RVU’s First Annual Digital Health Day

On Monday, September 17^th, RVU students on both campuses had the opportunity to learn about digital health and engage with healthcare innovators during RVU’s first annual Digital Health Day. A growing movement driven by the rapid advancement of technology, digital health is also the result of the rising cost of healthcare, poor care coordination and prevalent chronic illness in the United States. Digital Health Day showcased the important applications of technology in healthcare delivery services, such as telemedicine, wearable tech, and genomics, and how they empower individuals to become more active in their health management. In particular, Digital Health Day provided students with an insight into how technology will impact their careers as future physicians.

Starting with an address from keynote speaker Katherine S. Richardson, MD, Health Innovation Leader and Director of Physician Experience at Kaiser Permanente, students had the unique opportunity to learn from leaders in the field of digital health. A panel of healthcare entrepreneurs including Arlen Myers, MD, MBA, President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs; Jonathon Savage, DO, FAAEM, Founder and President of Care on Location; Louise Schottstaedt, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Centura Health; Nicole McNew, MBA, Executive Director of Prime Health; Patrick Leonard, CEO of Sopris Health; and Jadon Webb, MD, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale School of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at the Colorado Department of Human Services shed light on the challenges facing the nation’s healthcare delivery system and how digital health seeks to optimize health and wellness for patients. During an interactive vendor session featuring companies such as Care on Location and CORHIO, students were able to sample digital health products including a digital stethoscope. In addition, a raffle for two fit-bits was held on the Southern Utah campus.

With the digital health movement, every day technologies such as smartphones and cloud storage can be leveraged to manage illness and promote healthy lifestyles. Digital health technology can take on many forms, from fun games to engage younger generations to technology-based tools to assist those suffering from chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity. In terms of a physician’s approach to patient care, digital health gives providers access to a detailed and complete patient record, leading to more timely and accurate diagnoses and improving quality of healthcare services.

To view photos from the event, click here.