By Warren DiClemente
From research and diagnostic services to communications and collaboration, technology applications in health care are driving a massive transformation in how research is conducted, how services are delivered and how systems are managed.
While technology innovation may take the spotlight during health care transformation discussions, the most compelling stories are the personal ones. Michael J. Fox, actor-turned-Parkinson’s activist, has dedicated more than a decade to advancing innovation in research and product development for the disease.
Attendees at HealthAchieve 2011 will have a rare opportunity to see the future of health care in its human form when Fox takes the stage as keynote speaker. He will be talking about his journey and the importance of learning in building a promising future despite the setbacks of a life-threatening disease.
Fox’s efforts have put the spotlight on Parkinson’s research, as well as demonstrating that innovation and collaborative processes can make a significant difference in advancing and commercializing ground-breaking research.
Although he was diagnosed in 1991 with the young-onset version of the disease, it was seven years before he disclosed his condition and, with that, a commitment to increasing Parkinson’s research. In 2000, he launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to raise awareness of the disease and support advancements in embryonic stem cell research. Since then, Fox has engaged governments, the public and the scientific community in a common quest to pinpoint the cause of and develop a cure for Parkinson’s.
He has received many awards, including two honorary doctorates and the Order of Canada, but the most compelling accomplishment of Fox’s career is the fact that his Foundation has invested more than $175 million in research. Now considered the world’s major private funder of Parkinson’s research, it also manages the largest and most promising research portfolio for the disease.
The Foundation’s mission is to speed research by targeting underfunded, high-risk, “translational” research, which translates basic scientific discoveries into practical treatments that can improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s. Among other important initiatives, its aggressive research agenda has led to a $40-million clinical study on biomarkers of Parkinson’s.
The Foundation has also leveraged social networking technology to bring communities together. Its Online Research initiative is a real-time collaborative community of scientists, clinicians, government representatives and biotech and pharmaceutical industry experts dedicated to furthering the cause of Parkinson’s research. Today this progressive, cross-disciplinary forum has more than 2,000 active members.
Fox’s message resonates with innovators in all areas of the health care system. His journey parallels the challenges and achievements of the entire community, in which raising awareness, fostering collaboration and keeping a finger on the pulse of the latest trends and issues are cornerstones for long-term success and sustainability.
Fox will be joined by other keynote speakers who epitomize the drive for innovation and compassion in health care – and in life. Jeremy Gutsche, founder of Trendhunter.com and author of Exploiting Chaos, will describe how his company evolved into the largest, most influential site for showcasing the latest developments in marketing, design, technology and other innovations. His unique perspective on innovative practices gives audiences the tools to generate ideas, stimulate creativity and unlock potential.
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One of the largest and most prestigious health care gatherings in North America, HealthAchieve aims to inspire ideas and innovation with more than 50 informative and engaging educational sessions. On its award-winning exhibit floor, 300 exhibitors will showcase the latest health care products, services and technologies. For more information, visit www.healthachieve.com.
