Josh Wilda on Digital Transformation, AI, and the Future of Healthcare IT

On this episode of QuickHITs, Tyler Smith sits down with Josh Wilda, Associate Vice President for Information Systems and Chief Information Digital Officer at University of Iowa Health Care, to explore how healthcare organizations are evolving from technology operators to strategic enablers of care. Josh shares his unique journey into healthcare IT, from his early days at Epic to leading digital transformation initiatives across major academic health systems. With over 25 years of experience, he brings a perspective grounded in both technical expertise and a deep understanding of healthcare's broader ecosystem. Josh discusses the shifting role of IT leadership—from managing infrastructure to driving enterprise-wide strategy—and how today's leaders must act as connectors across clinical, operational, and technological domains. Josh outlines how organizations can build trust, embed IT into the business, and move from transactional support to true partnership. We also explore the growing impact of AI, data, and digital health, and why success starts with a strong foundation of clean, accessible data. Josh shares how his team is balancing innovation with operational stability, prioritizing initiatives that reduce friction and allow clinicians and staff to operate at the top of their license. Finally, Josh highlights the importance of aligning digital strategy with the core mission of healthcare—improving patient and provider experiences—while ensuring technology enhances, rather than distracts from, that connection.