In the latest episode of the BoomBostic Health Podcast, Bradley Bostic sat down with Liz Hutson, a healthcare consultant with over 25 years of experience, to explore the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in healthcare. Together, they uncovered strategies for navigating the complexities of consolidation while maximizing patient outcomes and organizational value.

At its core, M&A in healthcare is about creating partnerships that improve care delivery and expand access to critical resources. Liz emphasized that every merger begins with purpose—leaders must ask, “How will this benefit the patient?” This question drives not only strategic decisions but also the trust and alignment necessary for a successful transition.

Liz’s proven SMSO framework—Stabilize, Mobilize, Stabilize, Optimize—has guided countless organizations through the challenges of integration. The process begins with strengthening both entities before any change occurs, ensuring they can withstand the demands of consolidation. “Stability is non-negotiable,” Liz explained. “Without it, even the best opportunities can crumble under pressure.”

Once stabilization is achieved, mobilization focuses on the careful execution of the transition. Clear communication and thoughtful planning are vital during this phase. Liz stressed the importance of empathy, particularly when addressing the emotional impact of change on employees. “People are the intellectual capital you’re acquiring,” she said. “Their buy-in determines the success of the entire process.”

Following mobilization, the framework emphasizes restabilizing the combined organization to ensure operational continuity before moving into optimization. “It’s tempting to aim for immediate efficiency gains,” Liz acknowledged. “But patience pays off—jumping too soon adds unnecessary risk.”

Bradley highlighted the significance of cultural alignment in M&A, reflecting on his own experience at hc1. He shared that fostering collaboration between teams and ensuring a values-driven approach were critical to the success of past acquisitions. “Without culture fit, even the most strategic mergers can fall apart,” he noted.

Regulatory challenges also play a significant role in healthcare M&A. Liz emphasized the need for thorough preparation, including compliance audits and proactive due diligence. By addressing potential vulnerabilities early, organizations can avoid costly delays and maintain trust with stakeholders.

Throughout the episode, Liz and Bradley stressed the importance of tying every decision back to patient impact. Whether scaling operations or integrating cutting-edge technology, the end goal should always be improving care. This perspective not only drives innovation but also reinforces the mission of healthcare as a deeply human endeavor.

Their discussion underscored that success in M&A isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about building something greater than the sum of its parts. Leaders who prioritize vision, empathy, and disciplined execution can unlock the full potential of their partnerships and create lasting value for patients and organizations alike.