Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Leading Clinical and Operational Excellence at SSM Health with Sue Anderson
Feb 18, 2026
Sue Anderson, regional president for SSM Health with a 40-year healthcare career across consulting and system leadership. She discusses navigating rural and urban care differences in Wisconsin. Financing pressures, AI and workforce shifts come up. She highlights clinical and operational excellence and shares practical continuous-improvement leadership lessons.
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Forty Years From Consulting To System Leadership
- Sue Anderson has 40 years in healthcare, starting in consulting before moving into system leadership.
- She transitioned from Virginia Mason to SSM Health and now leads the Wisconsin region.
Rural And Urban Care In One Region
- SSM Wisconsin comprises seven hospitals, four classified as rural, creating different operational challenges.
- Sue Anderson highlights strong collaboration with the University of Wisconsin in Madison to support the community.
Financing Shifts Change Patient Behavior
- Healthcare financing and ACA subsidy changes directly affect patient volumes and access to care.
- Sue Anderson warns that loss of insurance leads patients to postpone necessary care, reducing volumes.