The pandemic has only accelerated what was already a fastmoving train toward more of healthcare becoming digital. Whether it is the increasing need for telehealth services, the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence, or advances toward more personalized medicine, the intersection of healthcare and digital technology is here to stay. In addition, digital health has become a healthcare access imperative. Its innovative benefits are of vital interest amid the implementation of most healthcare regulations.

This program surveys some of the current uses and organizational deployment of digital health strategies. The discussion includes adoption and innovation across the clinical and patient perspectives. The technical, operational, regulatory, and financial/reimbursement aspects of the development of these programs will also be investigated. The expanding role that digital health holds in daily life and its direction into the future of the healthcare delivery system will be explored.

Moderator:

David Larsen, DO, MBA, FACHE
Family Physician/Institute Chair for Primary Care/Medical Director of Clinical Informatics
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic

Panelists:

Kameron Edson
IT System Analyst
The Hospice of East Texas

Blake Hoegger, BSN, RN
Director of Virtual Care
Texas Oncology

Sean Smith
Vice President Virtual Health
Ardent Health

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Speakers Bios:

As a passionate learner, Kameron Edson received her bachelor’s degree at UT Tyler, majoring in education. She quickly realized her passion led her outside of a classroom and into healthcare. Kameron has been serving in the post-acute sector of healthcare for more than 17 years with an emphasis on IT networking, hardware, software, and project management. She has successfully led her organization’s IT department through several EHR implementations, revamping of network infrastructures, device management protocols, and end user education sessions. Kameron’s analytical mind continuously allows her to effectively navigate the changing landscape of healthcare technology.

Blake Hoegger is the Director of Virtual Care at Texas Oncology, where he leads transformative efforts to deliver exceptional patient support through innovative virtual care programs. He oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes Telemedicine Support, Virtual Nurse Triage, Virtual Palliative Care, Virtual Patient Navigation, and Virtual Support Services—all designed to expand access to high-quality care and elevate the patient experience.

With over 15 years of experience in direct patient care and healthcare leadership—including nine years in outpatient community oncology—Blake brings deep clinical insight and strategic vision to his role. He is also deeply committed to cultivating a positive, efficient work environment for virtual care teams.

Blake earned his degree from Midwestern State University in 2010. Outside of work, he enjoys life on his family farm in Texas with his wife and four children.

Dr. David Larsen is the Chair of Primary Care for CHRISTUS Health’s largest region, where he oversees clinical operations, physician recruitment, and digital innovation strategy. A practicing family physician with an MBA in healthcare management and board certification in clinical informatics, Dr. Larsen has led system-wide initiatives to integrate AI-powered tools like ambient documentation and streamline EHR workflows. He brings a practical, clinician-centered perspective to digital transformation and is passionate about making technology work for both patients and providers.

Sean Smith has over 20 years in healthcare effectively integrating strategy, technology, and operations. He joins Ardent from Wellpath, where he served as SVP of Central Operations, operationalizing telehealth and virtual nursing across more than 150 locations focused on quality outcomes and workforce optimization. He has also held leadership roles at Care.ai and Community Health Systems. Sean earned his MBA from Lipscomb University and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.