Tickets on sale now!
April 29, 2026
9 A.M – 4 P.M.
The Audion
at the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus
100 Discovery Blvd
Newark, DE 19713
Enjoy Early Bird ticket pricing now through April 22!
Every spring, Spotlight Delaware hosts a summit on a single topic that’s vitally important to the state. This year, we’re bringing health care into the spotlight at our first ever Health Care Summit.
Join us to explore pressing health issues facing the First State, including access to care, securing a larger workforce, and improvement tactics being pursued by our largest health systems.
Hear from industry leaders, policy makers, care providers, and medical educators about how Delaware is moving forward to solve health challenges, and connect with like-minded colleagues to lay the groundwork for future collaboration.
Mark your calendars for what is sure to be a valuable day of discussion, connection, and thought leadership.
AGENDA
Check-in & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome Comments
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
ACCESS TO SPECIALTY CARE
Sponsored by Nemours Children’s Health
9:50 AM – 10:50 AM
With Delaware’s rapidly growing population, there is a rapidly growing demand for specialty medical care. What is the current status for accessing care like OB/GYN, neurology, and pediatrics – and what potential solutions are there to alleviate the shortages?
Featuring panelists
Javier Diaz, Vice President, Cancer and Blood Disorders, Nemours Children’s Health
Dr. Nancy Fan, OB/GYN, St. Francis Women’s Center
Dr. Ali Sheharyar, Neurologist, Bayhealth
Break
10:50 AM – 11:10 AM
THE DOWNSTATE DEMAND
Sponsored by the Delaware Health Information Network
11:10 AM – 12:10 PM
The health care challenges facing the state are multiplied in rural areas, due to geographically remote populations and fewer care facilities. What are providers and advocates doing to navigate the difficulties confronting downstate communities?
Featuring Panelists
Dr. Fabricio Alarcon, Chief Medical Officer, La Red Health Center
Peggy Geisler, Executive Director, Sussex County Health Coalition
Steve Leonard, CEO, TidalHealth
Lunch
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM
LUNCH CHAT: AN UPDATE ON THE OPIOID FUND
12:40 PM – 1:10 PM
In 2025, Delaware’s Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission revised its funding procedures. Commission Executive Director Brad Owens shares how the changes have impacted current grant applications and how funds have been assisting substance abuse victims.
HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP PANEL
1:10 PM – 2:10 PM
C-Suite representatives from Delaware’s three largest health care systems – Bayhealth, Beebe Healthcare and ChristianaCare – discuss how their institutions are working to address the largest health challenges in the state.
Featuring panelists
Kyle Benoit, Chief Operating Officer, Bayhealth
Dr. Bill Chasanov, Chief Population Health Officer, Beebe Healthcare
Dr. Emmanuel Mensah, Chief Medical Officer, ChristianaCare
Break
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
DELAWARE’S MEDICAL SCHOOL: THE PATH FORWARD
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Delaware’s success obtaining funds from the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund has opened the door to creating the state’s first medical school. How would a medical school improve health care in Delaware, and what are the obstacles to getting a school off the ground?
Featuring panelists
Dr. Barbara Lee Bass, Dean (Ret.), George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Dr. Neil Hockstein, Chair, Delaware Health Care Commission
Dr. Kathleen Matt, Board Member, Delaware Institute of Medical Education and Research
Closing Comments
3:30 PM
Panels and panelists subject to change.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Sponsorship
The Health Care Summit offers a number of ways you can put your brand and message in front of an influential and engaged audience.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Avie Silver at asilver@spotlightdelaware.org.
Download our sponsorship flyer for more detailed information.