HCA Healthcare

Andrew Hohwald

Andrew Hohwald is the Director of Product Strategy, Care Transformation and innovation at HCA Healthcare. His work is shaped by deep clinical immersion, collaborating at over 60 HCA facilities. Andrew leads with empathy, developing human-centered digital solutions that enhance care delivery and align innovation with frontline realities.

The Power of Firsthand Clinical Immersion

Rather than highlighting a single pivotal project, the most formative part of my journey has been leading the development of clinically driven digital solutions across the enterprise. I’ve had the unique opportunity to visit over 60 HCA facilities and work closely with clinical staff. Observing their workflows and listening to their challenges and ideas has shaped my approach.

These experiences fostered the empathy needed to build solutions that matter—not just technologically but humanly. Grounded in real-world insight, our innovations consistently enhance care delivery in meaningful ways. This ongoing collaboration with frontline clinicians has been the cornerstone of my growth and the broader impact of our work.

Growing in One Place: HCA’s Culture of Trust

HCA has significantly shaped my career by consistently offering opportunities to take on new challenges and grow beyond my comfort zone—often in areas I may not have accessed elsewhere. Whether in innovation, strategy, or product management, I’ve always felt trusted to lead and contribute meaningfully.

What keeps me motivated is how closely our work aligns with HCA’s mission: "Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life." That purpose isn’t just a statement—it’s reflected in the impact we make daily. Supporting hospital operations, caregivers and improving patient outcomes creates a deep sense of fulfilment and fuels my passion for the meaningful work we do.

AI as a Clinical Ally, not a Replacement

I see AI in healthcare evolving as a powerful enabler that enhances but never replaces human expertise. Healthcare is inherently personal, emotional and nuanced and I don’t see a future without a human in the loop. Clinicians bring native knowledge, experience, empathy, judgment and context to every patient interaction—qualities that can’t be replicated by machines.

That said, AI has the potential to help clinicians make sense of extremely complex situations more quickly and with greater clarity. Whether surfacing insights from vast datasets, identifying subtle trends, or reducing administrative burden, AI can free up time and cognitive space for clinicians to focus on what matters most: patient care.

The future isn’t AI or humans—it’s AI and humans working together to deliver more efficient and compassionate care.

What Sets Our Approach Apart

What truly sets our team apart is how we lead with empathy in everything we do. We don’t just build digital solutions—we focus intently on the people who will use them. From the start, we prioritize understanding the realworld experiences of our end users and we carry that understanding through every stage of development and implementation.

“We don’t build tech for innovation; we create with empathy and side by side with clinicians. That’s what makes our solutions stick. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about delivering care that feels deeply human and truly helpful.”

A significant part of our approach is recognizing the impact of change. Even small shifts in healthcare can significantly impact workflows, morale and patient care. That’s why we treat change management as a critical success factor. We work closely with frontline teams to ensure they feel supported, heard and equipped throughout the process. By doing so, we don’t just deliver technology—we provide adopted, sustained solutions that make a difference.

Building Trust across a Complex Landscape

We build trust and foster collaboration by structuring everything we do around dedicated multidisciplinary teams. From the very beginning, each digital solution we develop has representation from the clinical, technical, operational and other perspectives. That structure doesn’t just help us move faster—it builds empathy. When people from different parts of the organization work together, they understand and appreciate each other’s priorities, constraints, and expertise.

We also ground all of our work in value tracking. By establishing clear OKRs and KPIs from the outset, we create a shared understanding of what success looks like. This transparency helps align teams across functions and levels—from frontline clinicians to executive leadership— and ensures everyone is working toward the same goals. In a complex environment like healthcare, that combination of empathy and shared outcomes is key to driving innovation that genuinely works.

What’s Next: AI Foundations and Frontiers

What excites me most over the next 3–5 years is the transformation underway as healthcare organizations truly lay the foundation to support AI at scale. There’s a growing awareness that unlocking AI’s full potential requires robust infrastructure—data systems, governance, processes and culture— that enable its responsible use. At the same time, we’re only beginning to tap into its possibilities.

There’s immense opportunity for AI to streamline hospital operations, ease administrative burdens and improve patient experiences through more personalized, responsive care. This blend of foundational progress and untapped potential is stimulating. When implemented thoughtfully, AI won’t replace the human side of care—it will enhance it, empowering clinicians and care teams to work more effectively while delivering better, more seamless patient experiences.

Advice to Future Change-Makers

My most significant piece of advice is never to stop learning. Stay curious and invest time to understand the space you're working in—whether it’s clinical operations, technology, or strategy. The more well-versed you are, the more effectively you can contribute and lead.

Also, surround yourself with experts and genuinely listen. Some of the best insights come from those closest to the work, and building trust with them is key to driving meaningful change.

Finally, don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Your voice can make a difference even in a large, complex organization. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or the right question moves the needle. Speak up, stay grounded in the mission and remain open to learning.