Collaboration and partnership are required characteristics to drive innovation in Healthcare IT.

In this episode of Straight Out of Health IT, we feature Stephen Konya, Senior Advisor to the Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT and Innovation Portfolio Lead at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who talks about the impact of the federal government on healthcare transformation. Stephen shares insights into his career journey, highlighting his experience in the Marine Corps and various roles within state government agencies, and discusses the evolution of the ONC and its role as a collaborator in advancing health technology programs.

Stephen emphasizes the ONC's focus on driving innovation, supporting the healthcare technology workforce, and fostering a national innovation ecosystem through initiatives like the Together.Health Collaborative, which is aimed at fostering collaboration and support for healthcare innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates. He discusses the impact of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act as a pivotal moment in supporting emerging technologies like telehealth and artificial intelligence in healthcare. The ONC aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, addressing challenges related to interoperability, responsible use, and governance of healthcare technologies. Stephen explains how ONC also promotes collaboration, sharing best practices, and coordinating efforts with federal agencies and international partners.

The ONC considers diverse stakeholders involved in the innovation community, including startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and support organizations. They care deeply about collaborating with the innovation community, providing access to programs, promoting policies, and addressing challenges in health IT adoption. He shares valuable information about some of the ONC’s initiatives, such as the public health informatics training program and efforts to address challenges and opportunities in healthcare technology, and encourages listeners to engage.

Tune in to learn about the ONC’s initiatives’ impact on advancing transformation with health technology programs!

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