When you do a great job taking care of patients every day, why wouldn't you want to expand and serve even more people? In this podcast episode of The Beat's Executive Series recorded at HLTH 2023, Chitra Nawbatt interviews Warner Thomas, CEO of Sutter Health, one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Warner emphasizes Sutter Health's vast scale, covering Northern California with over 20 hospitals and 30 surgery centers. He highlights the challenge of healthcare access in the region and the commitment to expanding medical education programs. Warner then explores the economic pressures on health systems, balancing financial stability, and the imperative to innovate in a challenging macroeconomic environment. He also emphasizes the importance of transitioning to value-based reimbursement models and investing in ambulatory care and digital technology for holistic patient care. Warner sheds light on Sutter Health's strategic focus on certain service lines like cancer and mental health, underscoring the need to align financial investments with these priorities. Finally, he highlights the significance of courage in leadership, taking risks, and the willingness to pivot in the face of challenges. Tune in and learn about the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the challenges and opportunities facing health systems, and the strategies employed by Sutter Health to navigate these changes!