Podcast
PwC's Next in Health
Hosted by PwC's Health Industries · EN
Hosted by Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, the Next in Health podcast series offers insights on the most important issues facing pharma, medtech, and healthcare. PwC business leaders discuss the latest trends and their impact on health industries, whether it is policy, AI, innovation, care delivery, business model reinvention, or bold moves shaping the future. If it is happening in health industries, we are talking about it.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What to Watch in US Health Policy Before the 2026 Midterms
3w ago00:17:59Tap to summarizeAs the 2026 midterm elections approach, healthcare leaders are asking whether this is just another policy cycle or a more pivotal moment in an increasingly complex and fragmented landscape. In this episode of PwC’s Next in Health, Glenn Hunzinger speaks with Kelly Griffin and Philip Sclafani about how shifting policy dynamics, persistent cost pressures, and rapid industry transformation are reshaping strategy across the healthcare ecosystem. Discussion highlights:Why the 2026 midterms are less about sweeping reform and more about signaling the direction of the operating environmentHow affordability, transparency, and increased state-level action are shaping policy and driving industry changeWhy healthcare costs continue to rise and why traditional levers may not be enough to bend the cost curveHow pharma, payers, and providers are adapting business models amid regulatory pressure and evolving market dynamicsThe growing role of AI, partnerships, and ecosystem convergence in accelerating transformationWhat healthcare leaders should prioritize, from policy intelligence and scenario planning to operating effectively in a more fragmented environment Speakers: Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC Kelly Griffin, Director, Health Policy and Intelligence Institute, PwC Philip Sclafani, Principal, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, PwCFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →Strategies for accessing funding and managing risk in rural health transformation
Mar 1700:20:21Tap to summarizeWith $50 billion flowing through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), healthcare leaders are questioning whether this marks short term stabilization or a real opportunity to redesign rural care. In this episode of PwC’s Next in Health, Glenn Hunzinger speaks with Thom Bales and Jill Olmstead about how states are deploying funds, how accountability is shaping execution, and what sustainable rural transformation could look like. Discussion highlights:Why the RHTP differs from prior relief efforts, with funding tied to measurable outcomes and accountabilityHow states are prioritizing workforce sustainability, value based care, and regional partnershipsThe role of technology, telehealth, shared data infrastructure, and AI in expanding access and modernizing rural delivery modelsWhat successful execution requires across governance, compliance, milestone tracking, and multi state coordinationWhy provider engagement with state strategies and ecosystem collaboration will be critical to successWhat durable rural transformation could look like over the next three to five yearsSpeakers: Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC Thom Bales, US Health Services Advisory Leader, PwC Jill Olmstead, Principal, Health Services, PwCYou can access the full report here: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-policy-and-intelligence-institute/ruralhealth.htmlFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →2026 Healthcare Investment Trends
Feb 900:24:04Tap to summarizeFrom the JPM Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, Glenn Hunzinger, PwC’s Health Industries Leader, speaks with Jeremy Gelber, Partner at Vitruvian Partners, and Claire Love, Principal in PwC’s Deals Strategy practice to explore where healthcare investment momentum is building for 2026, how technology is reshaping value creation, and what investors are watching as care models, consumer behavior, and capital deployment continue to evolve.Discussion highlights:Where technology and AI are delivering near term returns by improving efficiency, reducing administrative friction, and streamlining care delivery and paymentWhy women’s health is gaining attention as an underinvested growth opportunity, driven by unmet need, changing consumer expectations, and attractive long term economicsHow regulatory uncertainty is influencing investment decisions, increasing the importance of scenario planning and flexibilityWhere deal activity is expected to pick up in 2026 across healthcare subsectors, including healthcare IT, pharma services, medtech, diagnostics, and biotechHow consumer trust, access to health data, and evolving behavior are shaping future care models and investment prioritiesSpeakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCJeremy Gelber, Partner, Vitruvian PartnersClaire Love, Deals Strategy Principal, PwCThis episode is also available as a video on our website: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast/2026-healthcare-investment-trends.html For more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →Where will growth emerge in health over the next 10 years?
Jan 2900:19:55Tap to summarizeFrom the JPM Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, Glenn Hunzinger brings together Sunil Patel of Merck and Sumit Khedekar of Citigroup for a conversation about where growth in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry is headed over the next five to ten years. They explore how scientific innovation, global sources of capital and talent, and a more forward looking approach to risk taking are shaping the future of healthcare, and why this moment may be pivotal for patients and the industry alike.Discussion highlights:Scientific innovation and unmet patient need remain the primary drivers of long term growth across pharma and biotechGlobal sources of innovation, including China, are reshaping licensing strategies and competitive dynamicsCompanies are increasingly willing to take calculated risk earlier in the drug development lifecycleValue creation depends on entering assets at the right inflection point rather than waiting for fully de risked launchesPayer dynamics, pricing pressure, and evolving consumer expectations are influencing how drugs are developed and commercializedSpeakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCSunil Patel, SVP, head of corporate development and business development & licensing, Merck Sumit Khedekar, Global head of Healthcare Investment Banking, CitigroupThis episode is also available as a video on our website: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast/where-will-growth-emerge-across-healthcare.htmlFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →Deals Outlook 2026: What’s ahead for medtech
Jan 700:09:19Tap to summarizeJoin Glenn Hunzinger and James Woods as they discuss what to expect for medtech dealmaking in 2026, including why buyers are poised to return, how technology is reshaping portfolios, and where investors are focusing to drive future growth.Discussion highlights:Medtech M&A is expected to rebound in 2026 as market conditions improve and capital remains availableBuyers are staying selective, prioritizing assets that support durable growthTechnology and data enabled solutions are key drivers of deal activityTuck in and bolt on acquisitions continue to dominate, with private equity playing an active roleSurgical robotics, AI, cardiovascular, and diagnostics remain areas of strong interestSpeakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCJames Woods, US Medtech Deals Leader, PwCLinked materials:https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/pharma-life-sciences-deals-outlook.htmlhttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/medtech-deals-outlook.htmlhttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/health-services-deals-outlook.htmlFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →Deals Outlook 2026: What’s ahead for pharma and life sciences
Dec 1900:11:14Tap to summarizeTune in as Glenn Hunzinger and Roel van den Akker share their outlook for pharmaceutical and life sciences dealmaking in 2026. They discuss improving market conditions, innovation driven growth, and how upcoming loss of exclusivity is shaping deal strategy. Discussion highlights: Strong innovation, healthy balance sheets, and improving capital markets support a positive outlook for 2026 M&A is expected to remain precision-led and asset-focused, centered on differentiated science and key therapeutic areas Accelerating loss of exclusivity (2026–2029) is increasing reliance on external innovation Mid-sized deals have dominated, but clearer policy and better financing may enable larger strategic transactions As innovation globalizes, companies are sourcing assets more deliberately worldwide, with the US remaining a core life sciences hub Speakers: Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC Roel van den Akker, US Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Deals Leader, PwCLinked Materials:https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/pharma-life-sciences-deals-outlook.htmlhttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/medtech-deals-outlook.htmlhttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/health-services-deals-outlook.htmlFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →Deals Outlook 2026: What’s ahead for health services
Dec 1900:08:57Tap to summarizeJoin Glenn Hunzinger and Dan Farrell as they discuss why 2026 could mark a rebound year for health services dealmaking—driven by higher-quality assets, improving market conditions, and the growing role of technology and AI. They explore how investors are rethinking value creation, from tech-enabled care models to carve-outs and IPOs. Discussion highlights:Stronger earnings, cash flows, and tech-enabled platforms are drawing buyers backAI is shifting from a value enhancer to a key driver of margins and valuationCarve-outs remain active as health systems and corporates divest non-core assetsInvestors are targeting opportunities across specialties, home-based care, and AI-enabled platformsReopening IPO markets and improved exit options are boosting confidence for 2026 Speakers: Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwC Dan Farrell, US Health Services Deals Leader, PwCLinked materials:https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/pharma-life-sciences-deals-outlook.htmlhttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/medtech-deals-outlook.htmlhttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/health-services-deals-outlook.htmlFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →Reinventing Healthcare - Seizing the $1 Trillion Breakthrough
Oct 2100:33:48Tap to summarizeWhat will healthcare look like a decade from now? Host Glenn Hunzinger is joined by Greg Rotz, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Advisory Leader and Thom Bales, Principal, Health Services Advisory Leader, as they dive into the future of health—one driven by smarter tech, empowered consumers, and breakthrough science. From reimagining chronic care to building new business models, discover the mindset, partnerships, and capabilities that will define the next era of healthcare.Discussion highlights:A trillion-dollar shift: who gains and who falls behindThe rise of the super consumer and personalized careWhy experience design will become core to life sciencesHow health orgs can prepare with “no regrets” strategic movesCollaborating across the ecosystem to drive faster, better, cheaper care Speakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCGreg Rotz, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Advisory Leader, PwCThom Bales, Health Services Advisory Leader, PwCLinked materials:From breaking point to breakthrough: the $1 trillion opportunity to reinvent healthcareFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →The One Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for the Future of U.S. Healthcare
Aug 100:15:23Tap to summarizeTune in as Glenn Hunzinger, PwC’s Health Industries Leader, sits down with Nichole Montgomery, Shannon O’Shea, and Phil Sclafani to unpack the sweeping implications of the newly signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). With nearly a third of the bill dedicated to healthcare, the team explores how this landmark legislation will reshape coverage, funding, and delivery across the payer, provider, and pharma landscape.Discussion highlights:The OBBBA introduces new work requirements and eligibility rules that could lead to coverage loss for over 13 million people, placing new burdens on payers and statesProviders face increased uncompensated care, especially in rural areas, with added administrative complexity and a push toward technology and alternative care modelsPayers are bracing for membership loss, reduced Medicaid funding, and increased administrative load as new eligibility rules take effectPharma may see reduced demand from public programs but gains through an orphan drug exemption and incentives for domestic manufacturingThe bill’s sweeping changes will disrupt healthcare, but with foresight, organizations can model financial impact, prepare for operational disruption, and plan strategic responsesSpeakers:Glenn Hunzinger (host), Health Industries Leader, PwCShannon O'Shea, Principal, Health Transformation, Provider Clinical Transformation, PwCPhil Scalfani, Principal, Customer Transformation, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, PwCNichole Montgomery, Principal, Health Transformation, Health Services, PwCLinked Materials:https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/impact-of-obbba-on-us-health-system.html https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-policy-and-intelligence-institute.htmlFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
Transcribe →Strategic Dealmaking in Health: Navigating Midyear Trends in 2025
Jul 1000:19:39Tap to summarizeTune in as Glenn Hunzinger, PwC’s Health Industries Leader, connects with Nick Donkar, PwC’s U.S. Health Services Deals Leader, and Roel Van den Akker, PwC’s Pharma and Life Sciences Deals Leader, to discuss the 2025 midyear deals outlook across health services and pharma and life sciences. They explore how macroeconomic trends, regulatory pressures, and evolving investment strategies are shaping M&A activity and where new opportunities may emerge as companies look ahead to the second half of the year. Discussion highlights: Health services deal volume remains resilient, with renewed investor interest in behavioral health, physician groups, and home-based care modelsPrivate equity firms are focused on outpatient growth platforms and niche services like revenue cycle management to navigate cost and regulatory headwindsPharma and life sciences dealmaking is centered on targeted, asset driven M&A in the $1 to $5 billion range, rather than full scale platform acquisitionsRegulatory uncertainty from FDA resource constraints to evolving policies on pricing and probability of technical and regulatory success (PTRS), is complicating deal modeling and slowing transaction timelinesU.S. biopharma companies are increasingly sourcing early stage innovation from China, introducing new strategic opportunities along with cross border compliance and data challengesSpeakers:Glenn Hunzinger, Health Industries Leader, PwCNick Donkar, US Healthcare Deals LeaderRoel Van den Akker, US Pharma & Life Sciences Deals Leader Linked materials:https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/health-services-deals-outlook.htmlhttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/pharma-life-sciences-deals-outlook.htmlFor more information, please visit us at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/health-research-institute/next-in-health-podcast.html.
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