The beginning of the new year is off to a busy start for hospital and health system mergers and acquisitions with several deals announced, advancing or finalized. 

Artificial intelligence and personalizing the patient experience via digital are top of mind for health system marketing chiefs in 2025.

While the total number of applications declined in the 2024-to-2025 academic year, enrollment in U.S. medical schools reached a new high, according to data released Jan. 9 by the Association of American Medical Colleges. 

Laurium, Mich.-based Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, part of Wausau, Wis.-based Aspirus Health, ended its labor and delivery services on Dec. 31.

Labcorp has struck an agreement to manage the daily operations of Vineland, N.J.-based Inspira Health's hospital laboratories in Vineland, Elmer, and Mullica Hill. 

Wynn Hospital in Utica, N.Y., plans to resume open-heart surgery sometime in January after an eight-month pause. 

Pharmaceutical companies merging are thought to increase drug prices, but research from Iowa City-based University of Iowa seems to dispel this theory when the mergers are between generic drugmakers. 

New York City-based NYU Langone Health has launched a new ad campaign focused on quality and safety to stand out in the city's crowded healthcare market.

Chesapeake (Va.) Regional Medical Center is facing federal criminal charges related to unnecessary surgeries performed by a physician who was convicted of 52 federal counts in 2020.

The FDA has mandated updated safety labeling for two respiratory syncytial virus vaccines, Pfizer's Abrysvo and GlaxoSmithKline's Arexvy, following the identification of an increased risk of Guillan-Barré syndrome. 

Ninety percent of hospital leaders expect financial performance to remain similar to or better than 2024, driven by increased utilization (77%) and success with commercial contracting (56%), according to a VMG Health report published Jan. 9.

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose "very high tariffs" on Denmark if the country refuses to allow Greenland to become a part of the U.S., The New York Times reported Jan. 8. 

A Veterans Affairs hospital in Richmond, Va., is halting all outpatient appointments, procedures and surgeries Jan. 9 and 10 after the city's reservoir system malfunctioned. 

Healthcare education in high schools exploded in 2024.

While average hospital margins stabilized last year, consolidation trends show health systems are still facing significant financial challenges.

The healthcare landscape continues to change as hospitals and emergency departments face mounting challenges in 2025. Following a trend of 25 hospital closures reported on by Becker's in 2024, many facilities are being forced to close their doors due to changing community needs, rising operational costs and evolving care models.

Healthcare pays an average annual salary of $112,055 to tech workers, according to Dice.

Cybersecurity is top of mind for hospital and health system IT leaders in 2025.

Rochester (N.Y.) General Hospital plans to close beds temporarily as the hospital aims to recruit more staff nurses and cut spending, according to a report from News 10, an NBC affiliate.

Here are three hospitals and health systems that have implemented new EHR systems or announced plans to do so since Jan. 6: