November 2, 2025
Curated insights on leadership shifts, innovative technologies, policy wins, behavioral health challenges, and system growth across the Hoosier State.
đď¸ Leadership
Kentucky hospital dismisses CEO of UofL Health Shelbyville campus
Aaron Garofola, former CEO of Associated Surgeons and Physicians & Womenâs Health Advantage and CEO of Dupont Hospital in Fort Wayne, is out after a systemwide redesign eliminated seven positions to streamline decision-making and prioritize patient access, safety, and quality.
Impact: Signals broader consolidation trends in academic health systems amid cost pressures.
Read more (Beckerâs)
Former Ascension CEO Dr. Patricia Maryland dies
Patricia Maryland, DrPH, former president and CEO of St. Louis-based Ascension Healthcare, died Oct. 24 at age 72. Dr. Maryland previously held the role as president and CEO of Detroit-based St. John Providence, and as president and regional COO of Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Health.
Read more (Beckerâs)
đ¤ Innovation & Technology
Hancock Regional Hospital launches fully asynchronous robotic deliveries
Arrive AI and Ottonomy deploy Ottobot robots with smart Arrive Points⢠for secure, unattended biospecimen transport; cutting staff walk time by 50%+ and freeing clinicians for patient care.
Impact: First-of-its-kind automation sets a scalable model for rural and mid-sized Indiana hospitals facing staffing strain.
Read more (Morningstar)
Notre Dame and Beacon Health System ink multiyear research collaboration
The partnership will leverage Notre Dameâs engineering and data science expertise with Beaconâs clinical footprint to accelerate digital health and precision medicine projects.
Impact: Bridges academia and community care to keep Indiana at the forefront of med-tech innovation.
Read more (Building Indiana)
VA Northern Indiana prepares for 2026 Federal EHR rollout
Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence toured Fort Wayne and Marion campuses to refine training, scheduling, and pharmacy workflows ahead of the unified electronic health record transition.
Impact: Smooth adoption will enhance Veteran care continuity and interoperability with civilian providers statewide.
Read more (VA)
đď¸ Policy & Access
Indiana law removes physician practice barriers
New legislation eliminates outdated collaborative agreement requirements, granting full practice authority to qualified physicians and expanding access in underserved areas.
Impact: Addresses Indianaâs growing physician shortage and improves rural healthcare delivery.
Read more (Building Indiana)
Indy treatment center owner charged in $2.7M Medicaid fraud scheme
Kevin Calvert allegedly used an out-of-state anesthesiologistâs credentials to bill for unlicensed counseling by recent program graduates at TRUTH Treatment Centers.
Impact: Threatens trust in Indianaâs behavioral health safety net and oversight gaps in addiction and mental health reimbursement.
Read more (Indiana Lawyer) | IndyStar
First Presbyterian Church of Columbus abolishes $1.78M in medical debt
A $10,000 bicentennial gift, amplified 178x via Undue Medical Debt, erased burdens for 1,488 Hoosiers across three counties.
Impact: Highlights community-driven solutions to medical debt, a top cause of bankruptcy, and inspires faith-based partnerships.
Read more (PCUSA)
đ Growth & Expansion
UChicago Medicine Crown Point adds 7,442 sq ft and new OR
Less than 18 months post-opening, the Northwest Indiana flagship expands with 18 exam rooms, X-ray, and surgical capacity to meet surging demand.
Impact: Solidifies academic medicineâs footprint in the region.
Read more (UChicago Medicine)
Baptist Health breaks ground on $24M ER/urgent care in Sellersburg
Partnering with a local college, the Southern Indiana facility will enhance emergency access and workforce training pipelines.
Impact: Addresses rapid population growth in Clark County and bolsters regional trauma capacity.
Read more (Louisville Business First)
đ Quality & Excellence
Indiana hospitals earn national specialty excellence awards
Healthgrades recognizes 13 facilitiesâincluding IU Health, Franciscan, and Parkviewâfor top performance in critical care, joint replacement, stroke, and cardiac surgery.
Impact: Validates clinical quality benchmarks that attract patients and talent to Hoosier systems.
View rankings (Healthgrades)