As we look toward the future of healthcare, it’s evident that technology continues to dominate the direction of healthcare systems, defining their progressive path. Healthcare systems benefit significantly through enhanced patient treatment, operational optimization, and improved provider-patient communication. However, the success of these advancements relies heavily on visionary leadership—leaders who can leverage advanced tools alongside their industry expertise and passion for navigating complex health systems. In this transformative space, Rebecca Woods emerges as a standout figure, guiding healthcare through a period of unprecedented change.
As Chief Information Officer and Founder of Propel Health Advisors Rebecca demonstrates forward-thinking leadership that combines IT expertise with a mission to advance healthcare modernization and empower future female healthcare leaders. Through her work with Propel Health Advisors Rebecca helps healthcare organizations adopt leading-edge technology to transform their care delivery processes beyond traditional systems. The mission of Propel Health Advisors rests on the belief that healthcare and technology need to work together to deliver improved services to healthcare providers throughout the United States.
Her career reflects the combination of dedication with determination and innovation in both her leadership style and career journey. From her initial role in the travel sector to her current executive role in healthcare IT, she has deliberately selected unconventional paths by revolutionizing standard practices and developing strategic solutions which others fail to notice. Alongside her focus on present solutions, she dedicates time to establishing healthcare infrastructure that benefits all patients in the coming years. According to Rebecca every innovation she brings to the table is designed to create enduring solutions that will thrive over multiple years. She leads change through her mission at Propel Health Advisors as she transforms healthcare IT through the strategic implementation of solutions.
Her journey into healthcare did not begin within medical institutions but rather in the travel industry. A chance meeting with Meditech personnel set her on a path toward establishing leadership in healthcare IT, as she found herself at a crossroads between different career paths. Through her ongoing work, Rebecca continues to expand her influence across healthcare organizations, driving improvements at the intersection of clinical operations and technological advancements.
Let’s delve into the details below, where Rebecca opens about the people, experiences, and turning points that shaped her career and how she plans to continue empowering future leaders in healthcare technology!
The Vision Behind Propel Health Advisors
The foundation of Propel Health Advisors grew from a mission to establish sustainable and transformative changes within healthcare systems. For Rebecca, the inspiration behind the company was simple but profound: “We saw a clear gap in the industry, a gap between technology and healthcare organizations trying to adapt to it. That’s where Propel comes in,” she says. She dedicates the organization to transforming healthcare by enhancing operational effectiveness while prioritizing patient-centered service. “We bridge the divide, taking healthcare organizations through the complexity of digital transformation and ensuring that they are positioned to provide better care for patients.”
The main advantage Propel Health Advisors delivers through their services includes implementing technology solutions along with custom strategy development suited for each client’s particular needs. This approach is crucial in a healthcare ecosystem that is as diverse as it is vast. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions,” Rebecca explains. “Every organization is different, and the challenges they face require solutions that are just as unique.” With this specific approach Propel Health Advisors successfully guides numerous medical institutions toward streamlined operations and advanced technology systems that enhance healthcare results. Through their data analytics technology integration and workflow optimization services Propel Health Advisors creates meaningful technology implementations which enhance system performance while delivering practical value.
“We’re not just implementing software and tools; we’re transforming the way healthcare operates,” she emphasizes. “It’s about having the right conversations and addressing issues from the ground up. It’s about collaboration—working with people to help them see the potential of technology.” Through their work, Propel is helping healthcare institutions not only cope with the demands of modern healthcare but thrive in an era of constant change.
From the Travel Industry to Healthcare IT
Rebecca’s journey into healthcare IT wasn’t a straightforward one. It all started during her time working for a travel agency, where she found herself seated next to a Meditech employee on a flight. Little did she know this chance encounter would set the course for her career. “I had no idea what Meditech did or what the healthcare IT space was all about,” she recalls. But that conversation changed everything. Her curiosity and willingness to take a leap of faith led her to explore an entirely new industry. After securing an interview at Meditech, she quickly realized that healthcare technology offered an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference.
Once she joined Meditech, Rebecca was immediately immersed in the transformative power of technology. “I became fascinated by how technology could help healthcare organizations improve their systems and, more importantly, improve patient care,” she says. Her early work focused on helping healthcare institutions transition from paper-based records to electronic health records (EHRs), a monumental change that would set the foundation for the modern healthcare landscape. “It was an exciting time,” she remembers. “I could see the impact we were making, and it was motivating to be part of such a significant shift in the industry.”
Rebecca spent over a year and a half at Meditech, learning the ins and outs of the healthcare technology world. However, after gaining invaluable experience in the field, she felt it was time to move on. “I’d seen a lot, and I wanted to explore other areas of the industry,” she says. This led her to take on leadership roles at various healthcare organizations, including Porter Medical Center, where she would leave her mark on the healthcare IT sector.
Leading Change at Porter Medical Center
At Porter Medical Center, she had the opportunity to build something from the ground up. “The IT department wasn’t exactly the most liked department when I first arrived,” she laughs. But her leadership style, which combined transparency, collaboration, and vision, quickly changed that dynamic. “We turned the department around. People started realizing how important IT was to their day-to-day operations,” she says. By encouraging open communication and ensuring that all stakeholders were aligned with the department’s goals, Rebecca and her team were able to develop and implement strategies that made the department a crucial asset to the hospital.
Her biggest achievement came from integrating a new analytics platform with One Care Vermont leading to better patient care management and outcome improvements at the hospital. By implementing patient text message reminders, the hospital significantly decreased its no-show rates. The patient-centric transformation of Porter Medical Center proceeded through these significant accomplishments while technology served to support care delivery instead of creating obstacles. “It’s all about making systems work for people, not the other way around,” she reflects.
Her leadership at Porter is a perfect example of her philosophy—technology must always serve the needs of the people it is meant to support. This approach not only improved the hospital’s internal operations but also made a tangible difference in the lives of patients.
Empowering Women in Healthcare IT
Throughout her career, Rebecca has been an advocate for women in technology, a field still largely dominated by men. “There are so many challenges and stereotypes, but I’ve always approached them with the mindset that I have just as much to offer as anyone else in the room,” she says. This belief drove her to take action, leading to the founding of Bluebird Leaders in 2022, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in healthcare IT.
“The purpose of Bluebird Leaders is simple,” she explains. “It’s about giving women the tools and support they need to break through the barriers and find their voices in healthcare IT.” Since its inception, Bluebird Leaders has rapidly grown to become a vibrant community, with over 4,000 followers on LinkedIn and nearly 200 active members. She is especially proud of the organization’s mentorship programs, which connect experienced women in healthcare IT with those just starting their careers. “It’s so important to have a network, to feel supported and connected,” she says.
Through Bluebird Leaders, Rebecca has created a platform for women to share their experiences, learn from each other, and rise to leadership positions in a field that’s still largely underrepresented. “We need more women at the table,” she affirms, “because diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, and that makes us stronger.”
The Future of Healthcare Technology
Rebecca’s work doesn’t stop with her own company or nonprofit efforts. As an executive advisor to CHIME, she’s able to contribute to broader initiatives that will shape the future of healthcare. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is a huge trend right now,” she says, explaining how AI is being used for everything from predictive analytics to personalized care. “But it’s not just about chatbots,” she adds. “AI has the potential to completely transform patient outcomes by predicting health risks, streamlining administrative tasks, and making care more personalized.”
Another important trend is the shift from “sick care” to “well care,” where the focus is on prevention rather than treatment. “We’re beginning to see the value of keeping people healthy before they get sick,” she explains. With the advancements, patients now assume greater responsibility for their medical needs because digital health tools enable them to monitor their health status through wearable applications while they communicate with healthcare professionals.
Rebecca is passionate about the shift toward patient-centered care, where technology empowers individuals to take control of their health. “We need to focus on creating systems that are transparent and user-friendly so that patients can easily access their health data and work with providers to make informed decisions,” she asserts.
Striking the Balance: Work, Life and Leadership
Rebecca’s professional journey is marked by dedication and hard work, but she also places a high priority on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “It’s a juggling act, but I couldn’t do it without the support of my family,” she says. Her husband plays a key role in helping her manage the demands of her career while raising two young daughters. “He’s always been incredibly supportive of my career, and I know I wouldn’t be able to do this without him,” she acknowledges.
Rebecca has also made a point of including her daughters in her active lifestyle, from running 5-mile stretches while pushing them in a stroller to letting them enjoy popsicles while she trains for triathlons. “It’s important for them to see that it’s okay to work hard, but it’s also important to take care of yourself and make time for the things that matter,” she says.
Her advice to aspiring leaders, particularly women, is grounded in authenticity and courage. “Find mentors who believe in you, and always ask questions. Never be afraid to ask ‘why,’ because that’s how you grow,” she advises. And above all, she emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. “Don’t try to be someone else. Authenticity is key in leadership.”
A Legacy in the Making
As Rebecca looks to the future, her focus remains on continuing the work that will leave a lasting legacy. “I want to be remembered for building a more inclusive healthcare system, one that is driven by innovation and compassion,” she reflects. Through Propel Health Advisors, Bluebird Leaders, and her ongoing efforts to shape the future of healthcare, she is laying the groundwork for a brighter, more equitable future for healthcare and its leaders.
Her legacy will not only be defined by the projects she leads but by the lives she touches and the barriers she breaks. “I think my legacy will be in how I’ve empowered others to achieve greatness,” she says. “It’s not just about what I’ve done; it’s about what others will continue to do because of the doors we’ve opened.” And with her vision, Rebecca is undoubtedly paving the way for future generations to lead, innovate, and drive change in healthcare.
