Higher Thinking
Quick, timely blog posts. Thought-provoking trends. How-to guides and in-depth case studies. Use this page to explore all of our best thinking on US healthcare delivery, plus the occasional news from our firm. Find something that inspires or troubles you? Contact us any time – we’d love to be your thought partner in delivering more accessible, sustainable, and equitable healthcare. >>
Blog Posts
When Will PE Give Up on Physician Practices?
New research suggests that PE firms don't know how to make money on physician practices. Here's what that means for provider planning.
Blog Posts
Healthcare Workforce Development: Learning from Bloomberg
Student debt is a big hurdle to healthcare workforce development, but Bloomberg Philanthropies is betting that it doesn't have to be.
Blog Posts
Why the Post-Acute Crisis Is Acutely Troubling for Hospitals
Nursing homes are facing unprecedented staffing challenges in 2023 – with big implications for hospitals.
Guides
Public Health Workforce Strategies: the Ascendient Guide
All of healthcare is facing workforce issues, but public health may have it worst of all. We outline a few strategies, both near- and long term.
Blog Posts
A Supportive Solution for Public Health Burnout
See why better administrative support may be the key to reducing burnout among professional staff in local health departments.
Blog Posts
The Future of Public Health: 5 Questions for the Experts
Two experts from the de Beaumont Foundation share their views on the future public health, based on their landmark study.
Videos
Healthcare Consulting Partnerships: 3 Executive Testimonials
Three healthcare leaders in a variety of roles discuss Ascendient's value as a long-term partner.
Blog Posts
Physician Alignment: Watch Out for Corporate Competitors
Corporate buyers are snapping up physician practices at a record pace. Here are 4 implications for hospitals' physician alignment strategy.
Blog Posts
Strategic Planning for Hospitals: Why Worry About the Surge
Lately we've seen record interest in our strategic planning services for hospitals – and that could be a bad sign for the U.S. healthcare system.
Guides
Recruiting Healthcare Professionals: The Ascendient Guide
In this detailed report, we show you how to implement a recruitment plan that accounts for maintenance, compliance, and growth.
Blog Posts
Corporations Are Betting Big on Value-Based Care
Companies are investing billions in value-based care – a good sign for healthcare transformation but a potential problem for traditional providers.
Blog Posts
Physician Assistants: the Future of Team-Based Care?
Physician assistants can help relieve the looming physician shortage, but only when they're allowed to practice at the top of their license.
Blog Posts
Ascendient Welcomes Joann Anderson
After decades as a hospital CEO & board member, Joann Anderson is now offering consulting services in healthcare leadership and rural operations.
Blog Posts
Smart Physician Recruiting: Is Balance the Ultimate Benefit?
Be sure your physician recruitment strategy recognizes that doctors need to unplug & have a life. That's key to smart physician recruiting.
Blog Posts
Could Amazon Affect Your Revenue…and Provider Planning?
Healthcare provider recruitment could get trickier – and costlier – as corporate giants like Amazon move into the space.
Videos
Rethinking Recruitment [VIDEO]
TRANSCRIPTION: This is Brian Ackerman. Today I want to talk to you a little bit about...