Building Strategy-Driven Technology in Rural Health Systems

In this episode, Linda Stevenson, Chief Operations & Information Officer at Fisher-Titus Health, shares how rural health systems are driving innovation under significant resource constraints. Leading a 100-bed community hospital with a lean IT team, she highlights the realities of “doing more with less”—from workforce shortages to the critical need for interoperability in coordinating care beyond organizational walls.

Linda challenges the industry’s fixation on AI as a standalone strategy, advocating instead for a problem-first approach: start with the clinical or operational need, then determine if AI is the right fit. She emphasizes that true transformation comes from aligning technology with enterprise priorities, not chasing hype.

She also points to persistent gaps in interoperability and growing cybersecurity risks, particularly in rural settings where vulnerabilities can impact the broader ecosystem. Her message is clear: stay grounded in strategy, focus on outcomes, and prioritize partnership over products to drive meaningful, scalable change. Take a listen.

This guest appearance was facilitated through conversations initiated at ViVE.