Leading Healthcare CIOs on LinkedIn

A lot has changed on the social media landscape since Healthcare IT Today debuted in 2005 – remember Google Plus? Klout? Clubhouse? Vine? One certainty remains. The prevalence of LinkedIn as a network for discussing leadership strategies and technology trends (in addition to building a network and a brand, of course).

In fact, as other social media platforms have stumbled, LinkedIn has grown in importance as a prominent place for hospital and health system executives to establish their voice. Through the wit and wisdom of their written posts, videos, and snapshots of work (and occasionally everyday life), these healthcare CIOs are worth following on LinkedIn.

Shakeeb Akhter: The Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has most recently shared the success of CHOP’s digital transformation strategy, which has touched workforce development as well as care models. He also explores how to effectively yet safely bring generative AI into clinical workflows and improve AI literacy among clinical staff.

Michael Archuleta: The longtime CIO of Colorado’s Mt. San Rafael Hospitals and Clinics is a frequent poster on AI, cybersecurity, rural health issues, and the organization’s recent migration to Oracle Health. He’s also an advocate for IT and STEM education in rural communities (Mt. San Rafael is nearly 200 miles south of Denver) and Latino leaders in healthcare.

Pam Austin: The Ballad Health CIO frequently discusses how to lead as a “Digital CIO,” emphasizing the value of forward-thinking leadership that bridges departmental divides and remains steady among a changing technology landscape. Austin also provides perspective on what rural health leaders – equal parts resourceful, resilient, and honest – can teach their counterparts in other parts of the country.

David Chou: A CIO and technology leader in healthcare for nearly two decades, Chou shares practical advice about AI use, from what tools to consider to how to implement them effectively. He also highlights top trends and news, including the latest cybersecurity headlines and what’s top of mind during spring and fall conference seasons.

Karen Gutierrez: The HCA Healthcare CIO and 22-year veteran of the organization is also a board member of Houston-based Latinas in Tech and Secretary of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives’ Greater Houston Chapter. Along with sharing updates on the work these important organizations are doing, Gutierrez posts about topics such as patient experience and digital transformation.

Edward Marx: Now CEO of his own advisory firm, this longtime CIO (Cleveland Clinic, Texas Health Resources, and The Advisory Board) shares learnings from his work with HIMSS and The Health Management Academy, as well as his podcasts with under-the-radar health system leaders. Marx also offers a glimpse into life outside of work, whether it’s visiting his father in physical rehab or hiking in Colorado.

Brad Reimer: Sanford Health’s Chief Technology and Digital Officer, recently promoted from the CIO role, notes that leaders are increasingly shifting their focus from technology alone to using tech to drive access and scale. Reimer also talks about how achieving innovation in a rural care setting and staying ahead of the AI curve can improve outcomes and quality of life.

Muhammad Siddiqui: The CDIO at Indiana-based Reid Health emphasizes that organizations need to nail “the basics that make AI work” before they can expect to achieve their desired outcomes. It’s part of a broader focus on ensuring leaders fix the right problem – access instead of capacity, for example, or outcomes instead of engagement.

Tim Skeen: Sentara Healthcare’s Executive Vice President and Enterprise CIO frequently highlights the successes of his colleagues in setting new standards of care. Recently, he’s noted the health system’s approach to bringing AI into clinical workflows, particularly in radiology, and noted how Sentara is closing key cybersecurity gaps.

Khalid Turk: The Chief Healthcare Information Technology Officer for Santa Clara County (home of Silicon Valley) routinely posts “In the Loop with Khalid Turk,” a series that helps leaders tackle issues such as adoption vs. utilization, strategic decision-making, and making AI fit into the modern health system. In the true spirit of social networking, Turk also highlights other healthcare voices worth following.

Will Weider: The “Candid CIO” with more than 30 years in the role (now at Aspirus Health) writes posts that are short and sweet. He’s covered valid use cases for AI, how (not) to pitch or otherwise reach out to busy CIOs, and being an authentic leader. Weider is also an unofficial part-time recruiter, as he shares just about every job posting for the Aspirus IT team.

J.D. Whitlock: The CIO of Dayton Children’s Hospital and digital health consultant posts about topics such as EHR optimization, clinical use cases for AI, ransomware, and the dangers of “vibe coding” healthcare applications. He also highlights his own in-person and virtual speaking engagements, which is especially helpful for folks who can’t get out and about.

Leigh Thomas Williams: The Augusta Heath VP and CIO is an advocate for community-centered care, health equity, and human-centered design. She often talks about these topics in the context of the health system’s “Care Reimagined” digital transformation initiative. Williams is also President of HIMSS Virginia and provides frequent updates on what the chapter is up to.

Who are your favorite healthcare CIOs to follow on LinkedIn? Did we miss any? Let us know on social media if there’s someone else we should follow that’s not on the list.