem before selecting an AI solution. Dr. Kidder and Slovin also dive into how healthcare leaders can evaluate AI and analytics vendors, why frontline clinicians need to be part of technology decisions, and how interoperability can help unlock more effective AI-powered care.

In this episode, they talk about:

  • Why healthcare still has a long way to go on interoperability

  • How fragmented data limits the effectiveness of AI in healthcare

  • Why AI is only as good as the data behind it

  • The importance of getting clinical, financial, HR, and operational data to work together

  • Why healthcare organizations should solve the problem before choosing an AI solution

  • How AI could help reduce alert fatigue for nurses and clinicians

  • Why technology adoption is often a cultural and workflow challenge, not just a technology challenge

  • How to get clinicians involved in AI implementation and earn their trust

  • Why frontline staff can make or break a technology implementation

  • How government policy can support responsible AI innovation while protecting patient safety

  • What interoperability means for the future of AI in healthcare

  • How TEFCA is helping expand health information exchange

  • What healthcare leaders should ask when evaluating an AI or analytics vendor

  • Why continuous monitoring after an AI implementation is critical

  • Why healthcare organizations should focus on business value instead of adopting AI simply because it is the latest technology

A Little About Melinda and Bill:

Dr. Melinda S. Kidder, DHA, MSN, RN, CENP is a healthcare leader and nurse informatics expert focused on advancing technology, interoperability, and AI in healthcare. A former bedside nurse, Dr. Kidder transitioned into informatics after working with her organization's IT department to implement and evaluate technology in the clinical setting. In her current role as Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, she helps advance healthcare technology and interoperability while bringing a clinician's perspective to policy, education, and innovation.

Bill Slovin is Chief Technology Officer at Brandon Systems, where he leads technology initiatives focused on healthcare, analytics, software development, and AI. With more than 25 years of experience in IT and software development, Bill began his career as a developer at Brandon Systems and has built deep expertise in healthcare systems and data-driven technologies. His work focuses on using technology to improve efficiency, support better patient outcomes, and advance digital transformation in healthcare.


Speakers:

About Us

HLTH Inc. is a dynamic community delivering unique value to the healthcare industry through a mix of unparalleled global events, inspirational content, and impact-driven initiatives.

Hyve Logo

USA Event Dates

2026 | HLTH: Nov 15 – 18 | Las Vegas | Register | Sponsor
2027 | ViVE: Mar 14 – 17 | Nashville, TN | Be First to Know | Sponsor
2027 | HLTH: Oct 17 – 20 | Las Vegas, NV

Europe Event Dates

2027 | HLTH Europe: Jun 21 – 24 | Amsterdam | Sponsor
2028 | HLTH Europe: Jun 19 – 22 | Amsterdam

Important Notice on Hotel Scams

Any communication that claims to represent HLTH or any third party offering discounted hotel rooms or attendee lists is NOT AFFILIATED with HLTH and should be considered fraudulent. Please book your accommodations only through HLTH’s official channels to ensure authenticity and security.