Independent practices from across the region gathered in Pittsburgh for the third annual THRiVE Healthcare Summit, and once again, the event delivered an energizing mix of insight, innovation and collaboration.
From leadership and resilience to AI-driven tools and physician entrepreneurship, THRiVE 2026 brought together providers, administrators an healthcare leaders for two days of meaningful discussion and practical takeaways designed to help practices grow and succeed.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, independent practices face increasing pressure to balance patient care with operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
The THRiVE Healthcare Summit stands out by focusing on real-world strategies and peer-driven collaboration, giving attendees the opportunity to learn from others navigating the same challenges.
A consistent theme throughout the event: success in independent healthcare is built through connection, innovation and shared experience.
Friday’s sessions centered on the operational and leadership side of healthcare, with a strong emphasis on building resilient, high-performing practices.
The day opened with remarks from Terri Dowd, who emphasized that now is the time for independent practices to come together, collaborate and adapt.
That message carried into an inspiring keynote from two-time Paralympian and Retired U.S. Marine Corps Officer Eric McElvenny. His story of perseverance set the tone for the day, highlighting the importance of resilience and mindset in overcoming challenges.
Additional sessions throughout the day explored:
Leadership and team development, including building a strong foundation for long-term success
Collaborative partnerships to enhance patient care and outcomes
AI-powered patient communication tools, including AI receptionists and care management solutions
Performance metrics and KPIs, with practical strategies for tracking and improving practice performance
Across every session, one idea stood out: technology alone isn’t enough—success comes from how practices implement and optimize it.
Saturday shifted the focus to clinical leadership, ownership and the evolving role of physicians in shaping healthcare.
The day began with opening remarks from James L. Gardner III, MD, on the importance of physician leadership, followed by a legislative update impacting private practices.
A standout session, moderated by Chad Hendrickson, MD, explored entrepreneurship in healthcare, featuring a panel of physicians and providers sharing insights on running and growing independent practices.
The afternoon continued with a focus on financial sustainability, including an ACO panel moderated by Alecia Hutsler, DO, where attendees gained practical insights into value-based care and long-term success strategies.
The takeaway from Physician Day was clear: independent practices are not only clinicians—they are leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.
The weekend concluded with medent’s Uesr Group Breakout Session, bringing clients together for an interactive and highly collaborative discussion.
This year’s session was more intimate, allowing for deeper conversation and more personalized engagement. Led by Ryan Cuthbert, the session focused on some of the most impactful areas practices are exploring today, including:
AI-driven workflows, such as Ambient Listening and AI receptionists
Direct messaging and referral workflows to improve care coordination
Community Chart’s expanding interoperability, including its connection with CommonWell
Attendees shared experiences, asked questions and exchanged practical ideas they can bring back to their own organizations.
More than anything, the session reinforced the value of learning directly from peers—a hallmark of both the medent community and the THRiVE experience.
Across both days, several themes emerged:
Collaboration is critical for independent practice success
AI is rapidly transforming workflows, from documentation to patient communication
Physician leadership matters more than ever in shaping the future of healthcare
Operational excellence and financial strategy remain essential for sustainability
Peer learning drives real change in practice performance
What makes the THRiVE Healthcare Summit unique isn’t just the agenda—it’s the community.
From networking conversations to in-depth sessions, the event creates space for honest dialogue, shared challenges and innovative solutions. It’s a reminder that while independent practices may operate separately, they don’t have to navigate the future alone.
medent is proud to be part of this growing community and to support the practices that continue to innovate, adapt and thrive.
We’re already looking forward to next year.
