HealthLeaders' AI NOW Event Focuses on Real-World AI Experiences

The virtual event will feature healthcare leaders discussing how AI is being used in patient engagement and clinical settings.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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HealthLeaders is hosting a virtual event called 'AI NOW' on Wednesday, February 18th that will feature two panels discussing how healthcare organizations are using AI technology. The first panel, 'Taking Agentic AI to the Next Level,' will explore the use of AI chatbots and how they are proving ROI in clinical settings. The second panel, 'Expanding Opportunities for AI in Patient Engagement,' will discuss how health systems and clinicians are using AI to work with patients on their care, as well as how consumers and patients are accessing the technology on their own.

Why it matters

The event aims to move the conversation around AI in healthcare beyond just discussing potential and into real-world examples of how the technology is being applied. By highlighting specific use cases and experiences from healthcare leaders, the event provides valuable insights into the current state of AI adoption and implementation in the industry.

The details

The 'AI NOW' virtual event is being hosted by HealthLeaders and will take place on Wednesday, February 18th. The first panel, 'Taking Agentic AI to the Next Level,' will feature Byron Yount, PhD, Chief Data & AI Officer and VP of Transformation Operations at Mercy; Zafar Chaudry, SVP, Chief Digital Officer and Chief AI and Information Officer at Seattle Children's; and James Blum, MD, CDH-E, Chief Health Information Officer at University of Iowa Health Care. The second panel, 'Expanding Opportunities for AI in Patient Engagement,' will feature Stacey Johnston, MD, MHA, CHCIO, Chief Information and Digital Execution Officer at Beacon Health; Michael Mainiero, SVP and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Catholic Health; and Roopa Foulger, VP of Digital and Innovation Development at OSF HealthCare.

  • The 'AI NOW' virtual event will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The first panel, 'Taking Agentic AI to the Next Level,' will begin at 10 a.m. EST.
  • The second panel, 'Expanding Opportunities for AI in Patient Engagement,' will begin at 11:10 a.m. EST.

The players

Byron Yount

Chief Data & AI Officer and VP of Transformation Operations at Mercy.

Zafar Chaudry

SVP, Chief Digital Officer and Chief AI and Information Officer at Seattle Children's.

James Blum

Chief Health Information Officer at University of Iowa Health Care.

Stacey Johnston

Chief Information and Digital Execution Officer at Beacon Health.

Michael Mainiero

SVP and Chief Digital and Information Officer at Catholic Health.

Roopa Foulger

VP of Digital and Innovation Development at OSF HealthCare.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

This event highlights the growing focus in healthcare on moving beyond just discussing the potential of AI and instead showcasing real-world examples of how the technology is being applied to improve patient engagement, clinical workflows, and overall operational efficiency.