Driving Innovation Virtually: Virtual Fleming Center Case Competition

The Virtual Fleming Center Case Competition took place on April 26, 2025, uniting graduate students nationwide for a day of rigorous problem-solving and visionary planning—all from the convenience of a virtual stage.

This year’s case asked participants to step into the role of consultants for EverWell Healthcare, designing a five-year strategy to expand geriatric services into underserved rural Texas counties. The challenge underscored real-world obstacles like limited access to care, workforce shortages, and growing senior populations.

Organized by the Fleming Center for Healthcare Management, the competition provides a national platform for future healthcare leaders to apply classroom knowledge to high-impact, real-world issues affecting health care delivery and equity.

Final Rankings:

• 1^st Tufts University impressed the judging panel with a physician-led, team-based care model anchored in Marble Falls and supported by academic partnerships and AI technology.
• 2^nd Vanderbilt University introduced ElderCare at EverWell, a scalable NP-led clinic system paired with remote monitoring and community health outreach.
• 3^rd UTHealth Houston – Team 4 developed EverWell on Wheels—a flexible, mobile healthcare delivery program combining telehealth, home visits, and sustainable financing.
• 4^th University of Washington focused on infrastructure with an integrated hub-and-spoke model powered by rural hospital alliances.

UTHealth Houston’s Team 3 also delivered a strong proposal, recommending expansion into Llano, Fayette, and San Saba counties via provider partnerships and fellow-driven staffing solutions.

Behind the scenes, Bryan Schneider, PhD, provided expert guidance to the UTHealth Houston teams. We also extend gratitude to Justun Holder, Durga Shrestha, Simon West, Lariza McBean, Brandan Gordon, and Jeffrey Dao an intern at the Fleming Center, whose coordination, project management, and IT skills were instrumental to the event’s success.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the distinguished panel of judges, whose diverse expertise and thoughtful evaluation were instrumental in making the competition a meaningful and inspiring experience for all participants.

• Cristina Murdock, MD, Assistant Professor, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, McGovern Medical School
• Celeste Nevarez, MC, MPH, LPC-S, Chief of Clinical Services, Emergence Health Network
• Juan Nañez, MPH, BSN, RN, Director of Programs, Paso del Norte Health Information Exchange (PHIX)
• Melodya Salaices, MA, MPA, MHA, Vice President of Contracted Operations, WellMed Inc.
• Martin Lopez Jr., Director of Health and Human Services, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
• Holly Holmes, MD, Joan and Stanford Alexander Chair in Gerontology; Professor and Division Director, UTHealth Houston
• Yvette Lugo, LMSW, Director, Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging

The Fleming Center is proud to continue fostering innovation and leadership in health care through this annual competition and thanks everyone who helped bring the virtual event to life.