• Florida: The University of Miami recently announced plans to launch a new executive education program designed specifically for physicians entering senior leadership roles. In a press release, the university said that its upcoming Global Physician Executive Business Accelerator will have a "physician-only learning environment." The program, which is online and lasts six months, is designed for newly appointed CMOs, medical directors, and department leaders preparing for executive roles. "Physician executives need to understand financial statements, budget implications, and strategic decision-making," said Edward Kroger, MD, lead facilitator of the program. "Clinical expertise alone, no matter how distinguished, doesn't prepare leaders for boardroom discussions about capital investments or resource allocation." The first six-month program begins in April and will focus on three key areas: strategic leadership, healthcare finance, and technology/data innovation. (Twenter, Becker's Clinical Leadership, 1/14)
• Maryland: According to a new CMS analysis published in Health Affairs, U.S. healthcare spending reached $5.3 trillion in 2024, a 7.2% increase from $4.9 trillion in spending the year before. In 2024, healthcare spending made up 18% of GDP, up from 17.7% in 2023. The growth in healthcare spending between 2023 and 2024 reflected increased use and intensity of healthcare goods and services. Spending on hospital care took up the largest share of healthcare spending at 31%, followed by physician and clinical services at 21% and retail prescription drug spending at 9%. Federal government-sponsored healthcare spending also increased by 5.5% in 2024, compared to 3.8% in 2023. "The future of health care spending remains uncertain," the researchers wrote. "Although some of the recent factors affecting utilization and insurance coverage might not persist, health spending trends are certain to be affected by future economic and demographic changes, as well as by new technologies and innovations." (Gooch, Becker's Hospital Review, 1/14)
• Massachusetts: Boston Scientific has agreed to acquire Penumbra, a thrombectomy company, for roughly $15 billion in cash and stock. Penumbra's portfolio includes several different devices to treat conditions such as pulmonary embolisms, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and heart attacks. According to Boston Scientific, the deal will allow the company to enter new, fast-growing areas within the vascular space. Penumbra chair and CEO Adam Elsesser will join Boston Scientific's board and will elect to receive stock in exchange for his almost 2% stake in Penumbra. The deal is expected to close later this year. It is the second acquisition announced by Boston Scientific in recent weeks. Earlier this week, the company announced it would buy Valencia Technologies, a medical technology company that focuses on treatments for bladder dysfunction, for an undisclosed amount. (Kellaher, Wall Street Journal, 1/15)

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