Spotlight on: Maureen Schneider, Senior Vice President, Atlantic Health System & President, Atlantic Health System’s Chilton Medical Center
March 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Maureen Schneider, senior vice president of Atlantic Health System and president of Chilton Medical Center, discussed the system’s growth, AI integration, workforce challenges, and the future of healthcare. “We’re not just keeping up with change — we’re driving it.”
What have been the most significant milestones or achievements for Atlantic Health System and Chilton Medical Center?
Atlantic Health System has grown significantly, with major advancements in technology, including AI integration in medical documentation. Our staff is embracing AI’s potential, and we are exploring its best applications.
At Atlantic Health System’s Chilton, we’ve expanded our physician network, bringing in specialists so patients no longer need to travel to New York or Pennsylvania for care. When necessary, we coordinate with Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center, our flagship hospital, and Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center, a leading teaching hospital, to ensure seamless, high-quality treatment.
For example, our pediatric emergency department is highly active. If a child requires specialized care beyond what we offer, we transfer them to the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center, ensuring continuity of care across our system.
Quality is a core focus at Atlantic Health. Having worked in multiple healthcare systems, I deeply admire our patient-first philosophy. This commitment has earned us numerous awards and recognitions, both as a system and at Chilton specifically.
Reflecting on 2024, it was a year of significant change. We faced cybersecurity challenges and workforce shortages, like much of the country. However, early implementation of innovative strategies helped us address these issues. Our human resources and talent acquisition teams have worked diligently to attract and retain skilled professionals, preparing us for both current and future demands.
Workforce challenges in healthcare are critical. Patients seek care at their most vulnerable moments and expect high-quality treatment. We remain committed to accessibility, whether through physician practices, urgent care centers, or physical therapy sites, ensuring open access across Atlantic Health System.
What drives healthcare professionals to remain committed to patient care?
Physicians, nurses, and healthcare team members enter this field because they genuinely want to care for people. They value relationships and are driven by a deep responsibility to treat patients with the same compassion they would expect for their own families.
At Chilton, we see this dedication across all stages of life. Expectant mothers trust us with their care, and we build lasting relationships with families over generations. When these same patients return later in life with new health challenges, we are there for them.
Chilton is a true community hospital, deeply embedded in a strong, supportive network. Our community sees us as a lifeline, and we take that responsibility seriously. This trust extends beyond Chilton to Atlantic Health System as a whole, as people recognize the accessibility and high-quality care available within a short distance.
What key partnerships has Atlantic Health System developed to enhance services?
Atlantic Health System has a strong track record of high-quality care and strategic partnerships. We collaborate with the New Jersey Hospital Association, which connects hospitals for policy formation, advocacy, financial planning, and insurance discussions. Many of our executives participate in these committees to stay ahead of industry challenges.
We also work with competing healthcare organizations on shared initiatives that improve patient care. Atlantic Health has led efforts to foster regional collaboration among hospitals to enhance healthcare delivery.
Cybersecurity is another priority. Our CEO, Brian Gragnolati, has played a key role in protecting our health system from cyber threats while also advising other healthcare organizations. Additionally, our involvement with the American Hospital Association gives us a national perspective on healthcare trends and policies.
New Jersey’s pharmaceutical industry offers strong research opportunities, allowing us to participate in clinical studies that advance treatments like precision medicine in oncology. These efforts help tailor treatments to individual patients, improving outcomes while reducing side effects.
Innovation is a core focus. Our leadership actively invests in research and technology, particularly in genomics and targeted therapies. We collaborate with inventors and healthcare innovators to explore groundbreaking ideas that can transform patient care.
Looking ahead, we’re expanding access through advancements like telemedicine. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, and we continue to explore ways to provide remote care, especially in pediatrics. The future of healthcare will rely more on smart-home solutions that improve patient access and convenience.
Atlantic Health isn’t just adapting to change — we are leading it. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and strategic partnerships positions us at the forefront of healthcare excellence.
How do you see bioscience shaping the future of healthcare?
Bioscience is evolving rapidly and will likely transform healthcare in ways we can’t yet fully imagine. One major shift is toward a wellness model — keeping people healthy rather than just treating illness.
By using genetic insights, we can predict potential health risks and take early preventative measures. This includes placing patients on the right medications, guiding them on proper nutrition, and conducting targeted assessments to help them avoid diseases they may be predisposed to.
Atlantic Health System is committed to leading these advancements. We partner with top academic institutions, including Jefferson Health, Columbia University, and NYU, ensuring our patients have access to cutting-edge research and specialized programs. If a service isn’t available at Chilton, we connect patients with top-tier facilities while continuing to coordinate their care locally. This allows them to receive world-class treatment without frequent travel.
How does Atlantic Health System support the next generation of healthcare professionals?
Education and training are integral to our mission. I teach nursing students at Seton Hall University at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, and I’ve also worked with medical students. Their curiosity and fresh perspectives challenge us to think differently and improve patient care.
They ask, “Why do we do it this way? Can we do it better?” That mindset elevates everyone around them.
We are deeply committed to developing future healthcare leaders across medicine, nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacy. Our goal is to retain these talented professionals within our system, so they continue serving our communities.
Ultimately, these students and residents will shape the future of healthcare. It’s our responsibility to provide them with the best education and hands-on experience so they can excel in a rapidly changing landscape. One day we’ll be relying on them for care — so we want to make sure they are the best at what they do.
What is your outlook for the healthcare sector and Atlantic Health System?
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, with AI set to transform diagnostics and patient management. Workforce development is equally critical — we need professionals with both scientific expertise and compassion, as patient care is both a science and a human experience.
Technology will bring faster, more precise, and likely more expensive treatments. Robotics in surgery already allows shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries. Our role is to ensure patient safety post-discharge while expanding access to care.
We must be more community-focused, offering extended hours and flexible care options to fit today’s 24/7 workforce. Healthcare isn’t just about treatment — it’s about being accessible when and where patients need us.
Quality care remains a priority. Our state is focused on improving maternal health and reducing infant mortality, and Atlantic Health is committed to these efforts. We also see expanding opportunities in cardiology, oncology, surgery, and interventional radiology.
Neuroscience is particularly exciting. Instead of just treating strokes, we want to prevent them. Brain tumors are increasing, especially in younger patients, and early intervention is key to improving outcomes.
The pace of medical advancements is accelerating. Breast cancer treatment, for example, has improved significantly with 3D mammograms, allowing earlier detection. Atlantic Health is at the forefront of such innovations, with the financial stability and commitment needed to stay ahead.
What sets Atlantic Health apart is its unwavering focus on quality. With both clinical and administrative experience, I see firsthand how leadership listens to the community and invests in the right areas — prioritizing patient care, workforce development, and physician support.
Aging care is another focus. People are living longer, and we’re partnering with senior homes and assisted living communities to support this population. Recently, we had a patient who was 105 — something unheard of 20 years ago. This reflects how healthcare is not just extending life, but improving its quality.
Atlantic Health System is committed to innovation, accessibility, and high-quality care. We’re not just keeping up with change — we’re driving it.
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