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.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
US Medtech Deals Midyear Outlook 2026: Why companies are investing through uncertainty
2w ago00:12:21Tap to summarizeGlenn Hunzinger, PwC's US Health Industries Leader, speaks with James Woods, PwC's US MedTech Leader, about the forces shaping MedTech dealmaking in 2026. Despite capital market pressures, supply chain challenges, and geopolitical uncertainty, companies continue to invest in innovation, portfolio transformation, and growth opportunities. The conversation explores where capital is flowing, how companies are reshaping portfolios, and what dealmakers should watch in the months ahead.Discussion highlights:Continued MedTech deal activity despite capital market pressures and economic uncertaintyInvestment focused on cardiovascular technologies, robotics, connected care, and ecosystem-enabling solutionsPortfolio transformation as a driver of growth, shareholder value, and strategic repositioningConnected care's role in improving efficiency, patient outcomes, and healthcare deliveryPrivate equity activity across take-private transactions and portfolio carve-outsStrategic priorities for MedTech leaders balancing organic growth, M&A, and capital allocationSpeakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCJames Woods, US MedTech Deals Leader, PwCFor additional insights on the medtech deals landscape, check out our Medtech: US Deals 2026 midyear outlook https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/medtech-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 →US Health Services Deals Midyear Outlook 2026: Why investors are focusing on resilience and value creation
2w ago00:09:11Tap to summarizeGlenn Hunzinger, PwC's US Health Industries Leader, speaks with Dan Farrell, PwC's Health Services Deals Leader, about the forces shaping health services dealmaking in 2026. Despite ongoing reimbursement uncertainty, rising medical costs, and operational pressures, investors continue to deploy capital into assets with strong fundamentals and clear value creation opportunities. The conversation explores where capital is flowing, how AI is influencing investment decisions, and what dealmakers should prioritize in the second half of the year. Discussion Highlights: Resilient health services deal activity despite reimbursement uncertainty and rising medical costsInvestor focus on operational resilience, earnings durability, and clear value creation pathwaysContinued momentum in physician medical groups and behavioral health organizationsAI's growing role in diligence, operational performance, and value creation strategiesIncreased activity in portfolio optimization, carve-outs, and strategic capital allocationKey priorities for dealmakers navigating growth and value creation in the second half of 2026Speakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCDan Farrell, US Health services Deals leader, PwCFor additional insights on the health services deals landscape, check out our Health services: US Deals 2026 midyear outlook available now: https://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 →US Pharma Deals Midyear Outlook 2026: Why Dealmakers Are Leaning Into Growth
2w ago00:13:55Tap to summarizeGlenn Hunzinger, PwC's US Health Industries Leader, speaks with Dan Farrell, PwC's Health Services Deals Leader, about the forces shaping health services dealmaking in 2026. Despite ongoing reimbursement uncertainty, rising medical costs, and operational pressures, investors continue to deploy capital into assets with strong fundamentals and clear value creation opportunities. The conversation explores where capital is flowing, how AI is influencing investment decisions, and what dealmakers should prioritize in the second half of the year. Discussion Highlights: Resilient health services deal activity despite reimbursement uncertainty and rising medical costsInvestor focus on operational resilience, earnings durability, and clear value creation pathwaysContinued momentum in physician medical groups and behavioral health organizationsAI's growing role in diligence, operational performance, and value creation strategiesIncreased activity in portfolio optimization, carve-outs, and strategic capital allocationKey priorities for dealmakers navigating growth and value creation in the second half of 2026Speakers:Glenn Hunzinger, US Health Industries Leader, PwCRoel Van den Akker, US Pharma and Life Science Deals Leader, PwCFor additional insights on the pharmaceutical and life sciences deals landscape, check out our Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences: US Deals 2026 Midyear Outlook report, available now: https://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.
Transcribe →What to Watch in US Health Policy Before the 2026 Midterms
May 400:17:59Tap 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 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 →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.
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