Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Scott Becker - 10 Healthcare News Stories We Are Following Today 1-26-26
Jan 26, 2026
A rapid rundown of ten major healthcare stories from oncology staging history to philanthropy for a new cancer center. Coverage includes hospitals bracing for winter storms and major system divestitures. Rural hospital funding debates and staffing challenges get attention. Also: nurse-to-patient caps, portfolio trimming by health systems, regional acquisitions, and on-call pay rankings.
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Cancer Staging's Enduring Role
- Cancer staging remains foundational to oncology care and patient understanding.
- Scott Becker highlights Dr. Frederick Green's role in developing cancer staging standards.
Big Gifts Target Specialty Centers
- Philanthropy is flowing to high-cost specialty centers like oncology, orthopedics and heart care.
- Scott Becker points to a $30 million gift to Cedars-Sinai's specialized cancer center as an example.
Systems Trim Footprints Strategically
- Large systems are reshaping footprints to focus on markets where they can be strong.
- Scott Becker cites CommonSpirit Health's plan to sell seven hospitals as an example of footprint optimization.