Health care marketing is entering 2026 at an inflection point. AI is no longer an emerging capability. It is a structural force reshaping how patients search, choose, access, and trust health care. In this article, 10 health care marketing leaders weigh in on key priorities for 2026.
// By Danny Fell // Health care marketing is entering 2026 at an inflection point. AI is no longer an emerging capability. It is a structural force reshaping how patients search, choose, access, and trust health care. In this article, 10 health care marketing leaders weigh in on key priorities for 2026.
As consumer expectations rise and attention spans shrink, traditional messaging about excellence and empathy is no longer enough. Today’s audiences are tuning out institutional voices and tuning in to brands that feel authentic, emotionally relevant, and boldly human. Here, industry leader Stephanie Wierwille offers insights into creating a compelling brand story.
In the current environment of cultural tribalism, how can health care organizations break down barriers and rebuild trust in the communities they serve? Brandon Edwards and Shannon Hooper believe the antidote to toxicity is authenticity. Here, they share ideas for how marketers can break through the red state/blue state conundrum.
// By Susan Dubuque // As consumer expectations rise and attention spans shrink, traditional messaging about excellence and empathy is no longer enough. Today’s audiences are tuning out institutional voices and tuning in to brands that feel authentic, emotionally relevant, and boldly human. Here, industry leader Stephanie Wierwille offers insights into creating a compelling brand story.
// By Jane Weber Brubaker // In the current environment of cultural tribalism, how can health care organizations break down barriers and rebuild trust in the communities they serve? Brandon Edwards and Shannon Hooper believe the antidote to toxicity is authenticity. Here, they share ideas for how marketers can break through the red state/blue state conundrum.
The U.S. health care industry is approaching a critical inflection point. In a candid and thought-provoking keynote at the 2025 Healthcare Marketing & Physician Strategies Summit, Paul Keckley outlined the challenges and potential opportunities health care leaders must navigate in an era of unprecedented economic uncertainty, regulatory disruption, and consumer discontent.
Health care’s digital experience often lags behind the expectations of modern consumers. Industry expert Ben Dillon unpacks how retail giants have set a new standard for digital experience. Read the full article to explore how health care marketers can more closely align patient experience with consumer expectations influenced by major brands.
// By Jared Johnson // The U.S. health care industry is approaching a critical inflection point. In a candid and thought-provoking keynote at the 2025 Healthcare Marketing & Physician Strategies Summit, Paul Keckley outlined the challenges and potential opportunities health care leaders must navigate in an era of unprecedented economic uncertainty, regulatory disruption, and consumer discontent.
The 2025 eHealthcare Leadership Awards Call for Entries is officially open! Now in their 26th year, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards celebrate excellence in health care digital marketing, recognizing standout websites, apps, videos, campaigns, and digital initiatives that drive marketing and business success across the industry. The deadline for entries is June 27, 2025.
// By Susan Dubuque // Health care’s digital experience often lags behind the expectations of modern consumers. Industry expert Ben Dillon unpacks how retail giants have set a new standard for digital experience. Read the full article to explore how health care marketers can more closely align patient experience with consumer expectations influenced by major brands.
// By Susan Dubuque // The 2025 eHealthcare Leadership Awards Call for Entries is officially open! Now in their 26th year, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards celebrate excellence in health care digital marketing, recognizing standout websites, apps, videos, campaigns, and digital initiatives that drive marketing and business success across the industry. The deadline for entries is June 27, 2025.
// By John Marzano // Historically, health care marketing has focused on brand awareness. Today, health systems are adding more measurable methods that foster long-term patient relationships. Learn how combining HRAs with email nurturing boosts patient engagement, enabling marketers to measure ROI and justify marketing investments that support the broader goals of the organization.
The tweens, teens, and 20-somethings who make up Gen Z have different health and wellness priorities than older generations. How can health care organizations meet them where they are? Here, we examine some challenges this generation faces, how it defines health and well-being, and how health care brands can resonate with it.
// By Amanda Williams // The tweens, teens, and 20-somethings who make up Gen Z have different health and wellness priorities than older generations. How can health care organizations meet them where they are? Here, we examine some challenges this generation faces, how it defines health and well-being, and how health care brands can resonate with it.
CRM is evolving, helping health care leaders prioritize high-value communications that enhance profitability and support patients. Yet, today’s CRM often falls short of customer expectations. Are these expectations realistic, or are organizations expecting too much? Explore the current state and future possibilities of health care CRM.
// By Elaine Christie // CRM is evolving, helping health care leaders prioritize high-value communications that enhance profitability and support patients. Yet, today’s CRM often falls short of customer expectations. Are these expectations realistic, or are organizations expecting too much? Explore the current state and future possibilities of health care CRM.
Last year, Virginia-based Riverside Health System set out to enhance digital communications with its patients in pursuit of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim. Eileen Varnson, vice president of marketing, communications, and digital strategy, determined that the best way to achieve this ambitious objective was to partner with Upfront Healthcare to adopt a personalized Read More
// By Susan Dubuque // This year marks the silver anniversary of the eHealthcare Leadership Awards. Join us as we celebrate 25 years of industry innovation and honor your accomplishments from the past year. The eHealthcare Leadership Awards recognize outstanding health websites and digital initiatives. The Call for Entries is officially open!
// By Brian Griffin // Last year, Virginia-based Riverside Health System set out to enhance digital communications with its patients in pursuit of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim. Learn how Riverside Health used an automated audience segmentation strategy to increase patient engagement.
When a health care conference sends out a call for speakers nine months in advance, you might wonder how current the sessions will be by the time the live event rolls around. That’s where the Healthcare Marketing & Physician Strategies Summit (HMPS24) advisory committee — made up of industry leaders convened by conference producer Judy Read More
How do you craft a cohesive message platform that makes sense for an expanding organization comprising three separate religious congregations with hospitals and health care facilities spread across Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico? The answer? Build from your mission and stay focused on purpose. Jeff Stewart, vice president of strategic marketing for CHRISTUS Health, and Read More
The Healthcare Marketing & Physician Strategies Summit (HMPS24) planning team has put together a star-studded program covering today’s top issues that will keep you educated, informed, and connected. // By Jane Weber Brubaker // When a health care conference sends out a call for speakers nine months in advance, you might wonder how current the Read More
CHRISTUS Health has been committed to the health and well-being of individuals and communities for generations. Today, it remains true to its original mission and purpose. // By Susan Dubuque // How do you craft a cohesive message platform that makes sense for an expanding organization comprising three separate religious congregations with hospitals and health Read More
Nontraditional partnerships provide unique opportunities for hospitals and health systems to enhance consumer experiences, expand service offerings, and address emerging health care needs. 2024 is a year of hope and new possibilities for health system leaders who look to do more, with fewer resources, than ever before. Amid uncertain financial forecasts, leaders increasingly look to Read More