Meet Our Guest: 

Ashley Thompson serves as the Senior Vice President for Public Policy Analysis and Development at the American Hospital Association (AHA). Since 2015, she has been instrumental in providing direction and oversight for the formation and promotion of the AHA's policy positions. Ashley leads the formal policy development process of the AHA, which includes gathering input from prominent hospital leaders to address issues related to advocacy, public policy, and field leadership. Her tenure with the AHA spans over two decades, during which she has held various roles in shaping policy.

Key Insights: 

Ashley Thompson discusses the current state of the healthcare landscape and the challenges faced by hospitals and the workforce.

● Post-Pandemic. Ashley suggests that the pivot out of the pandemic should be used as an opportunity to change the way healthcare is delivered and financed in order to increase access, quality, patient satisfaction, and decrease the overall cost of care.

● Lemons into Lemonade. After facing some discrimination as a woman in the workplace and being seen as an assistant despite her qualifications, Ashley sees these experiences as opportunities to carve her own path and make a difference.

● Being True. Mentors and influencers that have made a difference in her career gave Ashley opportunities and taught her valuable lessons about being authentic and genuine, as well as the importance of flexibility.

This episode is hosted by Nancy Howell Agee. She is a member of the Advisory Council for Her Story and President and Chief Executive Officer of Carilion Clinic.

Relevant Links: 

Read Ashley’s Q&A

Visit the AHA’s website