In this article, San Francisco, known for its tech workers in hoodies, saw a surge of executives in suits attending JPMorgan’s annual health-care conference. Leaders from major health systems, venture capital firms, and companies worldwide gathered in hotel lobbies to discuss business and strategies for 2025. The conference took place following the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, sparking social media backlash against the health-care industry.
Several companies, including Cigna and Walgreens, withdrew from the conference in response to the incident. Security measures were heightened at the event, with a significant police presence at the main venue, the Westin St. Francis Hotel. Discussions at the conference revolved around the implications of Thompson’s death and the future of healthcare transformation and responsibility.
Despite the somber atmosphere, there was also excitement about advancements in healthcare, such as artificial intelligence and weight loss drugs like GLP-1s. Companies showcased AI tools aimed at streamlining administrative tasks in healthcare. Nvidia, a key player in AI hardware, announced partnerships with various health-care organizations to enhance AI applications in the industry.
Executives at the conference expressed optimism about the potential of GLP-1 drugs to improve public health, despite supply shortages and high costs. Concerns lingered about the uncertainty surrounding the incoming Trump administration’s healthcare policies, given controversial cabinet nominations. The market’s volatility and future outlook were topics of discussion among industry experts at the event.
