Top healthcare journalists Anastassia Gliadkovskaya of Fierce Healthcare and Cassie McGrath of Healthcare Brew, as well as Puck Chief Washington Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell, have a pulse on the rapidly evolving health policy, reporting, and industry landscape in 2025.
In a panel discussion with Stephanie Fergione, SVP at Inkhouse, an Orchestra company, and Nichola Page, SVP at BerlinRosen, an Orchestra company, the journalists discussed the forces shaping their work as they report on the healthcare industry—particularly the growing infiltration of artificial intelligence (AI).
Here are five takeaways from the conversation:
- Health equity remains an ongoing concern
Both Anastassia and Cassie emphasized concerns around health equity and the continued effects on marginalized communities. Per Anastassia, more stories are emerging around maternal health access, LGBTQ+ care restrictions, and the broader continuum of care related to perimenopause and menopause benefits.
“The great thing about healthcare is that it kind of is interspersed in every single conversation that’s happening. [...] So, for example, when I was on the Hill covering the ‘big, beautiful bill,’ of course, there was the Medicaid component, which was a huge part of those negotiations,” said Leigh Ann. When it comes to Medicaid cuts and who gets left behind, Anastassia saw another set of issues, impacting access to behavioral healthcare. “There’s a ton of focus on the industry side, and behavioral health folks are concerned that Medicaid cuts are going to affect access to behavioral health, save for children, which is niche, but obviously an important space,” she said.
- AI and healthcare: possibilities, progress and pitfalls
Cassie is exploring how AI tools such as voice agents and medical scribes are being leveraged in healthcare. When sourcing stories, she looks for individuals who “balance a good amount of skepticism and curiosity in the space as well.” Her interests also include thoughtful discussions about both the benefits and risks of AI, including its environmental impact, given that healthcare is often the first touchpoint during climate-related disasters.
As hospitals seek to partner with or invest in AI companies, the integration of AI in healthcare systems is raising pressing cybersecurity concerns. Cassie and Leigh Ann have both noted the regulatory hurdles tied to its integration, with Cassie posing an increasing number of questions regarding hospital IT protocols and cybersecurity response. The susceptibility of “a robot hacking a robot,” she added, highlights these emerging threats.
Following the HLTH 2025 conference, which featured a prominent display of health technology vendors, Anastassia encouraged companies to move beyond standard product launches and AI integrations in their pitching and storytelling. Instead, she stressed the importance of differentiation through safety and transparency. Companies that demonstrate a rigorous and intentional approach to algorithm vetting and evaluation are more likely to stand out. (Read our recap from this year’s HLTH 2025 conference: HLTH 2025: The Future of Health is Personal, Preventative, and Powered by Connection.)
- AI advances while Congress struggles to keep up
Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota told Leigh Ann that he believes AI presents major opportunities in defense and biomedical innovation. However, she noted that Congress faces challenges in keeping up with the pace of change. In the absence of federal regulation, state-level action is beginning to fill the gaps.
Given this complex dynamic, Leigh Ann emphasized that early-stage healthcare companies should highlight what they’re doing behind the scenes to engage policymakers when pitching to outlets like Puck.
- Media fragmentation impacts how journalists find stories
From LinkedIn to news media outlets, podcasts, trade publications, Substacks, and social media, reporters are finding inspiration for their stories from a wide range of sources. Not only are these journalists engaging with new media, but they also recognize that their audiences are consuming news from these platforms—not just traditional news outlets.
“I think it’s sort of about keeping an open mind about the different ways people are engaging with the news now and trying to reach them,” said Cassie, emphasizing that journalists must adapt to evolving audience habits. “It’s part of our job to give people a reason [to read a news story] and make them want to come back for more.”
According to Anastassia, trade publications also play a crucial role in reaching niche, influential audiences. Industry leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers who value specialized reporting are willing to pay for such information, making trade outlets a valuable resource for professionals and journalists.
- What merits coverage
When pitching, understand reporters’ audiences, the topics they cover, and how they frame their coverage.
Cold pitches are difficult to break through, so focus on developing authentic relationships, as reporters prefer to work with sources they know and trust. Cassie emphasized the importance of being upfront with both the subject and the individuals offered for interviews. “If I feel like someone is misleading me from the top, I just don’t feel comfortable working with them. [...] Lead with authenticity and accuracy,” she said.
Be specific and concise. When pitching, “AI in healthcare” is too broad a topic. Hone in on a particular trend or case study. Reporters are busy, so clarity and focus go a long way.
Anastassia emphasized the importance of understanding what truly makes something newsworthy. A company milestone or leadership change is not necessarily newsworthy; she is interested in meaningful outcomes and partnerships.
As AI accelerates change across healthcare, the most urgent questions remain: Who benefits, who’s protected, and who’s left behind?
2025 proved that disruption alone isn’t progress. With every wave of health technology innovation comes new concerns about healthcare equity gaps, cybersecurity, and federal regulation surrounding AI. Journalists and healthcare professionals are asking how this evolution can expand access, safeguard patients and deliver value with transparency.
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