(From left) Kardia 12L ECG System (Photo: PR Newswire); iSono Health’s ATUSA, the world’s first automated and wearable 3D breast ultrasound (Photo: iSono Health, Inc.)

The future of healthcare and biopharma can be represented by the intersectionality of medicine and AI. As we delve deeper into the capabilities of AI, access to better health care is becoming more of a reality than we think. Khushi Mehta writes about the future of healthcare and biopharma being showcased at the EPPICon Global 2024 Conference.

Imagine being in a room full of intellectuals, where every conversation sparks a new idea, every person has turned challenges into opportunities, and every panelist has broken boundaries. This was the ongoing dialogue surrounding attendees at the EPPICon Global 2024 conference on September 21, in the Crowne Plaza, Foster City, Calif. 

One of the many highlights of EPPICon was the opportunity to learn from the journeys of accomplished panelists and speakers. Each had a unique story. A path filled with twists and turns, often requiring them to step back and change directions—and that was okay. It was inspiring to hear how they blended their passions for technology, biology, and medicine to create innovative solutions that shape healthcare’s future.

iSono Health, the world’s first AI-driven, portable, and automated 3D breast ultrasound scanner. Neda Razavi, the current CEO, explained how it’s being implemented to bring healthcare directly to patients’ homes, bypassing the need for frequent hospital visits. It’s a powerful solution addressing the challenges of health equity and access.

Priya Abani, the CEO of AliveCor, developed a device called Kardia Mobile. This portable ECG allows people to monitor their heart health from their homes, rather than in a hospital setting. 

These innovations highlight how technology is breaking boundaries in medical accessibility. 

The story of Matthew Lungren begins with a career as a physician and then a transition into data science. Today, he is the Chief Data Scientist for Microsoft Health & Life Sciences. 

None of these careers were confined to a single subject. The possibilities were endless, shaped by a fusion of interests and expertise. It’s a constant reminder that the future isn’t about sticking to one narrow focus but about weaving together different passions—whether it’s AI, biology, physics, or even music.

Resilience was a theme each speaker emphasized. It’s what drives you to your fullest potential, pushing you through challenges without focusing solely on the outcome. The key is to work towards your goals with relentless passion but without being consumed by the need for immediate results. 

Hearing these stories broadened my perspective on my aspirations. EPPICon showed me that careers in healthcare and technology are as varied and interdisciplinary as we make them. Innovation happens when curiosity leads us to explore the overlaps between fields, making me even more eager to dive deeper into the intersection of AI and medicine.

Between the learning sessions, the opportunity to network with such industry leaders, was an enriching experience. I learned that healthcare careers can be multi-faceted and flexible. Volunteering at the event was equally rewarding, giving me a behind-the-scenes look at the effort it takes.

Overall, EPPICon was a transformative experience, offering a glimpse into the future of AI and healthcare. It opened my mind to the endless possibilities and left me more inspired than ever to explore where my passions can lead.