Faces of Digital Health

In this episode, we’re diving in the Finish ecosysyem. What makes Finland repeatedly achieve the rank of the happiest country globally? In this episode, you will hear from Päivi Sillanaukee, Special Envoy for Health and Wellbeing at the Ministry for Social Affairs and Health. Until recently, Paivi was Ambassador for Health at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Paivi has a strong presence in the international community, She is the co-chair of the Alliance for Health Security Cooperation (AHSC), a member of the Steering Group of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), and a member of Health Advisory Board of the UN Technology Innovation Lab (UNTIL) Finland.   We discussed the ecosystem in Finland, why should Ministries for foreign affairs care about healthcare, and where does Finland have room for improvement in healthcare digitalization.  Website: www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

Did you know that  the lifetime prevalence for experiencing a sexual problem is above 70% for women and 55% for men? And when we talk about the problem in conjunction with the distress, it's 25% in women and around 20% in men. So one in four women has the problem right now they are silently suffering because of various issues - challenges discussing issues with their doctor, inadequate awareness among physicians and more. In this episode of Faces of Digital Health, we dive into a topic often overlooked in healthcare: women’s sexual health and sexual distress. Clinical psychologist and sex therapist from Charite, Berlin Selina Marie Kronthaler discusses the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, why sexual distress is still underdiagnosed, and the impact on relationships and quality of life. We explore how digital health tools and evidence-based interventions are being developed to support women in navigating sexual pain, arousal disorders, and emotional challenges in a private, accessible way. The conversation highlights the gaps in current healthcare training, the role of gynecologists, and why femtech innovation and funding are critical to addressing an underserved area that affects 1 in 4 women. E-Mail: selina.kronthaler@charite.de Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selina.kronthaler/  (German Therapy Website: https://www.selinakronthaler.de/)  www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

In this thought-provoking conversation, surgeon Shafi Ahmed and digital health futurist John Nosta revisit Geoffrey Hinton’s bold 2016 prediction that radiologists would soon be replaced by AI. 🔍 Topics covered: Why AI hasn’t replaced radiologists yet—and what’s holding it back The role of large language models in diagnostics and clinical practice The debate over accuracy, intuition, and the “art” of medicine Accountability and liability when AI makes mistakes in healthcare The deeper question: is AI truly intelligent, or does it think in a way fundamentally different from humans? 💡 Shafi and John don’t always agree—but together they explore the future of medicine, the limits of technology, and the ethical, clinical, and philosophical challenges that will define healthcare in the AI era. 02:02 Introduction and Debate Overview 02:17 AI in Radiology: Predictions vs. Reality 04:00 Challenges in AI Implementation 06:32 Generative AI in Clinical Practice 08:50 Ethical and Regulatory Concerns 10:19 Philosophical Perspectives on AI 16:39 Accountability in AI-Driven Healthcare 19:57 AI's Cognitive Differences and Impact on Healthcare 21:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

India’s journey in digital health began just over a decade ago, yet it has quickly grown into one of the most ambitious transformations worldwide. It started in 2012 with maternal and child health programs, expanded to cover non-communicable diseases, and gained momentum with the launch of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) in 2020. At the heart of ABDM is the ABHA ID—a unique 14-digit health identifier for every citizen. Combined with registries for facilities and professionals, and a consent-based health information exchange, India has laid the groundwork for a truly interoperable system. So far, over 800 million ABHA IDs have been created. Yet, only around 20% of facilities and professionals are onboarded, with adoption challenges in the private sector. Ritesh Aeron is a distinguished digital health expert and program management specialist with a strong track record of driving large-scale health systems transformation through digital innovation. He currently serves as a Director at the Equitable Global Healthcare Foundation (EGHF), a role he has held since April 2025. In this discussion he explains: What is the current state of healthcare digitalization in India? How did India’s digital health journey start and evolve? What is the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and how does it work? What is the ABHA ID and why is it important? How does interoperability and consent-based data exchange function? How many people and facilities are onboarded so far? What challenges remain in adoption and regulation? How is data being used for population health and surveillance? What role does AI and innovation play in care delivery? How open is the Indian market for global providers? How is AI affecting both healthcare delivery and the software workforce?

Healthcare technology has long promised efficiency, but for many clinicians, the reality has been different: burnout, frustration, and time stolen from patient care. In this episode of Faces of Digital Health, Tjasa Zajc spoke with Coray Tate, VP of Clinical Research at KLAS Research, about what the data actually reveals about burnout, electronic health records (EHRs), and the role of new technologies like ambient speech and AI. Key takeaways: Culture matters more than technology choice. The Arch Collaborative found that execution and organizational support around EHRs matter more than the specific vendor. Burnout isn’t primarily caused by EHRs. Instead, clinicians report that feeling unheard and disconnected from leadership drives dissatisfaction. The Middle East stands out. Collaboration-focused cultures there show significantly lower burnout rates than the U.S. or Europe. Ambient speech is delivering results. Across ~25 health systems, burnout rates dropped by 12% after adopting ambient documentation tools. AI will redefine expectations. We are at the cusp of moving from “taskmaster” EHRs to supportive assistants that reduce cognitive load and help clinicians reclaim personal time. The future of healthcare technology isn’t just about smarter systems — it’s about listening, collaborating, and ensuring that innovations help clinicians live better lives inside and outside the hospital. www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZAhDhrNZu0

In this episode of Faces of Digital Health, host Tjasa Zajc speaks with Dr. Sabine Kapasi, a physician, UN strategist, and founder of a Enira Consulting focused on bridging policy, tech, and clinical practice. The discussion explores the evolving landscape of healthcare in India, touching on digital transformation, rural access challenges, innovative diagnostics, and the role of AI. India’s large population, digital payment infrastructure, and widespread smartphone adoption are unique assets in transforming care delivery. However, gaps in infrastructure, rural clinician availability, and systemic fragmentation remain hurdles. Dr. Sabine emphasizes the importance of human-centered care, especially in the context of AI adoption. Topics covered: Current Public Health Challenges in India Rise in infectious diseases during monsoon Double burden of NCDs and communicable diseases Vaccination Success Polio eradication and near-universal childhood vaccination Demographics & Governance Young population Strong centralized governance aiding digital health Digital Infrastructure UPI adoption Smartphone saturation in rural and urban areas Healthcare Delivery Landscape High access to medications but low access to diagnostics Urban-rural doctor imbalance Role of frontline workers Role of Technology AI in CDSS Mobile diagnostic kits Digital ID (ABHA) and EHR integration Telemedicine and eSanjeevani platform Barriers to Digitization Over 10,000 HIS vendors Lack of mandated digital infrastructure Provider reluctance due to tax implications and informal payments Innovation in Diagnostics Liquid biopsy alternatives for early cancer detection Scalable, low-cost rapid tests suited for Indian climate The Human Element Importance of human touch in healthcare Health as a community-driven concept Future Opportunities GenAI in clinical training and diagnostics Insurance as a digital health accelerator Localization of clinical trials and precision medicine

AI has revolutionized drug discovery by enabling scientists to process vast amounts of historical data, thus accelerating the identification of disease targets and molecule development. AI helps avoid past mistakes and improves the quality of research, making it an indispensable tool in the lab. MSD's approach to AI involves a blend of internal talent and strategic partnerships. By combining computational and web science expertise, MSD ensures that both technological and scientific endpoints are effectively addressed, says Matt Studney, SVP of Research Labs at MSD. Topics addressed: Internal vs. External AI Development at MSD Global Data Management Challenges Generative AI's Impact on Drug Discovery Confidential AI Systems and Documentation Challenges in AI Integration Workforce Upskilling and Cultural Change Future Breakthroughs and Concerns Synthetic Data and Drug Repurposing www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/pgCz-tgHaL0

This discussion covers the global impact of digital health technologies in making healthcare more sustainable and improving health outcomes. The conversation centers on a fundamental question: should we prioritize building better healthcare systems or cultivating healthier populations? Bogi Eliasen, a sought after keynote speaker and advisor for health leaders globally, stresses the urgency of early intervention, particularly in the context of chronic diseases, to ease the growing burden on healthcare systems. He advocates for a shift from reactive to preventative care, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in enabling this transition and improving outcomes at scale. Key barriers to progress include political and commercial inertia, short-term policy thinking, and the escalating costs of acute care. The interview draws on success stories, such as the Nordic Health 2030 Vision, which aims to redesign healthcare to be more preventative, personalized, and data-driven. Innovative applications of existing technologies in regions like Latin America and Africa are also highlighted, showcasing how local solutions can deliver significant improvements in access and care delivery. The conversation further explores the need to reimagine workforce structures in healthcare and underscores the importance of embedding dignity at every level of care. Looking ahead, the focus is on harnessing advanced technologies holistically and strengthening public-private partnerships to accelerate meaningful, equitable change in global health systems. Topics: 01:13 The Importance of Early Action in Healthcare 02:51 Primary vs. Secondary Prevention 05:05 Challenges in Healthcare Systems 06:36 The Role of Public-Private Partnerships 09:14 Nordic Health 2030 Vision 22:36 Digital Health and Global Impact 26:19 Addressing Cardiovascular Disease in Ghana 27:36 Cancer Screening Initiatives in Peru and South Africa 28:24 Challenges in Scaling Healthcare Across Borders 29:49 Rethinking Health Systems for Better Outcomes 31:37 The Role of Primary Care in Latin America 32:43 The Importance of Health as a Societal Driver 33:22 The Future of Healthcare: From Sick Care to Health Care 37:57 The Concept of Dignity in Healthcare 40:46 Emerging Innovations in Global Health 44:12 The Role of AI and Data in Personalized Healthcare 48:28 Movement Health Foundation's Vision for the Future Youtube: https://youtu.be/z6eF6z1H8CM www.facesofdigitalhealth.com https://fodh.substack.com/

Can video games really save lives? In this episode of Faces of Digital Health, we sit down with Anca Petre to explore the booming intersection of gaming, virtual reality (VR) and healthcare. From Fortnite maps that teach immunity to Roblox worlds that demystify diabetes, we showcase real-world success stories and practical steps for health organizations that want to level-up patient engagement. What you’ll learn 2:00 Intro & why gaming matters in 2025 4:05 Success story #1 – Fortnite immunity map 8:40 Success story #2 – Minecraft mental-health build 11:55 How creator economies (Fortnite Creative, Roblox, Minecraft) open doors for health innovators 16:10 Budgeting & ROI: making the business case 20:30 4-step framework for your first health-game project 26:45 Overcoming stigma & regulatory hurdles 31:00 Future outlook: VR, digital therapeutics & beyond Key takeaways Gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s a powerful storytelling engine for complex medical topics. Creator platforms already host millions of engaged users: meet them where they play. Partner with influencers and studios to translate clinical insights into immersive worlds. www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/sENyLJmk9wc?si=nCDKGtPqdwtqtv6Q

Jack Kreindler is physician, explorer, and CEO of WellFounded, who studies human performance, resilience, survivorship, and longevity. He emphasizes the distinction between longevity, which caters to the fear of death, and health span, which focuses on expanding vitality and ensuring good quality of life in the finite years we have. The discussion dives into human performance medicine and its application beyond elite athletes to everyday individuals and patients in critical conditions. Kreindler talks about integrating human performance science with traditional medicine, improving health outcomes, and assessing current medical practices such as prehabilitation in oncology. He also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on public health perception, the rise in self-directed healthcare, and the importance of mental health and human connection for overall well-being. Show notes: 01:03 Human Performance Medicine: Beyond Athletes 02:31 Integrating Human Performance with Traditional Medicine 06:00 Prehabilitation and Cancer Treatment 11:59 Metabolic Flexibility and Health Optimization 19:41 Founder's Health Program: A New Approach 23:02 Impact of COVID-19 on Health Perception 28:59 Introduction to the Program 29:33 Performance Medicine and Testing 31:37 Mindset Shift During COVID 32:54 Longevity and Healthspan Aspirations 36:34 Challenges and Motivations for Fitness 44:56 Impact of Technology on Health 51:30 Human Connection and Health 55:43 Conclusion and Podcast Information Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOc5reFMk8k&t=7s www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

NextMed Health in a healthtech and biotech conference exploring the most forward thinking ideas and topics in healthcare. Taking place in San Diego, a four day programme covered topics such as latest developments in AI, aging, increasing lifespan and longevity, addressing mental health and exercise through VR, and more. In this special episode of Faces of digital health, Gary Monk and Tjasa Zajc reflect on the key findings through additional discussions with: Anthony Chang, MD, MBA, MPH, Founder, AIMed. Chief Intelligence & Innovation Office, Children's Hospital of Orange County  Daniel Kraft, MD,  Founder & Chair, NextMed Health. Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, Founder, Beyond Clinical Walls. Urgent Care Medical Director, Saint Mary's Health Network Steven Brown, AI developer, Coder, founder, investor, filmmaker Jennifer Garrison, PhD, Professor, Buck Institute. Co-Founder & Director, ProductiveHealth.org Eric Topol, MD,  Founder and Director, Scripps Research Translational Institute What's covered: 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 ▶️ Case Study – Stephen Brown ▶️ Custom AI Tool Development: Brown built his own AI-based application using various LLMs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini), emphasizing data cleaning, model cross-evaluation, and reliability testing. Anthony Chang: Claimed it will soon be unethical not to use AI in areas like radiology, where AI improves diagnostic accuracy. 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐈 𝐮𝐬𝐞: ▶️ Lack of AI education among clinicians. ▶️ Absence of AI strategies in hospitals—often even lacking data governance. ▶️ Misaligned financial incentives across stakeholders. ▶️ Bias and Representation 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 & 𝐎𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ▶️ Ovaries Beyond Reproduction: ovaries regulate broader systemic health via signaling pathways (like “Wi-Fi”), impacting bone, skin, and possibly all organs ▶️ Gaps in Research 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 Eric Topol’s View: ▶️ Real progress in longevity stems from data-driven insights (organ clocks, plasma proteomics) and predictive risk modeling—not supplements or unproven interventions. ▶️ AI enables individualized, timed risk prediction for major age-related diseases (cancer, heart disease, neurodegeneration). 🛑 🛑 Warned against overreliance on consumer-grade longevity services offering generalized, possibly irrelevant tests. RESOURCES If you haven't yet, read the newsletter "NextMed Health Day 1: An Update on AI, AI agents and Agentic AI in Healthcare" https://lnkd.in/dzHQsiMC See recaps from Gary Monk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garywmonk/ Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTZGXjAFMWk&t=33s www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

The news of the year for UK healthcare in March 2025 was the announcement of the abolishment of NHS England. Many people welcome the move, expecting the healthcare system in the UK to become more efficient. If we look at the history, NHS is under constant restructuring - in the past, for digitalization efforts, two entities were established - NHS X and NHS Digital, and were later merger into NHS England. A few years ago 200+ commissioning groups were restructured into 42 integrated care systems. In this discussion Liam Cahill, Founder of Together Digital, Digital Advisor to Organisations and Healthtech Advisor talks about the impact of the latest restructuring and expected impact. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB3XXtxvfag&t=19s www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

6% of the hospital budget, EPIC and 100 healthcare IT systems. That's the description of the infrastructure in the Cleveland clinic London. CIO Raihaan Mughal likes to emphasize CEOs are concerned about three things: 1️⃣ Increasing revenue 2️⃣ Reducing cost 3️⃣ Mitigating risk When investing, Cleveland clinic is mindful of Return on investment, return on employee. When it comes to AI, CIO Raihaan Mughal says: "Take your time, be skeptical about vendor promises." Cleveland Clinic in the US is running a pilot comparing 5 ambient solutions before they sign a long-term contract. Tune in to the full discussion with Raihaan, recorded at the Digital Health Excellence Forum by Smart Bridges GmbH in Berlin. Youtube: https://lnkd.in/dKzBrAxS www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

In early March HIMSS Global (https://www.himssconference.com/), the currently biggest global gathering about healthcare IT took place Las Vegas. A few tens of thousands of people visit HIMSS Global every year, it can take 20 minutes to get from one session to another in another building, therefor preparation and planning are key. This year, the key topic seemed to be how are companies embedding AI in their solutions. Hospital leaders talked about cybersecurity, and political uncertainty impacting the future of digital health development. I asked a few participants at HIMSS Global, who are also speaking at HIMSS Europe in Paris in June 2025, about their reflections on the content at HIMSS.  You will hear from: Guido Gunti, Chief Digital Officer at St. James Hospital, Ireland Mathew Little, Chief Nurse Information Officer (CNIO) & Associate Chief Nurse, Gloucestershire Hospital NHS Trust, UK  Rasu Shrestha, Executive Vice President, Chief Innovation & Commercialization Officer at Advocate Health, USA, Henrique Martins, Associate Professor in Health Management & Leadership, Portugal, Rachel Dunscombe, CEO of openEHR International www.facesofdigitalhealth.com https://fodh.substack.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@facesofdigitalhealth

This short episode will address some of the trends shaping the future of healthcare: agentic AI,  Longevity efforts, Uncertain policy in light of the current US government.  You will hear from Daniel Kraft - founder of NextMed Health - a unique interdisciplinary community dedicated to catalyzing and accelerating the arrival of a new, human-centric, technology-enabled health age.  NextMed Health is a very special event, focused on updates in biotech, policy, convergence of technology and expectations of the future. Daniel shared his views on: the expectation that the current US government will not regulate AI and how will this impact healthtech,  what will be covered around longevity and health span at NextMed ,  Innovations in the brain-mind-body connection and more. Expect updates on the conference at: Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@facesofdigitalhealth Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjasazajc/ www.facesofdigitalhealth.com

When it comes to cancer, prevalence is increasing and there is still a lot we don't understand about the factors and causes of cancers. Many studies have clearly demonstrated the benefits of biomarker testing for cancer therapy. However, broadly speaking, roughly 30% of cancer patients are eligible for targeted therapies based on their tumor profile. And even when the biomarket is present, roughly 30% of the eligible patients respond to these treatments. We have a lot more to uncover. In the discussion you are about to hear, I spoke with Luka Ausec - an expert in the field of biology and computational science. He works as the Chief discovery officer at Genialis, RNA biomarker company which develops and validates clinically actionable biomarkers informed by the world’s most ethnographically diverse cancer data sets to better predict patient responses and guide treatment decisions for targeted inhibitors, immunotherapies, and other emerging therapeutic classes. Luka oversees internal R&D and external partner projects, with the common goal of advancing therapeutic discovery through the rigorous application of data science. Luka’s expertise in biology and computational disciplines makes him uniquely adept at innovating solutions at this nexus. He believes a successful discovery process is built on clear lines of communication and unwavering scientific integrity. In addition, Luka directs the implementation of Genialis’ products. We discussed the current state of cancer research, role of computational science in drug discovery, clinical decision support development and response predictions development in the field of cancer. Read more on cancer research and digital health in our newsletter: https://substack.com/home/post/p-78204410 Website: www.facesofdigitalhealth.com Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/

This episode of Faces of Digital Health explores how digital health solutions can be evaluated for quality and reliability. Tjasa Zajc speaks with Vice President of Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) Doug Mirsky and Boston Children’s Hospital SVP and Chief Innovation Officer John Brownstein about the DIME Seal, a certification designed to help hospitals and clinicians identify trustworthy digital health software. John discusses the challenges hospitals face in selecting and implementing digital tools, emphasizing the resource-intensive nature of evaluation. The DIME Seal aims to reduce this burden by setting a baseline quality standard across evidence, usability, privacy, security, and equity. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing digital health startups, including funding shifts, AI competition, and sustainability concerns. Doug highlights the early success of the Seal and the role it plays in helping both adopters and developers navigate the digital health landscape. The discussion closes with reflections on how digital health innovation will evolve, the role of regulatory bodies, and advice for startups in 2025’s competitive market. Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLkyU4LulVk&t=3s Website: www.facesofdigitalhealth.com #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #HealthTech #DIMESeal #MedicalSoftware #AIinHealthcare #DigitalTherapeutics #Telemedicine #HealthIT #MedicalApps

OneLondon—an ambitious project working to provide a single patient care record for 10 million people across London. Since its inception in 2018, OneLondon has evolved, connecting more healthcare providers, expanding patient access, and tackling critical challenges like end-of-life care, sickle cell disease management, and mental health crisis response. In this episode, Luke Readman, Director of Digital Transformation for NHS England and CEO of One London talks about how the project is transforming care coordination, building public trust, and navigating the complexities of integrating 24 different EHR systems. Three Key Points: Evolution of OneLondon's Shared Care Record – The initiative has expanded significantly since its inception, with increased connectivity, new patient groups being included, and a strong focus on trust and public engagement. Targeted Digital Health Solutions – OneLondon is taking a phased approach to integrating patient groups, such as those with sickle cell disease and those receiving end-of-life care, ensuring clinical leadership and patient involvement in decision-making. Challenges and Future Directions – The project is tackling complex issues like mental health crisis response, social care integration, and hospital-at-home models while navigating a fragmented digital ecosystem with 24 different EHR systems across London. https://www.facesofdigitalhealth.com/ Newsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/p/healthcare-digital-transformation

The discussion explores the current landscape of healthcare digitalization in Italy, emphasizing the fragmented regional approach, challenges with interoperability, and the recent strides toward a unified electronic health record (EHR). The guest, Marco Foracchia, CIO of Local Health Unit in Emilia Region, IRCCS sheds light on regional disparities, opportunities for improvement, and strategies for vendors seeking to enter the Italian healthcare market. Challenges in Digitalization: Regional Fragmentation: Northern regions like Lombardy are advanced, while southern areas lag behind. Interoperability Issues: Patients face hurdles when seeking care across regions due to inconsistent systems and processes. Resource and Capacity Gaps: Many organizations lack the expertise to implement complex projects despite funding. Vendor Role: Vendors often sell solutions without assessing if organizations are ready for implementation, leading to underutilized technology. Opportunities and Progress: The EU’s Resilience and Reconstruction Program (PNRR) has driven funding and deadlines for nationwide EHR implementation. Introduction of a second version of the national EHR aims to achieve interoperability across regions. Measurement initiatives like HIMSS EMRAM models are guiding digital maturity. Cultural Transformation: Digital transformation requires a shift in mindset alongside technological upgrades. Building clinician buy-in involves demonstrating clear value and benefits of digital solutions. Advice for Vendors Entering the Italian Market: Partner with established Italian companies due to centralized procurement processes favoring local players. Focus on long-term partnerships and delivering measurable results, not just installations. fodh.substack.com facesofdigitalhealth.com

David Buller is a Founding Partner at Ascension Life Fund and exited founder of Avantec Healthcare. With his extensive experience of both raising and investing money in digital health he shared insights into: 🎯 Strategic positioning for acquisitions in digital health 🎯 Lessons from selling a healthcare company 🎯 Role of venture capitalists (VCs) in supporting startups 🎯 Current and emerging trends in healthcare innovation 🎯 Advice for startups navigating the 2025 investment landscape Acquisition Preparation: Startups must understand potential acquirers’ strategic goals and align their operations (e.g., revenue, margins, customer retention) to fit those goals. Relationships with key suppliers or partners can serve as a natural entry point for acquisitions. Role of VCs: VCs, particularly growth-stage investors, play a critical role in guiding startups toward successful exits. Collaboration includes identifying acquirers and preparing for due diligence. Acquisition Process: Intense due diligence requires companies to have robust financials, contracts, and customer relations in place. Negotiations are influenced by the perceived value and growth potential uncovered during due diligence. Emerging Healthcare Trends: AI-powered drug discovery and diagnostics are transforming healthcare by increasing efficiency and enabling predictive insights. Technologies like remote patient monitoring, automated hospital systems, and data-enabled medtech hold significant promise. Challenges in Scaling: The U.S. offers easier scalability due to its unified healthcare market. European startups face hurdles like diverse healthcare systems, languages, and regulations, but also opportunities in addressing these challenges. www.facesofdigitalhealth.com NEwsletter: https://fodh.substack.com/