In late March, the 12th Annual World Health Care Congress (WHCC) brought together thought leaders from all sectors of health care to evaluate where the industry stands today — and where it's going. This years assembly focused on critical challenges and opportunities pertaining to payer and provider consolidation, new approaches to value-based payment, and potentially game-changing partnerships. DOTmed News spoke with Megan Castilla, executive director of the WHCC to find out how it went.

DOTmed News: Now that the show is finished, what topics did people seem most interested in this year?

Megan Castilla: Our attendees come from many walks of the health care life - from health system, payer, employer, life sciences, government, and think tank organizations - and we do see some strong common interests emerge that span all sectors. People are keenly interested in the growing power of the health care consumer and what that means for business strategy. They want to know how accountable care organizations are actually doing now that they have some experience and data. In addition, the audience remains interested in the impacts of ACA implementation and the challenges and potential around big data and true interoperability.

DOTmed News: How did your experience this year compare to previous years?

MC: We added workshops, new summits, and more networking opportunities, and we saw an uptick in participation. There was more energy and buzz among the attendees and more live media involvement. The needs of our attendee have shifted as well. Their questions focused more on real-time, practical issues rather than theoretical ones (e.g. what might happen with the ACA?). Overall, the conference was bigger and attendees were more outspoken and engaged.

DOTmed News: What advice would you have for someone who might attend next year's congress?

MC: Network, network, network. We work hard to bring executives across all sectors of health care together under one roof for a brief span of time. As an attendee, capitalize on not only the opportunity to ask questions in sessions but also the opportunity to meet people outside your area of expertise and build relationships.

DOTmed News: What was the main takeaway from the event?

MC: One thing that came through loud and clear is that real change cannot happen in a vacuum – transforming our health care system will require partnership and collaboration. It was inspiring to hear from so many leaders who embrace that mindset.

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