In a world where healthcare marketing is evolving faster than ever, one agency has dared to redefine the rules of the game. MERGE, a trailblazing marketing and technology agency, has been crowned Agency of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Modern Healthcare x Ad Age Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just about winning an award—it’s about challenging the very essence of what an agency can be in the age of AI. And this is the part most people miss: MERGE’s victory is a bold statement about the future of creativity, data, and human connection in healthcare marketing.
Based in Chicago and announced via BUSINESS WIRE, MERGE’s recognition is a testament to its innovative approach, blending human insight with cutting-edge technology. The agency’s profiles, alongside other winners, are featured in the November issue of MH magazine and online on both Modern Healthcare and Ad Age platforms. Stephanie Trunzo, MERGE’s CEO, aptly described the win as “an incredible validation of MERGE’s commitment to being Built Different.” But what does Built Different really mean? It’s about pioneering the AIgency™ model, where the soul of creativity merges with the precision of data and technology to create transformative marketing experiences.
The Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards celebrate campaigns that cut through the noise, driving meaningful change in healthcare. Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare, highlighted the winners’ ability to engage audiences with creativity, even on modest budgets. MERGE’s work exemplifies this, delivering contextual experiences to infinitely individualized audiences of one—at scale. But here’s the controversial part: in an era where consumerism is colliding with healthcare at an unprecedented pace, MERGE is betting on more human ways to empower people. Is this the right approach, or are we moving too far away from data-driven strategies? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
This recognition isn’t just about MERGE’s innovative vision; it’s also about the trust they’ve built with clients like Abbott (a 33-year partnership) and Supernus Pharmaceuticals (over six years). These enduring relationships are rooted in listening, empathy, and understanding the whole human experience. Jeanine Poggi, editor-in-chief of Ad Age, praised the honorees for showing how creativity and purpose can shape the future of health communication. But let’s ask ourselves: in a field as critical as healthcare, is marketing truly making a difference, or is it just another layer of noise?
MERGE’s 750+ specialists across eight major U.S. cities work with leading brands like Abbott, GE Healthcare, and American Express to advance health, wellness, and happiness. Their approach turns agency disruption into a blueprint for trust and clarity. Yet, as we celebrate their success, it’s worth questioning: Can an agency truly balance innovation with the deeply human needs of healthcare? Share your perspective below—we’re eager to hear your take on this evolving landscape.
For more information on the awards, contact MH Awards at mhawards@modernhealthcare.com. To learn more about MERGE, visit www.mergeworld.com. And don’t forget to explore the work of Modern Healthcare and Ad Age, two powerhouses shaping the conversation in healthcare and marketing.
