In a recent blog post, Eduardo Conrado, president and CEO of Ascension, outlined a vision for reshaping healthcare delivery by shifting focus away from traditional hospital-centered models and toward patient-centered access and relationships.

In “Designing Care Around People, Not Buildings,” Conrado argues that healthcare systems must rethink where and how care is delivered — especially for vulnerable populations — as industry pressures and patient expectations evolve.

Here are three key takeaways:

1. Care must move beyond hospital walls

Conrado emphasizes that healthcare historically has been structured around facilities rather than patient needs — a model he believes is no longer sustainable.

“The future of healthcare will be shaped by leaders willing to design around people, not institutions,” he wrote, urging health systems to rethink care delivery models that default to hospitals instead of more accessible settings. 

The approach includes expanding community-based services, virtual care and partnerships that meet patients where they are rather than requiring them to navigate complex systems.

2. Primary care relationships are foundational to access

A central pillar of Ascension’s strategy is strengthening connections between patients and ongoing care teams, particularly through community partnerships.

Conrado highlighted Federally Qualified Health Centers as “a backbone of access for Medicaid and uninsured patients,” noting that stronger primary care attachment helps connect individuals to specialty services and improves long-term outcomes. 

The goal, he suggests, is continuity — ensuring patients have trusted care relationships instead of episodic treatment.

3. Serving vulnerable populations can drive systemwide transformation

Rather than viewing care for Medicaid and uninsured populations solely as a social obligation, Conrado frames it as a proving ground for healthcare innovation.

“Our focus on Medicaid and uninsured patients is not just about serving those with the greatest needs,” he wrote. “It is about leading the transformation of healthcare itself.” 

If redesigned care models can improve outcomes while lowering costs for patients facing the greatest barriers, he argues, they can become a roadmap for improving healthcare for everyone.

Read the full blog here

About the IDN Directory

The IDN Directory provides insights into the supply chains for the biggest health systems in the country to give manufacturer reps, distribution reps, and national accounts managers a quick, accurate view of what’s going on with their customers - right now. 

More than just a database, the IDN Directory's supply chain-focused content provides a clear and comprehensive idea of your customers’ supply chain needs and activities, empowering them to achieve success with GPO, Direct, and Regional contracting. 

To schedule a demo of the IDN Directory, email us at Demo@IDNDirectory.com.