With nearly 40 years of experience as a philanthropy professional, including 30 years as a chief philanthropy officer and executive leader in healthcare, Mr. Bruce A. Bartoo, MPA, CFRE, launched the Gratitude Health Group in 2023. Intensely focused on unleashing the power of gratitude to create unrealized value in healthcare, Bruce utilizes his unique expertise to partner with organizational leadership in building innovative programs that not only naturally and more organically expand philanthropic support, but also serve to enhance patient experience (often improving patient satisfaction scores) while addressing and ultimately reducing clinician burnout as care team members receive heart-felt expressions of gratitude.
What inspired you to create the Healthcare Gratitude Summit?
After working in healthcare philanthropy for over three decades, I saw firsthand the profound impact that gratitude can have on patients, caregivers, and healthcare organizations. The Summit was born out of a desire to elevate gratitude as a strategic tool—not just a feel-good concept—by bringing together leaders who are using it to drive employee engagement, patient satisfaction, and inspire meaningful philanthropic partnerships.
What makes the 2025 Pittsburgh Area Healthcare Gratitude Summit unique?
Each regional summit is tailored to the needs and interests of that healthcare community. In the Pittsburgh region, we’re gathering numerous top healthcare executives, philanthropy leaders, patient experience professionals, and clinicians to explore how gratitude can strengthen culture, retention, and inspire philanthropic investments. It’s a one-day, high-impact event focused on both inspiration and practical tools.
Why was Cranberry Township chosen as the location?
Cranberry Township is ideally situated for healthcare professionals from across western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and other areas. It offers an accessible venue with excellent amenities for both large health systems and community hospitals. We’re excited to bring people together in a space that fosters meaningful conversation and connection.
What can attendees expect to take away from the Summit?
Attendees will undoubtedly leave motivated to unleash the power of gratitude in their own organization, inspired to take actionable strategies for integrating gratitude into leadership development, frontline recognition, and philanthropy programs. Attendees will also hear real-world success stories, participate in peer-led discussions, and better understand how to unleash the culture of gratitude that already exists in their healthcare organization.
Who should attend this Summit?
Anyone committed to creating a more compassionate, connected healthcare environment. That includes CEOs, CMOs, CNOs, CHROs, philanthropy executives, patient experience officers, marketing leaders, and Board members. Gratitude is a leadership skill—and we look forward to this important industry dialogue with such leaders in the room.
How does this event align with broader trends in healthcare leadership and culture?
As healthcare continues to face significant workforce challenges, burnout, and patient trust issues, organizations are looking for authentic ways to reconnect with their mission. Gratitude is a powerful, research-backed approach that builds resilience and loyalty while enhancing patient care. We’re putting it at the forefront of the conversation.
What has the response been like from previous Gratitude Summits?
It’s been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have indicated that it was one of the most uplifting and useful events they attended all year. More importantly, organizational leaders leave inspired to act – and we’re seeing real momentum as gratitude-inspired leadership becomes an industry movement across the world.
The Summit has no registration fee to attend; how can people register or learn more?
Visit healthcaregratitude.com. You’ll find details on the Pittsburgh area event, including the agenda and registration link. Space is limited, so preregistration is required. We are deeply grateful to Digital Health Strategies for sponsoring this event, allowing us to provide this important industry dialogue event for free.
