As healthcare braces for the ripple effects of new federal funding shifts and mounting workforce shortages, one thing is clear: the old model isn’t working.
On The Post PLUS Podcast, powered by Clasp, Confluent Health CEO Kristi Henderson joined host David Kafafian to unpack how the “One Big Beautiful Bill” moment could reshape the future of healthcare education and workforce development.
Kristi explored how this landmark reform could accelerate the shift from sick care to well care, redirecting dollars and attention toward prevention, outcomes, and access. For Confluent Health, that means creating a system where conservative care like physical therapy is prioritized, clinicians are supported, and the path into healthcare is more affordable than ever.
“Debt should not be the price of admission for a healthcare career—and I’m just trying to change that,” Kristi said.
In the episode, she connects policy to practice, highlighting how Confluent Health is already taking action to close the workforce gap through:
- Accelerated, hybrid university programs that fast-track qualified clinicians into the field.
- Employer-backed tuition support and loan repayment initiatives like our LIFT (Loan Initiative for Therapists) and Scholars Programs, designed to make healthcare education accessible and sustainable.
- Streamlined care delivery through hybrid models and reduced administrative friction—freeing clinicians to focus on what matters most: patient care.
Kristi’s message is clear: closing the “last-dollar gap” for students isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic one. By investing in future clinicians, we’re protecting patient access, reducing burnout, and building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for all.