Regenstrief Institute researchers played a leading role in the second biennial HEALeR (Health Excellence Achieved through Learning Health Systems Research) symposium, November 6, 2025, at the NCAA Conference Center in Indianapolis. The event brought together national and local leaders to explore the theme, “Evidence in Action: Advancing Ethical Implementation Science in Learning Health Systems.”
The symposium convened researchers, clinicians and ethicists to examine how evidence can be used ethically and effectively to inform healthcare delivery. Discussions focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and implementation science in building responsive learning health systems that prioritize improving decision making and patient outcomes.
Regenstrief researchers played an integral role in planning and guiding the symposium through their leadership positions within HEALeR, helping shape the event’s focus and leading and participating in presentations and discussions. The leadership council guides HEALeR’s overall strategy and priorities, providing executive oversight to advance its collaborative mission, while the advisory committee offers expert, cross-disciplinary guidance to ensure initiatives are impactful and aligned with organizational goals.
HEALeR leadership council
- Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, M.D., MPH – associate dean for health system research and transformation, IU School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute research scientist
- Erika Cheng, PhD, MPA, – associate professor of pediatrics, IU School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute affiliate scientist
HEALeR advisory committee
- Sarah Wiehe, M.D., MPH – co-director, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute and Regenstrief Institute research scientist
- David Haggstrom, M.D., MAS – director, William M. Tierney Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute research scientist
HEALeR expert bench
The expert bench provides mentorship and specialized expertise to support researchers and strengthen the design and reach of their studies.
- Erika R. Cheng, PhD, MPA, – associate professor of pediatrics, IU School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute affiliate scientist
- Paul Musey, M.D. – associate professor of emergency medicine, IU School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute research scientist
- Kosali Simon, PhD, M.A. – distinguished professor, School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Regenstrief Institute research scientist
- Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, M.D., MPH – associate dean for health system research and transformation, IU School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute research scientist
Regenstrief researchers contributed their expertise throughout the event, serving as panelists and moderators in sessions addressing ethical frameworks, data readiness and the role of learning health systems in advancing patient care.
Morning Keynote
Ruth R. Faden, PhD, MPH
Berman Institute Founder; Philip Franklin Wagley Professor of Biomedical Ethics
Panel 1: Beyond the Checkbox: Ethics, Consent, and Navigating the QI/Research Line
Panelists: Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, M.D., MPH; Ruth R. Faden, PhD, MPH; Kristyn Looney, J.D.; Peter Schwartz, M.D., PhD; Amy Waltz, J.D.
Moderator: Amy Martin, DBe, M.A.
Panel 2: Making the Case for LHS as Essential Infrastructure
Panelists: Jiang Bian, PhD; Dawn Bravata, M.D.; Peter Embí, M.D., M.S.; Randy Grout, M.D., M.S.; Michele Saysana, M.D.
Moderator: Titus Schleyer, DMD, MBA, PhD
Panel 3a: LHS at Scale: Cross-Sector Data for Population Health
Panelists: Matt Aalsma, PhD; Katie Allen, PhD; Karen Frederickson Comer, MLA; Aaron Zych, MPH.
Moderator: Ally Dir, PhD
Panel 3b: Real-World Implementation — HEALeR Use Case Showcase
Panelists: Angela Campbell, PhD, MPH; Hank Green, PhD, M.S.; Julia LaMotte, PhD; Lauren Nephew, M.D.; April Savoy, PhD; Francesca Williamson, PhD.
Moderator: Bernice Pescosolido, PhD.
Panel 3c: Building the Digital LHS — AI, Data Readiness, and Trust
Panelists: Andrew Gonzalez, M.D., J.D., MPH; Shaun Grannis, M.D., M.S.; Jason Schaffer, M.D.; Emily Webber, M.D.
Moderator: Peter Embí, M.D., M.S.
Afternoon Keynote
Lisa A. Cooper, M.D., MPH
Bloomberg Distinguished Professor
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Featured Plenary: Systems That Learn, Systems That Lead
Panelists: Jiang Bian, PhD; Aaron Carroll, M.D., M.S.; Peter Embí, M.D., M.S.; Christina Scifres, M.D.
Moderator: Rachel Patzer, PhD, MPH.
Networking Reception and Panel: Clinical AI in Learning Health Systems: From Validation to Value
Hosted by the Regenstrief Institute
Panelists: Jiang Bian, PhD; David Haggstrom, M.D., MAS; Shaun Grannis, M.D., M.S.; Sebastien Rhodes, Emily Webber, M.D.
Moderators: Manmeet Kaur, PhD, MBA, and Christina Scifres, M.D.
The HEALeR Consortium strengthens systems of care through research that improves health outcomes, expands access and supports evidence-based models of care. HEALeR works in close collaboration with Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Health, Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Irsay Institute, Regenstrief Institute and community partners to ensure learning health systems are responsive and sustainable.
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