The 5 Dialogues that I look forward to at DHIS West 2023

D-Day is finally here! DHIS West 2023 is just a few days away. Excited to attend this event that revolves around my ultimate passion, Digital Healthcare. I'm just waiting to be in La’Jolla, California, to experience the interesting discussions of investors and innovators. Being physically present at the event will be a different experience altogether. I think the DHIS West 2023 event will be a great learning opportunity for people like me who are passionate about healthcare, especially digital healthcare. I even checked the brochure and speakers in each panel to get an idea of what topics they’ll touch upon during their discussions. And I have to say all of them are interesting. 

Well, I’m eagerly looking forward to the whole event. But there are some discussions that I’m keen to join. Here are my top 5 picks- 

Ripe Areas for Healthcare Disruption 

The economic downturn has affected all industries, majorly globally. And the healthcare industry is not left behind. Despite market downswings, healthcare investments are expected to grow and will be on par with 2020. Healthcare CEOs and leaders keep a bird’s eye on every opportunity to invest in digital healthcare. With physician burnout and workforce shortages skyrocketing, healthcare practices and leaders are keen on adopting digital health tools to tackle this issue. 

As DHIS mentions this, I’m also curious to know what other ripe areas healthcare investors and innovators are eyeing. I particularly want to know whether healthcare leaders are considering addressing interoperability challenges and oncology and neurology care needs. 

Innovations in Healthcare Regulations and Reimbursement Space 

Recently, Congress voted to extend telehealth provisions under PHE for two years. This new extension can prove beneficial to all healthcare stakeholders. Besides these, the financial and regulatory space in the healthcare industry is expected to see multiple changes. However, I’m keen to know what challenges the investors and innovators will target in their discussion on the DHIS panel- be it rising prices, new ESG reporting regulations, changes in Medicare policies, or limited funding from the government due to depleting funds.

Sanjay Doddamani , Micky Tripathi , and Kyle Zebley , Looking forward to hearing your views on these. 

Barriers to Achieving Health Equity 

DHIS’s panel discussion on "Tackling Engagement to Overcome Barriers to Health Equity" is one of the discussions I’m looking forward to attending the most. Health disparities are concerning, especially when everyone owns a smartphone or has the bare minimum access to the Internet. However, the concern isn’t primary care but specialty care, which rural or certain racial communities lack access to. This year, Joe Biden’s government acknowledged and passed an executive order to address these racial health disparities. I strongly feel for this challenge and that the right combination of foundational, legislative, and technological changes across the care continuum can make a difference.

Looking forward to your thoughts on this Camilla Hermann , Melissa Buckley , Adimika Meadows Arthur , and Jenny Ismert . 

Virtual Care Delivery In Specialty Care 

Today’s healthcare landscape is ready for some major advancements in telehealth. With teleradiology, telepsychology, and telecardiology already proving great for patients and optimizing providers’ work, I’m curious about the future of telehealth. I feel cancer care, kidney-related treatments, follow-ups, and neuro-based cases demand consistent monitoring and attention. And telehealth in these specialty treatments can add value and remove barriers to care. What say Aaron Gerber , Anna Haghgooie , Neil Hattangadi, MD, MSc , and Dave Kerwar ? I’m excited to attend this discussion, particularly to explore potential virtual care delivery innovations.

Staffing Shortages and Hiring Clinical Workforce

DHIS’s "Hiring Clinical and Specialty Talent in a Labor Headwind" is one of the discussions I’m eagerly looking forward to attending. Staffing shortages are a concerning challenge and deserve immediate attention. I’m curious about what innovations or hiring techniques healthcare leaders prefer, especially in 2023. With physicians and nurses among the baby boomer population expected to stop working in the next few years, the gap in demand and supply of care is expected to increase. Technological solutions like telehealth and RPM can compensate, but talented and skilled clinical workforces, especially in specialty care, are much needed. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on this, Stephen Smith , Saurabh Bhansali , Gregory Grunberg , and Michael Schlosser, MD, MBA .

Every DHIS session will benefit us, especially those engrossed in digital health care. Hoping this year’s DHIS event will turn out truly phenomenal and that every attendee returns with some amazing insights on Digital Healthcare.