In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Dr Max Mollenkopf is joined by Dr Tom Kelly to unpack the evolution of Heidi, an AI-powered clinical documentation tool, from its early experimentation in general practice to its growing presence across health systems globally.

The conversation traces the realities of building in digital health, including early missteps, product pivots, and the challenge of finding meaningful product-market fit in a complex and highly regulated environment.

The discussion goes beyond surface-level AI hype to examine how tools like Heidi are being shaped by real clinical workflows.

It explores the practical challenges of integrating with existing practice management systems, navigating regulatory frameworks across different regions, and competing in an increasingly crowded international market.

There is also a focus on the rise of AI-powered clinical scribing, the role of large language models, and how these technologies are changing the day-to-day experience of clinicians.

Alongside the technical and commercial considerations, the episode reflects on broader questions facing the sector, including safety, interoperability, and the cost of scaling AI in healthcare.

It also looks ahead to emerging use cases such as real-time evidence retrieval and patient-facing applications, offering a grounded perspective on where AI is delivering value today and where it may have the greatest impact in the future.

Key Takeaways

✨ Product evolution and lessons learned Heidi started as a triage and workflow automation tool and shifted focus to clinical AI scribing in response to market needs and advancements in AI models.

💬 Integration and interoperability challenges Integrating with practice management systems remains complex and highly dependent on regional vendors and technical standards, highlighting the ongoing struggle for efficient interoperability in healthcare.

🌍 Global competition and expansion Heidi's growth strategy and competition vary by country, with different primary competitors in Australia, the UK, and North America, and a keen focus on clinician-centric product development.

🛠️ Regulation and medical device territory AI-based clinical tools like Heidi must constantly reassess their compliance with evolving software as a medical device rules, which differ across international markets.

🤝 Feedback-driven design Heidi’s freemium model enabled rapid feedback loops from clinicians, shaping product features and spurring adoption in both individual practices and enterprise hospital deals.

Timestamps

00:00 Heidi’s origins and early pivots

03:37 Traction and barriers to product adoption

09:01 Pivot to AI-powered scribing

14:11 Drivers of Heidi’s growth and market position

18:56 Competitors in each market

22:45 Evidence product launch and vision

29:17 Software as a medical device, regulatory lines

37:37 Relationships with PMS providers

44:16 Interoperability barriers and national health records

52:13 The cost of AI in clinical tools

54:40 Expanding to communications and voice products

57:32 Consumer-facing applications and future directions

59:59 Will AI replace clinicians?

--------

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Kate Ebrill, Grahame Grieve, Dr Chris Moy, Dr John Lambert, Sandra Cook, Dr Jill Freyne, Professor Brett Sutton, and Professor Mark Braunstein about data standards, information exchange, and implementation challenges in Australia’s digital health sector.

The discussion explores the Sparked Initiative and its co-design approach to developing national standards, with a focus on creating consistent, secure, and meaningful ways to share health information.

The episode also examines what it takes to move from policy into real-world implementation, including the role of infrastructure, vendor engagement, and support for different parts of the health system.

Emerging technologies such as AI and FHIR are considered in the context of improving data quality, enabling interoperability, and shaping how health information is created, shared, and used.

Across the conversation, contributors provide insights from clinical practice, technical architecture, and national strategy, offering a grounded view of the opportunities and challenges ahead as Australia continues to build a more connected and effective digital health ecosystem.

This episode was recorded at the Sparked Community co-design workshops in Hobart, an event dedicated to accelerating the creation and development of national FHIR standards for health information exchange in Australia.

Key Takeaways

✨ Nationally aligned data standards are essential for enabling safe and scalable digital health innovation across Australia, with implementation and policy alignment now the main focus

💬 Sparked focuses on co-design, ensuring data standards are fit for purpose for all Australians through direct engagement with clinicians, consumers, industry, and government

🤝 The need for high-quality, standardised data is becoming more urgent as AI adoption increases; clean inputs lead to more reliable outputs

🚀 Infrastructure like HealthConnect Australia and a national FHIR repository are being developed to support ecosystem-wide adoption

🔄 Tasmania is positioned as an effective testbed for state-scale implementation due to its system structure, highlighting a path for broader national rollout

Timestamps

00:00 – Kate Ebrill, Sparked Lead: Event introduction and national objectives

03:26 – Grahame Grieve, HL7 FHIR product director: A history and outlook on FHIR development

04:54 – Dr Chris Moy, Clinical Co-lead: Clinician and consumer engagement

05:25 – Dr John Lambert, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Tasmania: State-scale implementation

06:25 – Sandra Cook, Connected Care, ADHA: National implementation infrastructure

07:33 – Dr Jill Freyne, Amazon Web Services: Industry implementation momentum

08:14 – Professor Brett Sutton, CSIRO Health: Real-time data for clinicians and patients

09:23 – Grahame Grieve: Patient empowerment and AI

10:15 – Professor Mark Braunstein: The global context and FHIR adoption

--------

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Emma Hossack, CEO of the Medical Software Industry Association (MSIA), to unpack the often overlooked role of software in keeping Australia’s healthcare system running.

The conversation explores how MSIA represents and supports the organisations building the digital infrastructure behind everyday care, and why their work is more critical than most people realise.

Peter and Emma dive into the origins and purpose of MSIA, its growing influence on health software policy, and how it is helping shape the governance of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

They also discuss the increasing weight of regulation, the tension between compliance and innovation, and the funding challenges facing local software providers.

The discussion offers a practical look at the people and systems working behind the scenes, and why stronger collaboration between government, industry, and clinicians will be essential for the future of digital health in Australia.

Key Takeaways

💡 Over 95% of Australian healthcare operates on MSIA member platforms, making their work foundational to the sector.

🔗 MSIA acts as a bridge between industry and government, shaping and supporting health software policy and regulation.

🧑‍💻 Artificial intelligence in health tech is a major focus, with MSIA developing a voluntary code for unregulated products and leading industry-wide collaboration on AI governance.

📊 Regulatory compliance demands have increased significantly, with some software providers now spending up to 80% of their effort on meeting these requirements.

🤝 MSIA facilitates collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing through events, monthly member sessions, matchmaking, and support for overcoming industry roadblocks.

Timestamps

00:01 — Introduction to MSIA

04:00 — Industry impact and membership

07:00 — COVID-19 response and digital prescribing

12:41 — AI in healthcare and MSIA’s voluntary code

19:40 — Regulation vs. innovation in development

26:11 — Funding, training, and recent challenges

38:37 — Upcoming priorities and activities

Links and Resources:

The MSIA Voluntary Guide on responsible use of AI - Read More Here

The MSIA 2025 Productivity Brief to Government - Access Here

--------

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Casey Going, founder of MBSPro and a rural GP, about the evolving landscape of general practice and the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

The conversation explores the operational pressures facing rural clinics, including workforce shortages, financial constraints, and the realities of delivering care outside metropolitan areas.

It also unpacks how technology is being used in real clinical settings, from streamlining administrative tasks to supporting patient triage and improving Medicare billing processes.

Broader themes around practice sustainability, recruitment, and the shift towards larger, more specialised clinics are examined, alongside the opportunities and challenges that come with adopting new digital tools.

The episode offers a grounded look at how innovation is shaping primary care today, and what the future may hold for practice owners navigating a rapidly changing environment.

Key Takeaways

🩺 Operational pressures drive tech adoption: Rural clinics face significant recruitment and financial challenges, making technology and AI tools essential for streamlining processes and reducing overhead.

🤖 AI enhances efficiency, not replaces staff: Technology is being implemented to reduce cognitive load and repetitive tasks among staff, allowing people to focus on more value-adding activities, not eliminating jobs.

💸 Medicare funding misconceptions: Medicare offers rebates, not free care; financial sustainability for clinics requires careful billing and operational strategy as margins remain tight.

🏥 Future of general practice: Practices are likely to become larger and more specialised, with AI assistance and a shift toward two tiers of clinics—ultra-lean bulk billing models and comprehensive, tech-enabled fee-for-service clinics.

👥 Practice ownership advice: Aspiring owners should seek mentors beyond general practice and embrace technology and business principles from other industries for sustainable operations.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction & guest background

03:53 - Rural practice operational pressures

07:01 - Balancing clinical care, innovation, and sustainability

09:24 - AI implementation examples

14:11 - Medicare funding & misconceptions

16:41 - Predicted future clinic models

19:21 - Accreditation burden & compliance

23:16 - Financial sustainability of clinics

31:18 - Practical advice for practice owners

33:37 - Upcoming MBS Pro features

________

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dan Wijeratne, founder of MyGPMPtool (MGT), and Genevieve McLauren-Lee, a registered nurse and practice manager at My Medical Services Australia.

The discussion explores how patient demographics vary across clinics and the evolving role of technology in general practice.

It also covers structural changes in care planning within Australian healthcare, along with practical strategies to improve patient engagement and clinician efficiency.

The episode unpacks how patient-centric care, effective communication tools, and the balance of business and medicine are shaping sustainable health practices.

Key Takeaways

🩺 General practice faces diverse patient demographics and challenges

🕒 Technology enables faster, more meaningful consultations without compromising patient interaction

📝 Structural changes in care planning emphasise patient-centric, team-based approaches

🤝 Effective patient engagement depends on meaningful communication and tailored tools

💼 Sustainable practice requires tools balancing clinician efficiency, patient experience, and business demands

Timestamps

00:00 Introductions & practice overview

03:12 Responsive, innovative general practice

06:02 Technology's role in patient-GP interaction

07:24 Chronic disease vs. preventative care

12:24 Health cues and brief assessments

14:48 Structural healthcare changes in Australia

21:41 Technology supporting patient experience

26:06 Balancing patient, clinician, and business needs

________

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Lars Borup, Clinical Manager at Dedalus, and Andrew Mitchell, Paramedic Clinical Consultant for Australia and New Zealand, about the growing issue of ambulance ramping and the pressures facing paramedics and emergency departments.

They discuss the human and operational impacts of patients waiting outside hospitals, and the complex factors driving congestion, from changing social structures to system bottlenecks.

The conversation also explores digital solutions for streamlining patient handovers, including real-time data sharing, electronic patient care records, and coordinated care pathways.

Drawing on both local experiences and international models from Europe, Lars and Andrew highlight how improved communication between pre-hospital care and hospitals can reduce delays and optimise patient flow.

They also show how connecting with primary care providers supports better outcomes across the wider health system.

This episode highlights how technology, workflow improvements, and integrated care can transform emergency services.

Key Takeaways

🔄 Growing demand in healthcare leads to complex ambulance ramping and bed block challenges in Australia and globally

👨‍⚕️ Secondary triage and alternate care pathways are being developed to reduce hospital load

📱 Real-time electronic patient care records enable hospitals to prepare more effectively for incoming patients

🤝 Seamless communication and integrated data sharing between paramedics, hospitals, and primary care are critical for efficient transitions

🚑 Structured digital tools support paramedics in decision-making and workflow, leading to improved patient safety and quality

Timestamps

00:00 — Speaker introductions

05:19 — Why not just add resources?

07:47 — Is ramping just shifting the block?

10:23 — Transition and handover points

12:23 — Real-time electronic records in Denmark

17:26 — Pre-arrival notification in Australia

26:15 — Digital support tools for paramedics

28:40 — Unified ED and ambulance workflow

32:49 — Addressing ambulance ramping: Communication

--------

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, guest host and clinician Dr Max Mollenkopf is joined by Cliffe Hodgkinson, co-founder of Updoc, to explore the rapidly evolving world of telehealth and digital healthcare in Australia.

The discussion dives deep into how Updoc is reshaping access to primary care, using technology to streamline patient intake, triage, and workflow management while maintaining robust clinical governance.

The episode also examines the challenges and opportunities of building a digital health business, from recruiting and engaging clinicians with flexible work models to navigating economic pressures and policy changes.

The conversation explores patient expectations in the digital age, the practical realities of delivering online consultations, and the ways digital platforms can complement traditional GP services.

Cliffe and Max explore what drives patient adoption, how friction points in traditional clinics are being addressed, and what the future may hold for hybrid models of care that blend online and in-person consultations.

Key Takeaways

🩺 Updoc offers flexible, on-demand telehealth for routine and urgent care across Australia, focusing on accessibility for rural and time-poor patients.

🔗 Incremental innovation and listening to user feedback drive continuous improvements in patient intake flows, data integration and care delivery.

👨‍⚕️ Doctors are attracted by hyper-flexible work arrangements, supporting clinicians returning to work and those balancing multiple roles.

⚖️ Updoc prioritises clinical governance, developing frameworks for patient safety, credentialing, and collaborating with Patients Australia on digital health standards.

💡 Telehealth complements, but doesn’t replace, in-person care, offering new pathways for multimodal, hybrid healthcare delivery in Australia.

Timestamps

00:00 – Updoc introduction & mission

00:05 – Updoc's formative experiences

06:47 – Incremental innovation at UpDoc

14:30 – Clinician engagement & workforce

16:49 – Clinical governance approach

22:02 – Accessibility focus: rural/time-poor

29:30 – The future of telehealth vs. traditional care

38:53 – Potential for hybrid & triage models

44:03 – Patient impact story

_________

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Louise Shardey, CEO of Adeney Private Hospital, and William Hadden, Managing Director for Oneview ANZ.

The conversation explores how a new private hospital in Melbourne is approaching digital transformation, patient-centred care, and compliance with national standards.

It highlights how collaboration between hospitals, clinicians, and technology providers is shaping integrated and seamless patient experiences.

Topics covered include the hospital’s “zero out-of-pocket” model, the use of real-time digital tools at the bedside, strategies for reducing waste and improving efficiency, and how technology can support both clinical workflows and compliance requirements.

The discussion also examines how data, analytics, and continuous feedback are applied to inform clinical decisions, enhance patient journeys, and design systems and processes that align with patient needs while meeting regulatory standards.

Key Takeaways

🌱 Starting a private hospital from scratch enables reimagining processes, workflows, and patient engagement, focusing on reducing waste and improving integration.

🤝 Collaboration between technology vendors and hospital teams is crucial to achieve seamless data integration, improve workflow, and keep the patient at the centre.

📊 Compliance with Australian healthcare standards drives innovation by creating guardrails that help ensure safety, efficiency, and high-quality care without stifling creativity.

💡 Digital solutions such as integrated bedside technology, digital rounding, and plans for a digital whiteboard aim to empower patients and staff, support compliance, and enhance patient autonomy and communication.

🔗 Continuous evaluation and improvement of digital infrastructure supports scalable success and ensures that adopted technologies genuinely meet clinical and patient needs.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome and guest introductions

01:05 - Adeney Private Hospital foundations

03:21 - Oneview overview and partnership

04:39 - Designing systems from scratch

07:17 - Integrating tech at the bedside

13:29 - Compliance, data capture, and patient involvement

18:41 - The impact of technology on patient outcomes

24:14 - Digital whiteboards, real-time evidence, and workflow

32:49 - What’s next for Adeney and Oneview

--------

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Heidi Baker, an emergency specialist and paediatrician at Podhealth in New Zealand.

The episode explores the intersection of clinical practice, digital health adoption, and technology-driven approaches to supporting neurodiversity and developmental paediatrics across New Zealand.

Dr Heidi Baker shares her journey as a clinician and business owner, including her transition from emergency medicine to paediatrics and her experiences in setting up a tech-enabled health service.

She also discusses her adoption of AI scribe solutions to improve clinical documentation and strengthen patient connections.

The conversation dives into the challenges of balancing hands-on patient care with running a private practice, offering honest insights into delegation, workflow, and the emotional demands of generalist medicine.

The episode also provides an in-depth look at how digital tools can transform the consultation room, allowing clinicians to spend more time engaging with patients and less on administrative tasks.

Key Takeaways

🌏 Combining emergency and paediatric care can broaden a clinician’s skillset and approach to teamwork.

🧑‍💻 Setting up a digital health business requires clinicians to delegate non-clinical tasks, leverage tech platforms, and trust others with complementary skills.

💡 AI scribe technology is enhancing patient-clinician interaction, reducing admin burden, and enabling better capture of non-verbal cues and clinical details.

📝 Transparent communication and consent processes support the adoption of AI documentation tools in clinical practice.

🔒 Trust, data control, and careful selection of tech vendors are essential for upholding patient confidentiality and clinician confidence in digital solutions.

Timestamps

00:02 – Dr Heidi Baker's background and roles

00:49 – Paediatrics and neurodiversity focus

01:13 – Skills from emergency medicine

03:17 – Starting a business as a clinician

04:13 – Choosing technology stack

06:49 – Delegating and managing capacity

07:48 – AI scribe adoption journey

09:51 – Transition and patient communication

11:47 – Benefits and workflow changes

13:49 – Impact on patient care and non-verbal cues

16:18 – Advice for clinicians starting with tech

18:47 – Balancing tech trust and regulation

--------

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Julie Hoare, VP and Regional General Manager for APAC, Angela Ryan, Lead Healthcare Executive for APAC, and Amita Malik, Senior Director and Health Sciences Product Manager at Oracle Health and Life Sciences.

Together, they explore the evolution from Cerner to Oracle Health and the addition of Oracle Health Life Sciences, highlighting how these changes are shaping clinical trials, healthcare research, and patient care in Australia.

The conversation examines the challenges facing clinical trials, including fragmented systems, slow recruitment, and complex regulatory processes, and how data and AI are being used to address these issues.

The episode also covers the practical application of AI, the importance of trust and governance in digital tools, and the future direction of Oracle Health and Life Sciences in the region.

Key Takeaways

🧩 Fragmented healthcare and research data remain a barrier to efficient clinical trials and patient outcomes, highlighting the need for unified platforms.

🤖 AI and analytics are being used to automate patient-trial matching, improve data quality, and accelerate research outcomes.

📊 Leveraging existing EHR data can transform organisations from record-keepers to research-ready institutions, facilitating faster drug development.

💡 Building trust in AI adoption is essential, emphasising the role of clinician validation and evidence-based implementation.

🌏 Oracle Health is actively collaborating with industry and government to advance the safe, effective use of AI and unified data in health.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introductions & episode overview

03:23 – Challenges in clinical trials in Australia

07:54 – The evolution from Cerner to Oracle Health

12:59 – AI’s role in healthcare data & trials

18:06 – Clinical and practical use cases of AI

19:56 – Building trust in AI and digital tools

25:20 – AI Centre of Excellence and future directions

---------

Want to keep the conversation going?

The full article and extended show notes for this episode are available inside the THT+ Community here: View Full Article Here

In the THT+ Community, our members keep the discussion going, share perspectives, and unpack what this episode actually means in practice with other people working in healthtech.

If you’re enjoying the show and want access to full articles, episode discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealthtech.com/thtplus.

And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps.