Leaders in the digital health sector have weighed in on the most significant events that unfolded in healthcare throughout 2023. From the widespread adoption of generative AI to transformative product launches and unforeseen challenges, the industry has experienced a year marked by notable developments.
Matthew Stoudt, Co-founder and CEO of Applied VR, pointed to the unexpected and unprecedented collapse of Silicon Valley Bank as a defining “Black Swan” event. Stoudt emphasized the ensuing shockwave that reverberated throughout the entire healthcare system, underscoring the fragility and resilience inherent in the innovation industry. Notably, he highlighted the collective effort of stakeholders, including investors and entrepreneurs, in collaboratively addressing the challenges posed by this event.
Ankit Gupta, CEO and Founder of Bicycle Health, highlighted the post-COVID-19 era, where the DEA proposed regulations that initially threatened to restrict access to telemedicine. Despite significant support for telemedicine’s positive impact on patients, Gupta noted that the proposed regulations received over 38,000 comments from patients and leaders, prompting the DEA to reconsider its in-person requirement. This shift marked a pivotal moment for telemedicine, emphasizing the industry’s ongoing commitment to preserving access to care.
Amit Khanna, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Health at Salesforce, expressed astonishment at the transformative impact of generative AI, particularly with the emergence of ChatGPT. Khanna underscored the rapid pivot of tech companies to incorporate generative AI capabilities into their tech stacks, characterizing this development as a new chapter in technology that will fundamentally alter software development and consumption.
Munjal Shah, Co-founder and CEO of Hippocratic AI, highlighted the launch of ChatGPT from OpenAI as the most noteworthy event of 2023. Shah emphasized the evolution of AI, noting that ChatGPT represents a significant leap in intelligence, with the potential to bring substantial benefits to various sectors, including healthcare.
Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth, expressed surprise at Apple’s introduction of the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality solution combining both virtual and augmented reality. Orr noted that Apple’s innovative approach goes beyond gaming, presenting a solution with everyday applications that could eventually replace traditional computers.
Ann Bilyew, Senior Vice President, Health, and Group General Manager at WebMD Ignite, described 2023 as a tumultuous year marked by significant swings, innovation, and retrenchment. She highlighted the launch of technologies with immense potential, regulatory moves, and the cultural phenomenon of GLP-1 agonists.
Russell Glass, CEO of Headspace, observed that AI-driven healthcare became a mainstream topic of discussion in 2023. While excited about the industry’s adoption of innovative technologies like generative AI, Glass urged cautious progress, especially in the mental health space, considering the potential risks and the vulnerable population served by the industry.
Doug Hirsch, Co-founder and Chief Mission Officer at GoodRx, emphasized the unforgettable impact of Medicaid disenrollment in 2023. Hirsch noted the procedural reasons, such as missing paperwork or outdated contact information, that led to millions of Americans losing access to vital healthcare through Medicaid. He expressed concern about the tangible impact on the health of communities in 2024 as a result of this disenrollment.
