Radio Advisory 285: How Rush University Medical Center is closing the 'death gap'
As financial pressure mounts and the healthcare safety net continues to strain, academic medical centers are drawing on their culture of innovation to pursue better outcomes — and narrow life expectancy gaps in the communities they serve.
In this episode of Radio Advisory, host Rae Woods sits down with leaders from Rush University Medical Center to explore how health systems can stay focused on results amid tightening margins, political scrutiny, and ongoing uncertainty in grant funding.
Dr. Omar Lateef, President and CEO of Rush, and Dr. David Ansell, Senior Vice President for Community Health Equity, describe how Rush treats gap-reduction as a long-term operating strategy rather than a moral or messaging exercise. They share practical examples of how local partnerships, targeted investments, and day-to-day operational choices can improve outcomes while still making financial sense — and why avoiding battles over language helps keep the focus squarely on results.
We’re here to help:
- How Rush University Medical Center is addressing the root causes of social determinants of health
- 264: Research funding is being slashed. What’s the real industry impact?
- How research funding cuts are impacting healthcare (and how to respond)
- 12 things CEOs need to know in 2026
- Healthcare Policy Updates Timeline
- Tool: How policy changes will impact your bottom line
- Who gets the chance to be healthy? | Rush
- The Rush Center for Community Well-Being at Sankofa Wellness Village | Rush
- Health disparities in Chicago and the work to solve them with Rush University Medical Center (AMA)
- The Anchor Strategy — A Place-Based Business Approach for Health Equity | New England Journal of Medicine
- Rush Signs on as First Partner for Local Laundry Service | Rush
- David Ansell Books – New: The Death Gap
2026 Advisory Board Summit Washington, D.C.
A transcript of this episode as well as more information and resources can be found on RadioAdvisory.advisory.com.