Can the Promise of AI Match the Hype? ROI and Lessons From Initial Use Cases at RUSH

Technology is reshaping healthcare, but it takes strong leadership to transform innovation into real impact.

In this episode, Jeff Gautney, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Rush University System for Health, shares his career path from consulting to leading IT at a top academic medical center. He breaks down Rush’s digital transformation strategy—leveraging AI and automation, modernizing infrastructure, and driving operational efficiency.

Beyond the technology, Jeff explores how the role of IT leadership is shifting and why change management is now a must-have skill.

Learn more about Healthcare IT Leaders.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How AI is reshaping healthcare operations—from ambient listening to robotic process automation.
• Why change management is now central to IT leadership and how Rush is embedding it as a core function.
• How automation is helping address workforce shortages while improving efficiency and patient care.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introducing Jeff Gautney

(02:31) How an unconventional career path led to a CIO role

(05:33) Rush’s four-bucket AI strategy and responsible implementation

(09:35) Why AI’s productivity gains don’t always mean cost savings

(12:15) Using automation to address workforce shortages in healthcare

(14:43) The three pillars driving digital transformation at Rush

(23:08) The evolving role of CIOs and cybersecurity challenges