Experts discuss role of technology and innovation in healthcare industry

Leaders from healthcare, technology companies and academia will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 24, for a day-long session in the Chippewa Valley technology corridor. Participants will discuss how the use of technology and innovation can help overcome some of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare industry.

Sacred Heart Hospital is hosting the summit which will be emceed by Dr. David Rhees, executive director, Bakken Library and Museum, and member of the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center Visiting Committee. Hoda Sayed-Friel, vice president marketing, MEDITECH, will be the keynote speaker, discussing how the company's vision of the future of healthcare impacts their development efforts.

Forums and presentations will address the future of technology and its role within healthcare reform, electronic medical records and "meaningful use," and innovative clinical technologies. Sessions throughout the day include:

-- Innovative Clinical Technologies – speakers will focus on diagnostic and other clinical technologies in the making including Novalis Tx Stereotactic Radiosurgery system

Participants to include:

• Dr. Donald W. Rucker, Siemens Medical Solutions VP and chief medical officer
• Tom Ruff, BrainLAB senior area sales manager
• Rob Albian, BrainLAB regional manager
• Geoffrey Martin, GE Healthcare solutions leader

-- Technology of the Future – panel discussion will focus on the future of technology within the healthcare industry

Participants to include:

• David Merritt, Center for Health Transformation VP and national policy director
• Bill Montgomery, Hospital Sisters Health System CIO
• David Macht, BrainLAB regional marketing manager, iOR & Healthcare IT
• Stacey Lelko, Center for Health Transformation VP, business development

-- Meaningful Use Panel – panel discussion will explore how hospitals can address the Health Care Reform Act's "meaningful use" requirements for implementation of EHR

Participants to include:

• David Merritt, Center for Health Transformation VP and national policy director
• Wayne Oliver, J.D., Center for Health Transformation VP
• Hoda Sayed-Friel, MEDITECH VP marketing
• Becky DiSalvo, Hospital Sisters Health System chief medical information officer

-- Technology in the Chippewa Valley – David Kiefer, Cray Inc. VP of business development,  will focus on emerging technologies created locally in the Chippewa Valley

The summit will take place at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wis., located in the Chippewa Valley technology corridor. The day will begin at 10 a.m. (Central) and conclude at 4:30 p.m. For more information or free registration, please visit the "Inventing the Future" webpage.

To receive more information regarding the event or participate via the live webcast, please contact Laura Waltz at 419-241-2221.