Top Healthcare Speakers to Watch in 2025

1. 2025 E E E MPOWERING NTREPRENEURIAL XCELLENCE TOP NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WORLD HEALTHCARE LIFESTYLE MEDICINE EDUCATION SERVICES (WLMES), SPEAKERS to Watch in to Watch in 2025 DAVID WORTLEY A VISIONARY SHAPING THE NEXT ERA OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

4. Top Healthcare Speakers to Watch in 2025 s healthcare continues to evolve, industry experts are identifying key trends that will shape the future of A medicine, patient care, and technology. From AI-driven solutions to personalized treatment approaches, 2025 and beyond are set to bring transformative changes. Here's a look at the top healthcare trends to watch, as advised by leading healthcare speakers. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare through predictive analytics, diagnostics, and automated administrative tasks. AI-powered tools assist in early disease detection, personalized treatment plans, and streamlining hospital workflows, enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes. The rise of telemedicine continues, with virtual consultations becoming a mainstream healthcare option. Healthcare leaders emphasize the importance of expanding remote patient monitoring, especially for chronic disease management, making care more accessible and cost-effective. Healthcare is shifting towards personalized treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles. Advancements in genomics, biotechnology, and AI-driven diagnostics enable precise medications and therapies, improving treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. There's a growing emphasis on integrating mental health into mainstream healthcare. Speakers highlight the importance of digital mental health solutions, workplace wellness programs, and holistic approaches that address emotional well-being alongside physical health. With climate change affecting global health, sustainability in healthcare is gaining momentum. Hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on eco-friendly infrastructure, reduced carbon emissions, and sustainable medical supply chains. These trends underscore the dynamic nature of healthcare in 2025. As innovations emerge, industry professionals must adapt to new technologies and holistic approaches ensuring better patient care and a healthier future for all. In this edition of “Top Healthcare Speakers to Watch in 2025,” we list healthcare leaders at the forefront of spreading awareness regarding healthcare trends. On the Covers, we have David Wortley. Also featured, are Dr. Christoph Guger, Jens Dommel, Mihaela Pleșca and Osman Ratib.

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6. COVER STORY ËÊ David Wortle}

7. Drą Christoph Guger 22 Jens Dommel 28 Mihaela Pleșca 32 Osman Ratib 38

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11. DAVID WORTLEY A VISIONARY SHAPING THE NEXT ERA OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WORLD LIFESTYLE MEDICINE EDUCATION SERVICES (WLMES), JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 11

12. A defining element of David's journey has been his own health transformation. Over the past 11 years, he has actively managed his health through the use of wearable technologies and gamified behavioural strategies. As a 75- year-old man who takes no medication and walks five miles every single day, he is living proof that lifestyle change when sustained is powerful and possible. This lived experience, combined with his strategic work, fuels his leadership role as Non-Executive Director of the World Lifestyle Medicine Education Services (WLMES), the commercial arm of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM). Lifestyle Transformation David's personal journey with wearable tech and lifestyle optimisation started more than a decade ago, long before these tools became mainstream. He saw firsthand how tracking his activity, sleep, nutrition, and stress could drive real, lasting change. It wasn't just the data it was the engagement. Gamification kept him consistent. Wearables made him accountable. And over time, these digital nudges became life-changing habits. avid Wortley is a globally recognized thought That experience inspired David to think bigger what if one leader in digital health and preventative medicine, could deliver that same transformation to thousands, even D specializing in the intersection of technology and millions, through immersive education? healthcare innovation. As the Vice President of the “Lifestyle medicine provides the scientific foundation; International Society of Digital Medicine (ISDM) and the immersive technologies provide the human connection, Non-Executive Director of World Lifestyle Medicine motivation, and scale. Together, they have the power to Education Services, he plays a pivotal role in advancing digital therapeutics and AI-driven healthcare solutions. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker at international conferences, where he shares insights on AI, digital twins, and enabling technologies in sustainable public health. His expertise in gamification and immersive technologies has positioned him as a leading advocate for personalized health management, helping individuals and organizations harness digital tools for improved well-being. An Impactful Career David's professional journey has been defined by a deep commitment to bridging innovation, education, and impact. With a background spanning healthcare leadership, business development, and digital innovation, he has worked across sectors to help organisations deliver meaningful change. Over time, his passion for preventative health and wellbeing led him to the field of lifestyle medicine a domain that aligns medical practice with real human outcomes. 12 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

13. Meaningful Collaborations WLMES serves as a vital bridge between evidence-based lifestyle medicine and the organisations that have the power to implement it. It collaborates with healthcare providers, universities, medical schools, and training bodies to embed lifestyle medicine education into their curriculum, continuing professional development, and staff wellbeing strategies. WLMES' partnerships are both strategic and practical. It provides tailored programmes that equip health professionals with the tools to engage patients in lifestyle change, and it works with educational institutions to deliver revolutionise public health and reshape how we deliver immersive, accredited learning that blends theory with wellbeing in both clinical and corporate settings,” he says. practice. It also supports organisations developing digital health solutions helping them align with lifestyle medicine Commitment to Global Healthcare principles so they can become accredited WLMES partners. World Lifestyle Medicine Education Services (WLMES) is “By offering scalable education platforms, micro- the commercial and educational outreach arm of the British credentials, and support for organisational transformation, Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM). Its mission is to we enable our partners to deliver real, measurable change in expand access to world-class lifestyle medicine education health outcomes,” shares David. by working with organisations that want to invest in the health of their people. WLMES offers corporate programmes, immersive learning pathways, and an accreditation framework that enables partners from health startups to tech companies to align with evidence-based lifestyle medicine principles. For David, this work is deeply personal. He believes that true healthcare reform must begin with prevention, education, and empowerment. Whether that's a multinational providing its workforce with their education as part of a CSR wellbeing initiative, or a health tech firm becoming an accredited lifestyle medicine partner, WLMES is here to help shape a future where healthier choices are easier, supported, and accessible to all. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 13

14. To address this, WLMES promotes education at every level from early medical training to continuous professional development so that clinicians see lifestyle medicine as essential, not optional. It also works with policymakers and healthcare leaders to highlight the cost-effectiveness of Handling Challenges prevention and the clinical outcomes associated with lifestyle interventions. One of the biggest challenges, shares David, is awareness lifestyle medicine is still gaining traction outside academic Technology, too, is helping shift the tide. As it helps and clinical circles. Many organisations understand the integrate wearables, digital health records, and remote value of wellness but may not yet grasp the evidence-based, monitoring into the healthcare experience, it becomes easier structured approach that lifestyle medicine offers. Part of to track lifestyle data and make it part of clinical decision- David's role is to educate and advocate to translate the making. science into real-world opportunities for impact. Gaining Global Popularity Another challenge is commercial alignment. As a non- Lifestyle medicine is rapidly gaining global traction as the executive director focused on business development, David burden of chronic disease intensifies and the limitations of needs to ensure that WLMES generates revenue without reactive healthcare become undeniable. Countries around compromising its integrity. They overcome this by the world are recognising the value of prevention-first developing partnerships that are mission-aligned, and by strategies not only for improving health outcomes, but also offering tangible value such as accreditation, education, and for reducing healthcare costs and enhancing productivity. engagement tools that support workforce wellbeing and enhance partner credibility. Globally, we're seeing lifestyle medicine being integrated into public health policy, medical school curricula, and “Having lived the benefits of lifestyle medicine myself, I'm able to speak from both professional and personal experience, which helps build trust and relatability in conversations with partners and sponsors,” says David. Barriers to Adopting Lifestyle Medicine in Mainstream Healthcare David says integration is often hindered by structural inertia and a medical model prioritizing treatment over prevention. Most healthcare systems are designed to react to disease, not to empower patients before illness strikes. Time constraints, limited reimbursement models, and lack of training in behavioural change also make it difficult for clinicians to practise lifestyle medicine. 14 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

15. digital health innovation. There's a growing appetite from both public institutions and private enterprise to move upstream and invest in what truly drives health lifestyle behaviours. WLMES also collaborates closely with the World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation (WLMO). WLMO is a registered civil society in Geneva, made up of a 46-member General Assembly, each national society representing Lifestyle Medicine in their regions. Membership is drawn from North and South America, Europe, Australasia, Asia, and Africa, each implementing Lifestyle Medicine in their own unique way, whilst adhering to the evidence base of the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Lifestyle Medicine is therefore now a global Staying at the Forefront lifestyle medicine to life making movement, with WLMO at the education more experiential, forefront of regional development and WLMES's approach to staying ahead personalised, and impactful. implementation. WLMES continues to in both research and educational work closely with WLMO members methods is grounded in three pillars: “At WLMES, we're exploring how to regarding the expansion of Lifestyle evidence, innovation, and engagement. incorporate immersive and other Medicine education and services. technologies into our learning models First, it remains closely aligned with so that behaviour change is not only Immersive technology is also playing a the British Society of Lifestyle taught, but experienced. Whether it's a pivotal role in that evolution. Tools like Medicine and the global network of VR simulation of a patient virtual reality, AI-based health academic partners leading research in conversation or an AI-guided self- coaching, gamified wellness platforms, this space. This ensures that all its reflection journey, these tools are not and biometric wearables are educational offerings reflect the latest just adjuncts they're catalysts for transforming how people learn, clinical guidelines, emerging science, transformation,” says David. engage, and stay accountable. These and real-world outcomes. technologies can bring the principles of Second, WLMES is committed to pedagogical innovation. Education should be engaging, not overwhelming. That's why it is constantly evolving its delivery models using microlearning, scenario-based simulations, community-based discussion forums, and, increasingly, immersive tech to bring content to life. Third, WLMES listens. The organization consults with learners, healthcare providers, employers, and industry partners to understand their JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 15

16. needs and refine its approach. In a world flooded with they are geographically, digitally, and professionally. content, relevance is everything. One of its most innovative strategies is its Accredited Partner Programme, which enables organisations whether “Our programmes are designed to be not only evidence- they're digital health platforms, wellness startups, or based but practically usable by time-poor professionals and healthcare providers to embed lifestyle medicine principles organisations. By maintaining this dynamic balance of into their offerings and receive formal recognition for doing science, storytelling, and smart delivery, we ensure so. This creates a ripple effect, extending its impact far WLMES remains a leader in the field,” asserts David. beyond traditional classroom settings. Strategy for Efficiency WLMES also offers corporate packages that align with CSR David believes that accessibility and effectiveness go hand and employee wellbeing strategies, enabling companies to in hand. So WLMES is designed to meet learners where support staff health while strengthening engagement and productivity. 16 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

17. Its modular, micro-credential courses allow learners to absorb content in bite-sized, flexible formats that fit around their lives. And WLMES is actively exploring AI-driven personalisation delivering content that adapts to the learner's behaviour, goals, and preferences. In everything the organisation does, the goal is to remove friction, enhance relevance, and support the journey from knowledge to sustained behaviour change. Measuring Impact for Positive Change WLMES believes education should lead to transformation, not just certification. That's why it works with partners to establish clear impact metrics tied to both learning outcomes and health behaviours. At the individual level, it tracks improvements in knowledge, confidence, and behaviour change among health professionals and corporate learners. At the organisational level, it assesses programme engagement, retention, and satisfaction alongside shifts in wellbeing indicators like absenteeism, productivity, or health claims. WLMES also works with clinical partners to assess the downstream effects of lifestyle medicine education on patient outcomes whether it's improved metabolic markers, reduced medication use, or enhanced quality of life. The real-world data is compelling: lifestyle interventions, when applied consistently, work. “As we integrate more technology and AI-driven insights, we'll be able to further personalise content and capture real- time behavioural feedback helping us demonstrate ROI for both health systems and employers,” feels David. Words of Experience David shares the following advice for organisations and leaders looking to implement lifestyle medicine principles in their workplace or services: JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 17

18. professional training and patient empowerment. Ÿ Smart wearables integrated with learning platforms to turn health data into actionable insights. Ÿ Digital twin models allow patients to visualise the long-term impact of lifestyle choices. These technologies, he says, won't replace human care they'll enhance it. They'll help health professionals and individuals alike make better decisions, faster, and with more confidence. WLMES is at the forefront of this evolution bringing scientific credibility, educational rigour, and behavioural insight to a rapidly changing landscape. Gearing for Growth For David and WLMES, this year is all about growth, partnerships, and visibility. Start by treating health as a And finally, lead by example. I've strategic asset, not a perk. walked five miles every day for the last Organisations that embed lifestyle 11 years, and at 75, I take no medicine principles into their medication. When well-being becomes culture from leadership to line part of your leadership identity, it managers see a ripple effect: inspires others to follow. greater resilience, reduced burnout, improved retention, and Trends Redefining the Industry a stronger brand reputation. We're entering the age of precision I would also say: don't try to lifestyle medicine where behavioural reinvent the wheel. Partner with science meets digital innovation to experts. WLMES provides deliver deeply personalised, data- evidence-based education, driven, and emotionally resonant health accreditation, and implementation education. support. Whether you're a corporate employer designing a Future trends David foresees include: wellbeing strategy or a health tech company wanting to align with Ÿ AI-enhanced coaching that adapts clinical best practice, we're here dynamically to user inputs to help you scale safely and smartly. Ÿ Immersive VR simulations for 18 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

19. The organization is scaling its The BSLM conference, shares David, “Personally, I'll continue to use my role Accredited Partner Programme also provides a great opportunity for and his own health journey to raise globally and deepening its organisations with lifestyle medicine awareness around the power of products, services, or practices to lifestyle medicine, healthy ageing, and relationships with forward-thinking showcase their work in the exhibition the need for commercial models that organisations that want to lead in area, which is always very busy and a deliver both wellbeing and workplace wellbeing, digital health, or productive way to raise visibility and sustainability,” concludes David. healthcare innovation. It is also build new contact networks. Whether launching new corporate learning products that make lifestyle medicine for the BSLM annual flagship Quote for Feature education both accessible and conference or strategically, WLMES is impactful at scale. always looking for sponsors, "At 75, I take no medication, walk five collaborators, and partners who share miles a day, and am living proof that The next key event in that journey is its vision. If an organisation is ready to lifestyle medicine works. Now, through the annual BSLM conference, which is lead the next chapter of health WLMES, I'm helping organisations being held in Brighton on September innovation WLMES is ready to work harness that same power to transform 18th – 20th with them. lives, workplaces, and healthcare (https://bslm.org.uk/events/bslm-2025- itself.” annual-medical-conference/). The BSLM annual conference is always very well attended, with hundreds of delegates and speakers from around the world. Last year's conference in Newcastle upon Tyne was recognized as one of the best conferences in the world. As well as being very well attended, the range and quality of the speakers from around the globe are exceptional. Lifestyle medicine is not just an alternative it's a vital evolution of care. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 19

22. Christoph Guger BRIDGING MINDS AND MACHINES TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE hristoph Guger is a visionary institutions, and universities globally. in neurotechnology and the C founder and CEO of g.tec Among his proudest achievements is medical engineering, a global leader in organizing the BCI & brain-computer interface (BCI) Neurotechnology Spring School, the systems. Through his groundbreaking largest event in its field with over work, Christoph has revolutionized 80,000 participants. His company's how we understand and interact with technologies, like recoveriX for stroke the brain, transforming healthcare and rehabilitation and mindBEAGLE for human potential. patients with disorders of consciousness, are pushing the Pioneering BCI Innovation boundaries of neuroscience and care. Christoph's journey began with a deep From Research to Real-World Impact fascination for the human brain. Though initially torn between g.tec has redefined the landscape of renewable energy and neuroscience, he neurotechnology by ensuring that chose neurotechnology due to its research-driven innovation translates potential to extract valuable insights into practical, real-world applications. directly from brain signals. This The company's versatile product passion led to the co-founding of g.tec portfolio includes: medical engineering, now a world- renowned company developing high- Ÿ BCI Systems: Devices like performance EEG, ECoG, and invasive Unicorn Hybrid Black, BCI systems used in hospitals, research g.Nautilus, and g.HIamp provide 22 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

23. FOUNDER & CEO G.TEC MEDICAL ENGINEERING GMBH JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 23

24. Ÿ Healthcare breakthroughs with BCI-based therapy Ÿ Non-invasive BCIs becoming part of daily life through wearable tech Ÿ AI-powered neurotherapy for personalized treatment of neurological disorders Ÿ Education expansion to meet growing industry demand “We're just scratching the surface,” Christoph remarks. “The brain holds limitless potential. Each advancement in BCI technology brings us closer to unlocking it.” Passion for Innovation Christoph's passion is driven by how The company's open APIs and flexible Ÿ real-time EEG for clinical and far technology has come from analog software empower users to customize research use. recordings of brain signals to real-time, applications and integrate machine Ÿ Neurorehabilitation Tools: The AI-integrated BCIs. He believes the learning models, ensuring relevance in recoveriX system supports stroke key to further breakthroughs is both clinical and academic contexts. recovery through thought-based building intuitive systems that align therapy, while mindBEAGLE naturally with human intention. Through global partnerships, g.tec helps assess consciousness levels collaborates with universities, in non-responsive patients. “My motivation comes from pushing hospitals, and research centers Ÿ Neurosurgery Tools: cortiQ the limits further,” he says. worldwide. It actively supports enables real-time brain mapping “Developing smarter, faster BCIs that education through initiatives like during epilepsy and tumor integrate with how we think this is the BR41N.IO Hackathons, training future surgeries. future of human-computer interaction.” leaders in neurotechnology. Ÿ Software Platforms: With tools like g.HIsys and g.Pype, Business Meets Science Navigating Challenges & researchers can process brain Opportunities signals, develop applications, and As both a scientist and entrepreneur, integrate AI seamlessly. Christoph balances R&D with business Christoph identifies major challenges strategy. His secret: listening to users. in the neurotech space: g.tec stands out not only for its He ensures every innovation at g.tec Ÿ Translating lab innovations into advanced tools but for making them addresses a real need whether in a lab, real-world clinical tools user-friendly, accessible, and adaptable clinic, or operating room. Ÿ Regulatory complexity and long across disciplines. approval timelines His involvement in both technical and Ÿ Developing AI systems capable Making Neurotechnology Accessible business operations allows g.tec to of decoding brain signals in real- remain scientifically advanced and time A key to g.tec's success is its commercially scalable. The result is a Ÿ Overcoming public commitment to accessibility. Plug-and- company that doesn't just build tech it misconceptions and ethical play systems like the Unicorn Hybrid builds solutions that change lives. concerns Black are designed to be intuitive for both clinicians and researchers, Shaping Global Healthcare Despite these, the field offers reducing setup complexity and tremendous opportunities: promoting adoption. g.tec's innovations are solving major 24 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

25. challenges in healthcare and neuroscience. In the coming years, the company aims to: Ÿ Expand recoveriX globally for improved stroke recovery Ÿ Enhance epilepsy and brain tumor surgeries using cortiQ Ÿ Accelerate neuroscience research through high- resolution EEG By making sophisticated BCI tools more precise and accessible, g.tec is driving a global transformation in how neurological disorders are treated and understood. Ÿ Embrace continuous learning: The field evolves fast Advice to Aspiring Neurotech Entrepreneurs so must you. Ÿ Build collaborations: Interdisciplinary work drives Christoph's journey offers valuable lessons: powerful solutions. Ÿ Solve real problems: Innovation must serve a purpose. Ÿ Understand the regulatory landscape: Compliance is Ÿ Stay resilient: Persistence through failure leads to key to scalability. breakthroughs. His message to aspiring innovators is clear: “Focus on impact. With vision and persistence, you can build technology that not only advances science but changes lives.” Finding Inspiration One quote guides Christoph's mission: "Decide what you want to do and then do it full speed.” In his words: “This simple yet powerful phrase embodies determination. In the fast-paced world of neurotechnology, staying focused on your vision is crucial. Great ideas are only valuable if executed with full force and commitment.” Words to Live By “At g.tec, we continue to push the boundaries of BCI research, bringing scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications that improve lives.” “With decades of experience, a strong track record in innovation, and a commitment to turning cutting-edge research into real-world impact, g.tec continues to shape the future of neurotechnology.” “Ultimately, success comes from building what people need and doing it better than anyone else. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 25

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33. Mihaela Pleșca INNOVATOR AT THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE AND DESIGN ihaela Pleșca stands as a remarkable example of M how creativity, science, and technology can converge to drive meaningful change. Recognized as one of Forbes Romania's “30 Under 30” in 2022, Mihaela has earned international acclaim for her pioneering work in neurodesign, UX design, and online marketing. Early Signs of a Creative Mind From an early age, Mihaela exhibited extraordinary imagination and ambition. Even as a toddler, her unconventional choice of a syringe during a Romanian tradition hinted at a future in healthcare innovation. As a child, she displayed a natural eye for design, recreating the Google and Gucci logos with remarkable accuracy and dreaming up stories centered on doctors and detectives. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 33

34. Academic and Professional where she earned a Volunteer Medal. art, science, and technology to create Foundations She later worked in luxury hotels in innovative branding and marketing Greece and Spain, honing her skills in solutions. Her unique style quickly Mihaela's academic journey started at management and customer gained recognition, with her first client the Faculty of Food and Tourism, engagement. being a private hospital. Mihaela's followed by a master's in Business approach, rooted in scientific research Administration. Her education was The Birth of Neurodesign and artistic expression, has since enriched by real-world experiences, earned her multiple international awards, including six Golden Trophies including volunteer work at the Winter In 2019, Mihaela founded from the A'Design Award and European Youth Olympic Festival, Neurodesign, a company that blends Competition. Multidisciplinary Achievements Mihaela's talents extend beyond design. She has pursued artistic certifications in acting and music, performing as a soprano in a national choir. Her short film on water pollution was nominated for an International Emmy Award, and her bachelor's project on the water crisis won the Best Presentation Award at an international scientific conference. Impact on Healthcare A passionate advocate for innovation in healthcare, Mihaela has designed a The truth must find it.““ is inside of you. You just 34 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

35. I've always loved to shift between “ technical skills and creative skills. I'm spontaneous and I do my tasks as required for “ each day, regardless of what part it is nanorobot for cancer treatment and contributed to digital campaigns for robotic surgeries. Her work earned her the JCI Romania Ten Outstanding Young Persons award in all about. Medical Innovation in 2024. Most recently, she completed a groundbreaking project for a scientific summit on cancer, proposing a treatment solution for all types except leukemia, completed in just 10 hours. Vision and Values Looking Ahead Mihaela's journey is marked by resilience and a commitment to ethics. She has overcome skepticism and Mihaela is confident in the growth potential of Neurodesign data security challenges, always prioritizing patient well- and is prepared to manage an expanding client base. She being. Her book, “Neuro Design și Rezonanța în UI, UX remains focused on tracking the societal impact of her work Design,” and her four distinct design styles, including the and is committed to delivering exceptional results for every latest Onou style, reflect her dedication to innovation and client. quality. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 35

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39. OSMAN RATIB TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE WITH TECHNOLOGY edical imaging risks to data integrity and compliance technologies like MRIs, CT with global privacy regulations such as M scans, and X-rays are HIPAA. central to diagnosis and treatment in modern healthcare. However, Dr. Ratib recognized the urgent need managing, storing, and sharing this for a patient-centric, secure, and data remains a persistent challenge, interoperable system that could support especially across different healthcare long-term storage and efficient sharing systems. Dr. Osman Ratib, an of imaging data. accomplished radiologist and innovator, has taken on this challenge The Birth of Agora Care through Agora Care, a pioneering platform that places patients at the Developed in Switzerland by Osman center of their medical imaging data. Ratib and his longtime collaborator Dr. Joël Spaltenstein, Agora Care The Need for Change (www.agoracare.ch) is a secure, web- based platform designed to give Traditionally, imaging data has been patients full control over their medical siloed within hospitals or clinics, imaging records. The platform enables making it difficult for both patients and them to store, retrieve, and share data healthcare providers to access or share with any healthcare provider of their information efficiently. The choice empowering patients and consequences include repeated scans, breaking down institutional silos. delayed diagnoses, and increased costs. Inconsistent storage solutions also pose With a user-friendly interface and JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 39

40. laptops, tablets, and smartphones, making it accessible to users regardless of their tech proficiency. Data Security at the Core Security and compliance are fundamental to Agora Care's operations. The platform is ISO27001 certified, ensuring it meets the highest international standards for data protection. It is hosted on Exoscale, an independent Swiss cloud platform that complies with strict national regulations. Dr. Spaltenstein, Agora's CTO, is a recognized expert in data security and leads the company's continuous efforts to safeguard patient confidentiality and system integrity. Broadening Horizons support for large imaging files, Agora foundation and interdisciplinary Care allows seamless access on any experience necessary for building Agora Care is not just a tool for device. So far, it has onboarded over Agora Care. However, launching a patients it's evolving into a critical 12,000 patients and stored more than MedTech company also meant learning infrastructure for healthcare 20 million medical images. new skills in business, marketing, and institutions. It replaces outdated, point- fundraising an effort that Ratib to-point communication systems with a Agora Care also encourages patients to approached with humility and unified, interoperable solution capable contribute their data to research and determination, returning to training and of connecting with any existing clinical clinical trials. It promotes transparency, surrounding himself with expert or radiological system. with full patient consent required for advisors. any data use unlike many anonymized Agora is now used in multidisciplinary databases used in AI development. Behind the Platform staff meetings such as tumor boards, supporting collaborative decision- A Career Built on Innovation What sets Agora Care apart is the making in fields like oncology, team's deep experience in medical neurology, and orthopaedics. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Dr. imaging software and its commitment Healthcare providers can also use Osman Ratib had a prestigious to technical excellence. The platform Agora to retrieve imaging data from academic career, serving as Chairman incorporates the latest in Web 3.0 other institutions on behalf of patients of Radiology at the University Hospital technologies, including decentralized with their consent eliminating the need of Geneva and Vice-Chair of infrastructure and blockchain-based for patient account setup. Radiology at UCLA. Over the years, data sharing. he developed influential imaging Entering the U.S. Market platforms such as OsiriX, a widely With a focus on speed and efficiency, used open-source DICOM viewer, and Agora Care allows large imaging After successful implementation in KHEOPS, a data-sharing system for datasets to be “streamed” in seconds Switzerland, Agora Care is now medical images. dramatically faster than traditional expanding into the United States. The hospital systems. The platform's platform has been adapted to comply These projects laid the technical architecture ensures compatibility with with U.S. healthcare regulations and is 40 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

41. hosted on AWS HealthLake. A pilot project was demonstrated at the RSNA 2023 radiology conference in Chicago, with promising interest from MedTech firms and healthcare networks. Fueling Research and AI Development Agora Care's long-term vision includes becoming a primary source of Real-World Data (RWD) for medical research and AI development. Unlike de-identified datasets that lack clinical context, Agora maintains a transparent, consent- based model that preserves the link between patients and their data. “We want patients to have the option to participate in research and benefit from the latest treatments,” says Ratib. “It's about creating a future where medical innovation is rooted in ethical data use and patient empowerment.” Agora Care also provides a full pipeline of tools for image analysis and data curation, supporting advanced research while staying aligned with upcoming regulations requiring traceability in AI model development. Agora Care is not just a platform it's a movement. One that is redefining the way imaging data is stored, accessed, and used for the betterment of patients and the advancement of medicine. JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 41