In 2008, the healthcare industry underwent a seismic shift with the emergence of new digital technologies, marking the beginning of an era defined by data-driven decision-making and technological innovation. This transformation ushered in a new wave of possibilities for improving patient care and catalyzed the emergence of companies at the forefront of healthcare technology.
Among these trailblazers was Health Catalyst. As data and analytics gained prominence in shaping medical advancements and operational efficiencies, Health Catalyst's journey mirrored the larger narrative of how technology was revolutionizing healthcare. Navigating this landscape, the company faced challenges and opportunities that would ultimately shape its trajectory as a pioneering force in harnessing data to drive meaningful change within the healthcare ecosystem.
Health Catalyst CEO Dan Burton recognized the need to educate clients and the larger healthcare industry about the transformative power of data and analytics in health systems and hospital operations.
Setting the bar and achieving something remarkable
With executive-level support and a vision for attracting hundreds of peers from across the healthcare ecosystem, Health Catalyst worked to create an event that would deliver critical information for healthcare leaders.
“I knew we only had one shot at setting the bar, which would establish expectations for future events,” said Health Catalyst Strategic Advisor and former Chief Operating Officer Paul Horstmeier.
As an avid runner, Horstmeier would contemplate conference details during daily runs, focusing on the finer points each day. He remembers feeling anxious and nervous as they prepared to launch, carrying the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, knowing that if people said yes, his small, determined team would have to deliver on their promises. It was an intimidating task that he was committed to seeing through. Every day, as he laced up his running shoes, he mentally rehearsed every detail of the upcoming conference. The pressure was intense, but so was his dedication.
Reaffirming the mission to improve healthcare through data and analytics
The highly anticipated day finally arrived, bringing excitement as the attendees streamed in. The first-ever conference in 2014 drew 463 non-Health Catalyst participants and 200 Health Catalyst team members, totaling almost 700 people. According to Horstmeier, this event outperformed expectations and set a new benchmark for what Health Catalyst could achieve.
Since its inception, the conference has transformed into a yearly event highlighting Health Catalyst's finest work, including a broad portfolio of analytics use cases and bringing together leaders from the healthcare industry and other sectors as keynote speakers and facilitators. The team's camaraderie and supporters' enthusiasm have driven the summit's expansion, motivating Health Catalyst to pursue further growth and innovation.
Fueling a passion, creating innovative healthcare technology solutions
As healthcare professionals, data scientists and engineers, Health Catalyst team members have witnessed the challenges the healthcare industry continues to endure.
“We know that every healthcare team member is committed to achieving its organization’s mission and delivering on the Institute of Medicine six domains of healthcare quality: safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable,” said Dr. Leslie Hough Falk, Chief Client Success Officer at Health Catalyst. “We have seen firsthand the emotional toll healthcare professionals have when they can’t provide high-quality care due to systemic barriers or lack of access to crucial insights from data analysis. Our experiences have fueled a passion for finding solutions to make a difference in people’s lives. This compels us to keep the Healthcare Analytics Summit going each year.”
This groundbreaking conference represented a pivotal moment in the healthcare industry and still does — offering a unique opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing among health system leaders.
The 2024 Healthcare Analytics Summit (HAS) will show that the imagination and the inspiration needed to innovate in healthcare can come from anywhere.
You’re invited to join healthcare’s do-ers, hard workers, believers, game-changers and impact-makers in Salt Lake City to leverage collective expertise and experience to Imagine, Innovate and Impact healthcare. Industry-leading keynote speakers will help attendees imagine what’s possible, and educational breakout sessions will move you from inspiration to impact. See firsthand how AI and analytics tools can power organizational transformation and network with industry leaders and problem-solvers.
Learn more about the power of data and analytics and its critical role in today’s delivery of value-based care through best practices and hands-on experience. Register today for the 2024 Healthcare Analytics Summit™️ (HAS®️) and be a part of the future of healthcare.
About the author
Tarah Neujahr Bryan joined Health Catalyst in 2013 and serves as the chief marketing and communications officer and a member of the company's leadership team. Tarah was named Silicon Slopes CMO of the Year 2022. She currently serves on the board of directors as the communications chair for HIMSS-Utah.
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Health Catalyst is a leading provider of data and analytics technology and services to healthcare organizations committed to being the catalyst for massive, measurable, data-informed healthcare improvement. Its customers leverage the cloud-based data platform, analytics software, and professional services expertise to make data-informed decisions and realize measurable improvements.