The healthcare industry will continue to command the spotlight in 2014, and healthcare executive search consultants from Witt/Kieffer have some advice for making 2014 a stellar year on the work front, including a recommendation to broaden the role of the CIO.

[See also: Healthcare CIOs earn big bucks] and [CNIO role on the rise]

The recommendations:

1. Prepare for unplanned CEO turnover – Paul Bohne, managing partner, says, “Technological advancements, physician alignment, market consolidation and government policy changes have all increased the complexities of how large, diverse healthcare organizations operate.” These mounting responsibilities have exacerbated the turnover issue.
2. Focus on physician executives – Today’s healthcare industry places a premium on quality and value, meaning physicians will be essential leaders and decision-makers in every organization, believes Christine Mackey-Ross, managing partner, Physician Integration and Executive Leadership practice.
3. Face the challenges of hospital consolidation – Donna Padilla, senior partner, says “It’s crucial to have a versatile leader that can embrace change, be nimble and have experience in the areas that will matter the most: quality, patient outcomes, technology and regulation.”
4. Increase knowledge of finance – Nelson Mann, FACHE, senior partner, says “Hospitals and health networks are looking for a more strategic, versus operational, financial executive.” CFOs who are able to expand their roles will become leading candidates for their organizations’ CEO positions in coming years.
5. Expand the role of the CIO – “What’s needed now is a much broader spectrum of skills, such as having a clinical background and successful track record of implementing advanced clinical systems, including deep experience with electronic health records,” says Linda Hodges, managing partner and leader of Witt/Kieffer’s IT practice.
6. Turn to chief strategy officers – “While the CSO is a relatively recent job title in healthcare, this individual is quickly becoming indispensible as the CEO’s right-hand person,” says Rachel Polhemus, senior partner.