As someone who has spent decades at the intersection of clinical care, technology, and innovation, I believe 2026 will mark a turning point for healthcare. We’ve moved from asking “Could AI help?” to realizing it already is, in dramatic ways. But as the AI hype settles, it’s clear this next phase won’t just be about technology. It will be about strategy, leadership, trust, and execution. Here’s what I see coming for the industry in the year ahead. 1.