In this episode, Heath Fletcher sits down with Dr. Jay Sanders, the “Father of Telemedicine,” to explore how technology is reshaping healthcare. From the early days of telemedicine to the integration of AI and electronic medical records, Dr. Sanders shares his visionary insights on the future of medicine. They discuss the economic impact on rural hospitals, the importance of cybersecurity, and why anticipatory, patient-driven care is key to the next evolution in healthcare.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jay Sanders and Telemedicine
05:05 The Evolution of Telemedicine
10:02 Economic Impact of Telemedicine on Rural Healthcare
15:04 The Role of AI in Medicine
20:12 Current Work and Future of Telemedicine
25:06 The Future of Healthcare: Anticipatory Medicine
27:55 Leveraging Technology for Patient Care
30:02 AI in Medical Decision Making
31:59 Cybersecurity in Healthcare Data
34:10 The Future of Healthcare Post-Pandemic
41:01 Innovations in Telemedicine and AI
45:57 The Vision for Future Healthcare

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Dr. Jay H. Sanders
• Guest's Title/Position: Chief Executive Officer
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-sanders-m-d-9618771/.  
• Company/Affiliation: The Global Telemedicine Group
• Guest's Bio: Dr. Jay H. Sanders, known as the “Father of Telemedicine,” is the CEO of The Global Telemedicine Group and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins. He founded the American Telemedicine Association and pioneered numerous telemedicine innovations, including the first statewide system and telemedicine kiosk. A Harvard Medical School graduate and former Chief Medical Resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Sanders has advised organizations like NASA, DOD, WHO, and the White House. His career spans groundbreaking work in digital health, policy, and global telemedicine strategy.

Links and Resources:

• Co-Author of the Book Digital Medical Home
• Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Digital-Medical-Home-Telemedicine-Revolution/dp/B0BRDDJGKY

Takeaways

• The term 'telemedicine' was coined in 1969 during a project at Massachusetts General Hospital.
• Telemedicine can significantly improve healthcare access in rural areas.
• Economic factors play a crucial role in the sustainability of rural hospitals.
• AI has the potential to surpass human physicians in certain areas of healthcare.
• The best examination of a patient occurs in their home environment.
• Telemedicine has evolved from using microwave antennas to modern telecommunications.
• COVID-19 accelerated the acceptance and payment for telemedicine services.
• Healthcare needs to shift from reactionary to anticipatory models.
• Genetic analysis should be integrated into routine healthcare practices. Leveraging technology can significantly improve patient care.
• AI can assist in making informed medical decisions.
• Cybersecurity is a critical concern for healthcare data.
• The pandemic has accelerated changes in healthcare delivery.
• Patients need to take more responsibility for their health.
• Telemedicine is becoming a standard practice in healthcare.
• Integrating genetics into healthcare can enhance treatment specificity.
• Healthcare systems must adapt to new technologies for better outcomes.
• Access to healthcare is essential, but accuracy is equally important.
• The future of healthcare will rely on innovative technologies and patient engagement.