Connecting Rural Hospitals to the Right Innovations (Mark Allen)

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In this episode of Culture Change RX, Sue welcomes Mark Allen, founder of Rural Health Engine, for a conversation about innovation, technology, and the future of rural healthcare.

Mark shares how his journey—from growing up in rural Missouri, to serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, to helping innovative technology companies—ultimately led him to create Rural Health Engine, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting rural hospitals with practical, affordable innovations.

Rather than selling products, Mark sees his role as helping rural healthcare leaders discover what's already available and determine which innovations truly fit their organization's needs.

The conversation explores why innovation isn't just about adopting artificial intelligence or new software. It's about asking better questions, thinking differently, and recognizing that doing nothing may be the greatest risk of all.

To learn more about Rural Health Engine, complete the Innovation Readiness Assessment, or connect with Mark Allen:

Website: Rural Health Engine

Email: [email protected]

[FREE Webinar] A 5-Step Approach to Achieving Nursing Excellence in Rural Hospitals:  Aug 11 at Noon ET

Many rural hospitals need a proven approach for creating and sustaining nursing excellence. Join Capstone for a special 1-hour webinar where we will overview our proven 5-step approach for achieving nursing care improvements that take hold and last.

Register here: https://capstoneleadership-net.zoom.us/meeting/register/gCRrqIc2QeK7mj-1gzIJsg

Hi! I’m Sue Tetzlaff. I’m a culture and execution strategist for small and rural healthcare organizations - helping them to be the provider and employer-of-choice so they can keep care local and margins strong.

For decades, I’ve worked with healthcare organizations to navigate the people-side of healthcare, the part that can make or break your results. What I’ve learned is this: culture is not a soft thing. It’s the hardest thing, and it determines everything.

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