GADSDEN, AL - The Etowah Chamber hosted its first-ever Etowah Update: Healthcare Summit at Gadsden State Community College on August 20th, 2025 bringing together leaders in healthcare, higher education, and workforce development to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of local care.
Chamber President & CEO Philip Hall opened the program by thanking sponsors and highlighting the Chamber’s role in convening leaders around critical issues. Gadsden State President Alan Smith welcomed guests, encouraging them to explore the college’s expanding health sciences programs and noting the importance of training the next generation of healthcare workers.
The panel, moderated by Kirby Watson of Aligned Tek, featured Joey Battles, Dean of Health Sciences at Gadsden State Community College; Michael Hall, CEO of Gadsden Regional Medical Center; Will Tucker, Associate Director of Enrollment Partnerships and Marketing at Jacksonville State University; John Langlois, CEO of Riverview Regional Medical Center; and Dr. Justin Steinman, Radiation Oncologist with Alabama Cancer Care.
Workforce development was a central theme, with Battles describing how Gadsden State is adapting its programs to meet industry demand. “Healthcare is always changing, so our training has to change with it,” he said. “By investing in EMS, surgical technology, and new tools like virtual reality, we’re preparing students to walk into hospitals ready to serve on day one.”
Tucker added that Jacksonville State is also expanding its role in growing the nursing workforce. “This fall we expect the largest nursing class since the pandemic,” he said. “We’re focused on creating clear pathways, whether that’s an LPN to RN bridge or helping registered nurses earn advanced degrees. The future of healthcare depends on a strong educational pipeline.”
Panelists also emphasized the importance of keeping patients in Etowah County for care. “We capture only about 60% of healthcare in Etowah County,” said Michael Hall. “If more people stayed here for care, we could recruit additional specialists and expand services like neurosurgery and cardiology. The more support we have locally, the more we can grow.”
Dr. Steinman echoed that message, emphasizing the advanced treatments already available close to home. “We’re able to provide patients with cutting-edge cancer care right here in Etowah County,” he said. “Stereotactic radiosurgery, precision oncology, PET/CT imaging, these aren’t just big city services anymore. Staying local means better access, less travel, and more support for patients and families.”
Langlois addressed the financial and staffing pressures hospitals are facing nationwide, from burnout and turnover to fierce competition for skilled workers. “We’re all dealing with the same challenges, but the solution is collaboration,” he said. “When our hospitals, colleges, and community leaders work together, we can build a system that not only survives but thrives.”
Technology was another recurring theme, with panelists pointing to telehealth, electronic health records, wearable devices, and AI-driven imaging as tools that can improve efficiency and expand access. “Technology won’t replace people, but it can help ease the strain,” Langlois added. “The right tools allow us to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.”
Across the discussion, a consistent message emerged: by investing in education, embracing technology, and choosing local providers, the community can strengthen both its healthcare system and its economy.
The Etowah Update series, organized by the Etowah Chamber, brings together leaders from across industries to address key issues shaping the region. The Healthcare Summit marked the first in the series focused on healthcare, setting the stage for continued collaboration and growth.
For more information about the Etowah Chamber and upcoming programs, visit etowahchamber.org, call 256-543-3472, or email info@etowahchamber.org
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