Is FHIR the key to seamless healthcare interoperability? Let’s discuss its impact on AI, security, and patient care.

In this episode, Dr. Ambreén Zaman-Riaz, a physician, healthcare innovator, and leadership expert, as well as the co-founder of Uppshot Lifesciences and host of the Leadership in Medicine Podcast, and our host, Christopher Kunney, a distinguished healthcare technology strategist, serving as Managing Partner and Digital Transformation Strategist at IOTECH Consulting and host of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, the evolving role of interoperability in healthcare, particularly the shift from HL7 to FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources). Christopher highlights how FHIR’s open standards, API-based structure, and cloud compatibility improve data sharing, patient access, and integration with emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.

Dr. Zaman-Riaz asks about FHIR’s impact, its role in AI evolution, and its future in patient-centric care. Christopher emphasizes that FHIR enables real-time data aggregation, predictive analytics, personalized medicine, and improved clinical decision support. He predicts AI-driven "digital doctors" and virtual care platforms will rely on FHIR for seamless, cost-effective healthcare delivery, especially in remote areas.

They also discuss security concerns, with Christopher stressing the importance of encryption, blockchain, and secure APIs to protect patient data. Blockchain, in particular, is seen as a promising tool for data integrity, fraud prevention, and secure information exchange. Dr. Zaman-Riaz notes that her work involves integrating blockchain for oncology data management and patient-controlled records.

Join Christopher Kunney and Dr. Ambreén Zaman-Riaz as they dive into the transformative impact of FHIR, the role of AI in healthcare, and the future of secure, patient-centric data sharing!

As our global population ages at an unprecedented rate, the question isn’t just how we care for older adults; it’s how technology can help them live independently and with dignity.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Vice-Chair of Research at the AGE-WELL Board of Directors, discusses the global challenge of an aging population and the role of technology in addressing healthcare and daily living needs. Dr. Mihailidis highlights key issues such as rising healthcare costs, a shortage of caregivers, and the desire for older adults to age in place. He emphasizes the growing field of "age tech," including smart home systems, robotics, and AI-driven predictive tools that enhance independent living.

AGE-WELL, Canada's Technology and Aging Network, has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration between researchers, industry, and policymakers, ensuring that innovations in aging technology are both practical and impactful. Through initiatives like envisAGE, AGE-WELL helps move promising technologies toward commercialization.

Looking ahead, Dr. Mihailidis sees AI and predictive analytics as game changers in aging care, shifting from detection to prevention of health issues. He stresses that age tech is no longer science fiction but requires interdisciplinary collaboration beyond just STEM fields to shape policies, ensure accessibility, and drive real-world adoption.

Tune in as Dr. Alex Mihailidis shares how smart tech and AI are revolutionizing aging, making independent living safer and easier for all!

Access to quality healthcare shouldn't depend on your zip code, yet for many underserved communities, barriers remain.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, Christopher Kunney interviewed Christopher Cruttenden, CEO of Safety Net Connect (SNC), a company providing digital healthcare tools like eConsult to improve access to specialty care for underserved populations. SNC connects medical, behavioral, and social service providers to enhance equitable healthcare access. Cruttenden highlighted major challenges in providing equitable care, including medical and food deserts, time constraints for working families, and long wait times. He emphasized the burden on patients, especially those with chronic illnesses and other socioeconomic challenges.

Regarding technology's role, Cruttenden advocated for collaborative, patient-centered solutions integrated into healthcare workflows. He noted the importance of AI in supporting physicians, particularly through AI-assisted dictation, coding support, and quality assurance to enhance efficiency. By improving access to care, reducing ER visits, and enabling timely interventions through tools like eConsult, the cascading effect leads to better patient outcomes and system-wide savings. Cruttenden also discussed the concept of Return on Value (ROV) over traditional ROI in public health.

eConsult operates in regions like LA County, Colorado, and through partnerships with other providers. It facilitates remote consultations, allowing specialists to provide timely input, reducing wait times and preventing unnecessary specialist visits. Cruttenden expressed excitement about expanding the model to address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) issues, such as smoking cessation and food insecurity. His advice for public health organizations is to embrace technology thoughtfully, focusing on its ability to improve access and patient outcomes rather than just its capabilities.

Tune in to explore how innovative digital tools are transforming healthcare access and improving outcomes for those who need it most!