Dr Stephen Klasko is a transformative leader and advocate for a revolution in health care and higher education.

As President and CEO of Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health since 2013, he leads the nation’s fastest growing academic health institution based on his vision of re-imagining the future. Jefferson Health grew from 3 hospitals in 2013 to 14 hospitals in 2018. His 2017 merger of Thomas Jefferson University with Philadelphia University created a professional university with top-20 programmes in fashion, design, health, and the first design-thinking curriculum in a medical school.

His track record earned him a place as #2 “Most Influential” individuals in healthcare by Modern Healthcare, as #21 in Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business 2018 and Philadelphia Entrepreneur of the Year 2018.

He was responsible for naming two of the nation's medical schools through transformational gifts: The Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, where he was dean and CEO of USF Health from 2004-2013; and the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. 

Presentation Synopsis
Becoming A 200-year-old Start-Up

Academic health centres play a critical role in their communities - in advancing science,  education, and direct medical care. However, legacy infrastructure, culture and practice threaten the future of some of our most prestigious institutions, and challenge their roles as "anchors" in their cities. This talk will examine how a "no limits" approach can transform a distinguished history.

Is There an Avatar in the House? Healthcare in the Age of AI 

In an age of profound change, physicians increasingly need the tools of creativity, communication and optimism. Starting with medical education, we need a revolution in how doctors are selected and taught to practice with AI, to ensure that doctors are the humans in the room, even if that room is virtual.