Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Bill Gassen, President and CEO of Sanford Health

Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Scott Becker
Podcast: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

In this engaging episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Scott Becker interviews Bill Gassen, the President and CEO of Sanford Health. Sanford Health has evolved into a nearly $12 billion healthcare system, recognized as the most prestigious in the Upper Midwest. Under Bill's leadership, the organization has excelled in serving rural areas with unparalleled dedication. The conversation covers Bill’s leadership philosophy, the integration of advanced technologies to expand healthcare access, and the strategic partnerships driving transformation within the healthcare landscape.

1. Introduction to Sanford Health and Bill Gassen’s Leadership

Scott Becker opens the discussion by highlighting Sanford Health's significant growth and its exceptional management of rural healthcare services. Bill Gassen responds by sharing his deep-rooted connection to the healthcare field, inspired by his parents' careers. His father served in the United States Air Force, fostering a sense of service and adaptability, while his mother dedicated nearly four decades as a registered nurse.

“Every decision ends with a patient.” [00:47]

Bill emphasizes that the mission "to care, comfort, and cure" drives every action at Sanford Health, supported by a dedicated team of nearly 56,000 members. His personal commitment is further fueled by his family life, including his wife’s 20-year career as a physician assistant in general surgery at the VA Medical Center.

2. Emerging Trends in Healthcare: AI and Strategic Partnerships

When discussing current trends, Bill highlights the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Sanford Health’s implementation of ambient listening technology exemplifies how AI can enhance patient-provider interactions and operational efficiency.

“Using that has allowed us to return a greater level of joy to those sites of care... it allows our caregivers to spend more time directly face to face with their patients.” [04:30]

This technology not only bridges access gaps but also improves clinician satisfaction by enabling better work-life balance. Bill underscores the importance of embracing technological advancements to meet the evolving demands of patients and healthcare professionals.

Additionally, Bill discusses the significance of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainability. Sanford Health’s collaborations with community hospitals, health systems, and health plans have been pivotal in expanding their reach and enhancing service delivery.

“It's never been about, nor will it ever be about size for the sake of size. It's finding great mission-aligned organizations... to serve rural America with world-class care.” [08:05]

These partnerships are instrumental in maintaining high standards of care while effectively managing resources.

3. Achievements and Future Excitements

Reflecting on his tenure, Bill expresses pride in Sanford Health’s progress toward high-quality, reliable care. One of the notable achievements includes the ambitious goal set in 2020 to reduce serious safety events by 80%. Significant progress has been made, with some markets already surpassing this target.

“We have markets within our system that have already achieved a greater than 80% reduction.” [09:35]

Employee and patient satisfaction scores have also seen continuous improvement. Sanford Health recently recorded an employee Net Promoter Score of 36, placing them in the top quartile for healthcare providers nationally.

“We had 36 [in our employee net Promoter score], which for those who know that matrix well and understand what that looks like within healthcare, that's near top quartile for healthcare providers across the country.” [10:05]

Financial sustainability remains a priority, with Sanford Health maintaining a robust operating margin of 5.2%, attributed to effective stewardship and dedicated teams.

Recent strategic expansions include the integration of Black Hills Orthopaedic and Spine Center, Black Hills Surgical Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Health System, and Security Health Plan into Sanford Health. These additions enhance Sanford’s capabilities and innovation potential.

“We were able to welcome... Black Hills Orthopaedic and Spine center and the Black Hills Surgical Hospital... and Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan into Sanford Health.” [13:42]

4. Leadership Development and Advice for Emerging Leaders

Bill passionately discusses the importance of nurturing leadership within Sanford Health. With 56,000 leaders across the system, fostering effective leadership is crucial for delivering world-class patient care.

“If you've been given the distinct opportunity and the privilege to be in a leadership role, you have to steward it very, very well.” [14:02]

Sanford Health invests in leadership development through programs tailored for both clinicians and non-clinicians. These programs aim to hone leadership skills, ensuring that leaders at all levels can effectively guide their teams and contribute to the organization’s mission.

5. Words of Encouragement and Optimism for the Future

In his closing remarks, Bill shares a message of optimism despite the challenges facing the healthcare industry. He believes that adversity fosters innovation and presents opportunities for improvement.

“Optimism would be the word I'd leave with.” [15:53]

Bill is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of AI and strategic partnerships to unlock untapped opportunities, enhancing care delivery and community health.

“With the incredible advancements of strategic opportunities and partnerships, I think we're going to continue to see us do more for our patients, to do more for communities than we've ever done before.” [16:10]

Scott Becker echoes Bill’s sentiments, praising his inspiring leadership and the impactful work Sanford Health is accomplishing.

Conclusion

The interview with Bill Gassen offers valuable insights into effective leadership, the integration of advanced technologies like AI in healthcare, and the critical role of strategic partnerships in expanding access to quality care. Bill’s vision and dedication highlight Sanford Health’s commitment to serving rural communities with excellence, making it a standout leader in the healthcare industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Gassen: “Every decision ends with a patient.” [00:47]
• Bill Gassen: “Using that has allowed us to return a greater level of joy to those sites of care... it allows our caregivers to spend more time directly face to face with their patients.” [04:30]
• Bill Gassen: “It's never been about, nor will it ever be about size for the sake of size. It's finding great mission-aligned organizations... to serve rural America with world-class care.” [08:05]
• Bill Gassen: “We have markets within our system that have already achieved a greater than 80% reduction.” [09:35]
• Bill Gassen: “If you've been given the distinct opportunity and the privilege to be in a leadership role, you have to steward it very, very well.” [14:02]
• Bill Gassen: “Optimism would be the word I'd leave with.” [15:53]

This detailed summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full conversation.