Exploring the evolution of healthcare delivery and the growing role of outpatient surgical facilities.
McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects, Inc. (MHM) Associate Principal and Healthcare Director William “Willy” Schlein, AIA, LEED AP, was selected as one of four featured presenters at the 2026 Compass Healthcare Facilities Symposium, hosted by WBRC Architects and Engineers on September 11, 2026, in Portland, Maine.
The symposium brought together healthcare executives, facility leaders, architects, engineers, and industry experts to examine emerging trends and challenges in healthcare facility planning, design, and construction. Featured organizations included Indiana University Health, the Indiana University School of Medicine, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, and Paladin Healthcare, LLC.
Surgery Without the Hospital: The ASC Revolution
During his presentation, “Surgery Without the Hospital: The ASC Revolution,” Willy explored the rapid growth of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and their evolving role in healthcare delivery across the United States.
As healthcare systems continue to evaluate how and where surgical services are delivered, ASCs are becoming an increasingly important component of facility planning and operational strategy. These specialized outpatient environments present opportunities to improve patient access, support operational efficiency, lower costs for patients and healthcare systems, improve patient and family satisfaction, and provide dedicated settings for procedures that do not require traditional inpatient hospital facilities.
Willy's presentation examined how this shift is influencing healthcare facility design and the considerations healthcare organizations must navigate as outpatient surgical services continue to expand.
Advancing the Conversation on Healthcare Design
The Compass Healthcare Facilities Symposium provided an opportunity for industry leaders to exchange perspectives on the future of healthcare environments, from large-scale hospital development and strategic facility planning to evolving outpatient care models and emerging technologies.
Willy's presentation generated positive feedback from attendees, with several identifying the discussion of Ambulatory Surgery Centers as particularly relevant to their organizations' needs and future planning efforts.
One attendee described the ASC presentation as the most helpful session, noting its applicability to their organization's direction. Others highlighted the discussion of emerging outpatient surgical models and their potential influence on healthcare delivery.
Supporting the Future of Healthcare Environments
As MHM's Healthcare Director, Willy brings extensive experience in the planning and design of healthcare facilities, helping organizations navigate complex operational requirements while creating environments that support patients, providers, and staff.
His participation at Compass 2026 reflects MHM's commitment to staying engaged in industry conversations and exploring innovative approaches to healthcare design.
Through opportunities like Compass, MHM continues to share expertise, exchange ideas, and contribute to discussions that will influence how healthcare facilities are planned and designed for years to come.