Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Driving Responsible AI Adoption, Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation with Les Clonch

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Summary

Hospital and health system leaders face significant challenges, including market consolidation, reimbursement pressures, and the need for technological advancements. The 14th annual CEO CFO Roundtable, hosted by Ecker, aims to equip over 1,500 executives with insights and strategies to navigate these complexities. The event will take place from November 2nd to 5th in Chicago, focusing on actionable priorities for the upcoming year.

Les Clonch, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Scottish Rite for Children, shares insights on the organization's progress and future goals. He highlights the successful integration of technology into operational and clinical strategies, which has improved care delivery and operational efficiency. Looking ahead, Clonch emphasizes the importance of enhancing core platforms, responsibly implementing AI, and strengthening cybersecurity measures.

Clonch identifies the rapid pace of technological change and evolving patient expectations as major headwinds. He stresses the need for effective governance and change management to ensure that the organization can adapt to these shifts. By aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals and empowering teams to embrace change, Scottish Rite aims to enhance its capabilities and improve patient care.

In discussing growth opportunities, Clonch points to the potential of leveraging enterprise data and advancing analytics tools. He advocates for investing in AI and enhancing the electronic health record systems to better meet the needs of patients and families. Clonch concludes by reflecting on the importance of leadership qualities, emphasizing a balance of vision and discipline in navigating the complexities of healthcare.

Show Notes

In this episode, Les Clonch, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Scottish Rite for Children, discusses responsible AI adoption, cybersecurity, enterprise data strategy and the importance of governance and change management in navigating rapid technology advancements. He also shares how Scottish Rite is building technology capabilities and preparing its workforce to use AI effectively while keeping patient care and organizational priorities at the center.

More from Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Oct 28, 2026

In this episode, Jody Reyes, Chief Operating Officer of the Clinical Enterprise at UI Health Care, University of Iowa Health Care, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of accountability and ownership in healthcare leadership. She also shares insights on navigating the changing economics of healthcare and adapting operational strategies to meet evolving organizational challenges.

Oct 28, 2026

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 11th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Conference features Deb Anderson, MBA, Chief Information Officer, Endeavor Health, discussing the integration of three electronic health records into one system, technology simplification, and strategies for managing costs while advancing digital transformation.

Oct 27, 2026

In this episode, Jennifer Jasmine Arfaa, PhD, CPXP, Senior Vice President, Chief Patient Experience Officer, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, discusses improving patient experience by connecting quality, safety, employee engagement, and patient feedback.

Oct 27, 2026

In this episode, Matt Hare, Vice President of Network Growth and Client Success, CoverMyMeds, and Bill Sicheneder, Vice President of Network Sales, CoverMyMeds, discuss how healthcare organizations can reduce medication access barriers through stronger connectivity, streamlined workflows, and strategic partnerships. They also explore preparing for benefits reverification season and building scalable systems that improve efficiency and patient access.

Oct 27, 2026

In this episode, Bahar Bazmi, Chief Revenue Cycle Officer at WVU Health System, joins the podcast to discuss the revenue cycle through the lens of the “sandwich analogy” and how its different components work together to support financial performance. She also shares insights on defining success over the next year and empowering staff to strengthen revenue cycle operations.

See all episodes →