Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Digital Transformation and Platform Strategy at MedStar Health with Scott MacLean
Feb 22, 2026
Scott MacLean, Senior VP and CIO at MedStar Health, leads digital transformation and EHR modernization for a major Baltimore–Washington health system. He discusses platform strategy and application rationalization. He covers retiring legacy systems, preparing for a 2027 EHR go-live, AI opportunities, and improving patient access through digital channels.
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Platform First Strategy For Digital Transformation
- Scott MacLean emphasizes using platforms like EHR, ERP, and collaboration tools as the strategic foundation for transformation.
- He links platform adoption to application rationalization to ensure core systems deliver maximal value and reduce redundancy.
Lead With Governance And Disciplined Rationalization
- Establish strong leadership, clear strategy, and governance to guide EHR implementation and application rationalization.
- Use respectful listening with stakeholders, standardize processes, and rigorously retire redundant systems to avoid clinician confusion and wasted costs.
Assess Platform Coverage Before Keeping Specialty Apps
- MedStar evaluates whether the new EHR platform can cover the majority of existing system functions before keeping specialty apps.
- They pair platform capability checks with stakeholder conversations and integration planning.