Northwestern urology leaders drive innovation through system integration

In a recent interview, Henry C. Wright IV, MD, and Jennifer Miles-Thomas, MD, URPS, MBA, highlighted Northwestern Medicine’s efforts to foster innovation and integration across its expanding hospital network. Wright emphasized the importance of ensuring that all hospitals in the system are aligned and not operating in silos. This is achieved by standardizing patient care algorithms, providing access to advanced surgical equipment, harmonizing electronic medical records, and extending research opportunities across sites. By leveraging the collective strength of the network, Northwestern aims to deliver consistent, high-quality care to patients regardless of location.

Miles-Thomas underscored the role of structured innovation pathways in this effort. She praised Dr. Wright’s leadership as chair of the growth and innovation committee, which serves as the central forum where urologists can propose new technologies or approaches. The committee evaluates these ideas systematically, ensuring proper trials and representation from both regional and academic sites. This process allows for system-wide implementation of innovations rather than piecemeal adoption, enabling all providers to access approved technologies simultaneously.

Beyond commercially available technologies, Miles-Thomas also discussed Northwestern’s unique advantage in supporting novel, out-of-the-box ideas. As vice chair of regional integration and innovation, she helps oversee collaborations with the Mansueto Innovation Institute, which provides a platform for exploring intellectual property, partnering with industry leaders, and developing homegrown solutions. This includes areas such as artificial intelligence, new devices, and algorithm-driven care.

Both urologists emphasized that Northwestern’s integrated structure and commitment to innovation allow any urologist within the network to contribute ideas and see them developed into practice. This culture of collaboration, transparency, and system-wide adoption positions the department to continually enhance patient care while advancing the field of urology.