CIO Podcast - Episode 109: Fractional CIO Work with Ryan Thousand

For the 109th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Ryan Thousand, CIO at Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association, to talk about fractional CIO work! We kick this episode off with Thousand sharing some examples of where he has had to right-size his approach to IT in rural health. Rural health is often brought up when discussing the disadvantages they have, so to flip that, we are discussing some of the advantages rural health IT leaders have over larger health systems.

Next, we dive into Thousand’s experience as a fractional CIO leader for multiple organizations. Despite needing them, many critical access hospitals unfortunately don’t have a CIO. Thousand and I talk about what the fractional CIO work looks like for these hospitals that can’t get a full CIO. 

Then we talk about the biggest challenges Thousand faces as an IT leader. Next, we take a look at the places where IT doesn’t scale while also having workforce shortages. We then debate how to deal with those challenges. Lastly, we conclude this episode with Thousand sharing his advice to other CIOs and aspiring CIOs out there.

Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode:

• What are some examples of where you have to kind of right-size your approach to IT in rural health?
• What are some advantages that rural health IT leaders have over larger health systems?
• I’m sure many listeners are intrigued by fractional CIO work. What’s your experience like as a fractional CIO leader for multiple organizations?
• Many critical access hospitals don’t have a CIO, but really need one. How’s the fractional CIO work for a hospital that can’t get a full CIO?
• What’s one of your biggest challenges as an IT leader?
• Where are places where IT doesn’t scale, but you also may have workforce shortages? How do you deal with that challenge?
• What advice would you give to other CIOs or aspiring CIOs out there?

Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today.