Alabama’s rural healthcare system is at a tipping point, with over half of the state’s rural hospitals operating at a financial deficit and nearly 20 facilities at immediate risk of closure. Critical services—including labor and delivery, inpatient care, and chemotherapy—have been scaled back or eliminated across multiple counties, creating dangerous care deserts. As hospitals close or convert to limited-service models, rural residents face longer travel times for essential care, fewer specialty services, and worsening health outcomes. The effects are particularly severe for maternal and infant health, chronic disease management, and timely emergency care—placing both patients and providers under extraordinary strain. Healthcare systems across Alabama are responding with innovative models aimed at stabilizing and reimagining rural care delivery. USA Health has launched a Rural Care Program Office focused on expanding telemedicine and physician recruitment in underserved regions. UAB Health System has sustained multiple rural partnerships—most notably with Whitfield Regional Hospital and J. Paul Jones Hospital—to maintain access to oncology and inpatient services in the Black Belt. Huntsville Hospital Health System oversees a coordinated network of regional hospitals in North Alabama, integrating operations and clinical services across facilities like Red Bay, Marshall, and Decatur Morgan. These collaborative initiatives reflect a growing commitment to not only keep doors open but also build a more connected, resilient future for rural health. This panel brings together some of the state’s most experienced leaders in rural healthcare strategy, operations, and clinical delivery. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into the current landscape, the real-time innovations underway, and what’s needed next to ensure Alabama’s rural communities are not left behind. If you are involved in health system planning, rural operations, policy, or strategy, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Heavy Hors D’oeuvres will be served and Cash Bar Available
Allison Ross
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
Huntsville Hospital Health System
Allison Ross leads Huntsville Hospital’s legislative and policy strategy at the local, state, and federal levels. With deep experience in healthcare advocacy, she plays a key role in shaping policy that supports hospital sustainability and rural access to care.
Sam Dean, MSHA
Executive Vice President, Regional Hospital Operations
Huntsville Hospital Health System
Sam Dean oversees operations for Huntsville Hospital’s network of regional facilities across North Alabama. With nearly two decades of leadership experience, he brings deep expertise in rural hospital management and health system integration.
Dr. Martin Heslin, MD, MSHA
Chief Medical and Quality Officer
UAB Health System
Dr. Martin Heslin leads clinical quality and performance improvement across UAB’s health system. A surgical oncologist with over 25 years of experience, he has helped sustain rural care through academic partnerships and system-level innovation.
Elizabeth Kirby, MSHA, MBA
Executive Director, Virtual Care and Rural Initiatives USA Health
Elizabeth Kirby leads USA Health’s rural health and telemedicine strategy across southwest Alabama. A former rural hospital CEO, she is dedicated to strengthening access and building sustainable care models for underserved communities.
Nathan Tudor, MBA, FACHE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Monroe County Hospital in Monroeville, Alabama. With over two decades of experience in rural healthcare leadership, he has been instrumental in revitalizing community hospitals across the South. Prior to his current role, Tudor served as CEO of MidCoast Health System in Texas, where he earned the Texas Hospital Association’s Pioneer Award for innovative rural health strategies. He holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and an MBA from the University of Tennessee
