Focus on the patient, not the technology

As a self-professed geek who has also built a career on human relationships, I'm sort of an enigma. Because I'm enthralled with how technology works, I can get lost in all sorts of deep water research and discussions. Early on in my career, if a prospect had a technology question, I could pontificate for hours on that topic.

What I had to realize is that while the tech was important, it came in a distant second to the importance of the person sitting in front of me. Before I could ever help them solve a problem, I first had to understand them as a unique individual. What motivated them, what were they scared of, how they communicated, and even their love language (it's more helpful in business than you might imagine). Once I understood them as a human, the technology discussions took care of themselves... because I had personalized the relationship.

In our increasingly digital age, technology is presented as the remedy for almost any problem a health system might encounter, but the essence of healthcare remains profoundly human. The bond between patients and clinicians is at the core of healthcare, and personalization makes this connection stronger and more meaningful.

Personalization in healthcare allows clinicians to tailor their approach to the unique needs, concerns, and lifestyle of each patient. It’s no longer just about treating diseases, but understanding the individual behind them. This deepens the trust and communication between clinicians and patients, fostering better health outcomes. When a physician understands a patient's lifestyle, preferences, and health history, they can deliver care that resonates on a personal level.

It’s important that in our race to embrace technology, we do not lose sight of the human element. In this new era of personalized healthcare, let’s use these incredible tools to strengthen, not replace, the invaluable human connection at the heart of healing.