DOH Leadership Watch: The Philippines’ new health secretary, Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr., took office as unions urged him to clear delayed COVID-era health emergency allowances and fix staffing, wages, and working conditions left by his predecessor. AI for Care Delivery: Qatar’s Hamad Medical Corporation is accelerating digital transformation in labs and genetic testing, using connected systems and AI to speed results and strengthen decision-making. Cardiovascular Quality: OSF Saint Anthony’s earned an American Heart Association Gold recognition for sustained performance in heart failure, stroke, and resuscitation care under Get With The Guidelines. Cybersecurity Gaps in Healthcare: A new report finds healthcare is improving visibility into cyber risks, but remediation is lagging—leaving identified issues unresolved for long stretches. Opioid Treatment Access: Providers are divided as methadone rules face loosening under renewed push for broader access to medication for opioid use disorder. FDA Trust and Transparency: Commentary argues public trust in the FDA is collapsing due to perceived political interference, calling for clearer, more independent decision-making. Alzheimer’s Treatment Update: FDA approved at-home initiation dosing for Leqembi Iqlik in early Alzheimer’s, expanding caregiver options beyond IV. Workforce in Rural Settings: West Virginia announced $1.8M for regional “float pools” to reduce rural staffing shortages. Back-to-School Vaccines: Health experts urge parents to schedule routine immunizations and wellness visits before school starts to prevent outbreaks.