In late 2026, WellSpan completed a cloud migration that many in the industry call the most comprehensive in healthcare history. The speed and scope of the shift reflect a growing trend as hospitals and medical providers re-evaluate where they store and run critical systems. The initiative involved moving nearly the entire technology portfolio to Amazon Web Services, a move that took just over three months. This bold strategy highlights a broader shift taking place across the healthcare sector as leaders rethink how to manage and modernize their IT infrastructure.
The cloud migration isn’t just about moving servers; it’s about rethinking the future of medicine. With more data coming from clinical systems, wearable devices and AI models, health systems need infrastructure that scales quickly and securely. This migration aligns with the industry’s need to handle vast amounts of information and process complex datasets, all while ensuring compliance with data security and privacy standards.
What drives cloud adoption in healthcare
A mix of financial and strategic factors pushed health systems into the cloud. Anshul Pande, interim CTO at Seattle Children’s Hospital, pointed to the economics of cloud computing versus on-premises hardware as a major shift. Cloud providers now offer scalable resources and software-as-a-service models that are both mature and cost-effective. These advancements make it easier for health systems to avoid the high costs of purchasing and maintaining physical hardware, while also gaining access to flexible computing resources.
At the same time, AI is pushing health systems to adopt infrastructure that can support high-performance computing. GPUs, the hardware required for most AI workloads, are growing in cost and complexity. Moving data and processing tasks to the cloud helps reduce reliance on expensive in-house hardware. This allows health systems to process large volumes of data quickly without the need for large upfront investments in hardware.
Darin Prill, CTO at WellSpan, emphasized that financial urgency wasn’t the only reason for migration. The health system saw cloud adoption as a way to lay the groundwork for future innovation. “We wanted to build a stronger foundation for AI and digital transformation,” he said. By moving to the cloud, WellSpan positioned itself to support a wide range of innovative technologies, including AI applications that can improve patient care and outcomes.
Choosing cloud, hybrid or on-premise models
Health systems aren’t all moving to the same model. Some, like WellSpan, are going all-in on cloud infrastructure. Others are adopting hybrid models that combine cloud and on-premise systems. The choice often depends on specific organizational needs, including factors like security, compliance, technical requirements and long-term strategic goals.
Seattle Children’s Hospital, for example, uses a multi-cloud strategy that spreads different workloads across multiple providers. The organization keeps highly sensitive clinical systems on-premise but runs more standardized applications in the cloud. This approach allows the hospital to maintain control over mission-critical systems while also benefiting from the flexibility and scalability of cloud services.
Children’s Mercy Kansas City evaluated each application individually, weighing factors like cost, security and performance before deciding where to host it. Wes Barnes, interim CDO at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said CHOP took a cloud-first approach but allowed exceptions for systems tied to specialized equipment or high-performance computing workloads. This method ensures that each application runs in the environment best suited to its specific needs, balancing efficiency and performance with security and compliance.
Common practices for successful cloud migration
While no two cloud migrations look exactly the same, leaders from different health systems described shared strategies that helped their transitions go smoothly. One key lesson was that cloud migration is as much about people as it is about technology. Successful projects require a comprehensive approach that involves aligning technology, processes and people to support the new infrastructure.
Brian Lancaster, CIO at Children’s Mercy, said the biggest challenge during the migration was managing organizational change. “It’s not just about moving data,” he said. “You have to align the people, the processes and the infrastructure to make the shift work.” This insight underscores the importance of change management and communication in cloud migration efforts. Health systems must ensure that all stakeholders understand the benefits and goals of the migration and are prepared to adapt to new systems and workflows.
Another common practice is the use of a phased migration strategy. This approach allows health systems to move applications and data in stages, reducing risk and ensuring that each step is carefully evaluated. By taking a methodical approach, organizations can identify and address any issues that arise, making the transition smoother and more efficient.
Leaders also stressed the importance of collaboration with cloud providers and other technology partners. These partnerships can provide valuable support and expertise, helping health systems navigate the complexities of cloud migration. Whether it’s through technical assistance, training or strategic guidance, working closely with partners can help ensure that the migration meets the organization’s goals and needs.