World Chamber of Commerce – TX Presents

Dialogue with Leaders: The Future of Healthcare
Innovation, Access, Cost, and Global Perspectives

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Houston City Hall

Houston, TX – The World Chamber of Commerce Texas (WCCTx) proudly announces its next installment in the prestigious Dialogue with Leaders series, titled “The Future of Healthcare: Innovation, Access, Cost, and Global Perspectives.” The event will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Legacy Room at Houston City Hall, located at 900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002.

As the U.S. leads in medical innovation and technology, it simultaneously faces rising healthcare costs, access disparities, administrative burdens, and a life expectancy gap compared to peer nations. This timely panel will explore today’s most pressing healthcare challenges and opportunities from global, national, and regional perspectives, with a special emphasis on Houston’s role as a world-class medical hub.

“We believe Houston is uniquely positioned to shape the future of healthcare, not only through innovation, but through global dialogue that leads to real impact,” said Willy Verbrugghe, Chairman of WCCTx.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: Dialogue with Leaders – The Future of Healthcare
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Legacy Room, Houston City Hall
Address: 900 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

Admission: FREE (RSVP Required – No Walk-Ins)

Parking: Street and paid public lots available nearby
Register Here: https://wcct.org/events/
Space is limited. First come, first served.

ABOUT THE EVENT

The program will convene healthcare system leaders, academic physicians, health-tech innovators, policy experts, international specialists, and business leaders in healthcare investment. The discussion will examine emerging technologies, global system comparisons, healthcare cost structures, life expectancy trends, administrative complexity, and strategies to shift from reactive care to long-term population health outcomes.

The evening includes:

• 5:00 PM – Networking Reception (Light Refreshments Provided)
• 5:30 PM – Opening Remarks
• 6:00 PM – Panel Discussion
• 6:45 PM – Recognition & Closing

PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Breakthrough innovations: AI, precision medicine, nanotech
• Urban vs. rural healthcare access and workforce shortages
• U.S. vs. international healthcare systems and costs
• Houston as a global destination for advanced medical care
• Life expectancy gaps and population health strategies
• Administrative complexity and system efficiency
• Shifting from short-term care to long-term health outcomes

MODERATOR 

Sherif Z. Zaafran, MD, FASA
President, Texas Medical Board

Dr. Zaafran is a board-certified anesthesiologist and nationally recognized healthcare policy leader with more than 30 years of experience. He serves as President of the Texas Medical Board and is Chair of the National Legislative Committee at U.S. Anesthesia Partners. A member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of State Medical Boards and former member of the FDA Analgesia and Anesthesia Drug Products Advisory Committee, he is widely respected for his leadership in medical regulation, patient safety, and healthcare policy.

CONFIRMED PANELISTS: (Alphabetical Order)

Dr. Randy Briones
Division Vice President of Rural Outreach and Telemedicine

Dr. Briones is a seasoned healthcare executive and former Market CEO with extensive experience leading complex markets and service lines. As Division Vice President of Rural Outreach and Telemedicine, he focuses on expanding access to care through strategic partnerships and innovative growth initiatives. Known for his relationship-building expertise, he works closely with physicians, executives, and community leaders to strengthen healthcare delivery and drive sustainable organizational growth.

Lila Fass, MBA
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Business Officer
LMB Management Consulting Services, LLC

Lila Fass is the CEO and Chief Business Officer of LMB Management Consulting Services, LLC, an executive healthcare consulting firm she founded in 2011. With more than 21 years of healthcare leadership experience, including C-suite roles at St. Luke’s and HCA, she specializes in healthcare operations, system efficiency, and executive strategy. She will provide insight into comparisons between U.S. and international healthcare systems, including practices, technologies, and operational efficiencies.

Faisal Masud, MD, FCCP, FCCM
Mary A. and M. Samuel Daffin, Sr. Centennial Chair in Anesthesia and Critical Care
Houston Methodist Hospital System

Dr. Masud is the Centennial Chair in Anesthesia and Critical Care and founding Medical Director of the Center for Critical Care at Houston Methodist, where he oversees intensive care units across nine hospitals, including its pioneering Virtual ICU. A professor across multiple academic institutions, he is internationally recognized for leadership in critical care innovation, patient safety, sustainability, and infection prevention. He is widely regarded as a leading voice in the future of critical care medicine.

SPONSORED BY:

Avicenna Clínicas (Ibn Sina Foundation)
A nonprofit 501(c)(3) medical and multispecialty care organization, Avicenna Clínicas has served over one million patient visits in the last two decades. Its comprehensive programs—spanning medical, dental, diagnostic, specialty, and mental health services—have been implemented with public and private partners to deliver sustainable and affordable healthcare access across the region.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

WCCTx thanks the City of Houston and the Office of the Mayor for their continued support and for hosting this event at Houston City Hall.

We also extend gratitude to our collaborators and sponsors: Lebanon Times (media coverage), Adversavvy and ALD Creative (event branding and marketing), and Informitron (press and distribution support).

ABOUT WCCTx

World Chamber of Commerce – Texas (WCCTx) connects global and local communities through partnerships that drive business, diplomacy, and economic opportunity. Based in Houston—one of the world’s most diverse cities, WCCTx hosts events, forums, and international initiatives that empower civic and international leaders and promote meaningful cross-sector collaboration.

DISCLAIMER
Event times, speakers, and moderators are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.wcct.org for the latest updates and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed. In the event of inclement weather or any unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, updated event details will be communicated promptly.

CONTACT

World Chamber of Commerce – Texas
wcctxinfo@gmail.com
+1 (713) 955-8821
www.wcct.org

🎟️ Ticket Price: $20 This event is FREE!
🔒 RSVP Required – No walk-ins allowed