Talking HealthTech

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch and Rebecca McBeth from HiNZ speak with Hon. Tracey Martin, Darren Douglass, Debbie Hughes, and Alex Kemp about digital health innovation and challenges in New Zealand.This episode explores the latest developments in digital health and aged care in New Zealand, recorded during Digital Health Week in Christchurch, hosted by Health Informatics New Zealand (HiNZ).The discussion covers the digital transformation roadmap for Health New Zealand, highlighting how technology, clinical leadership, and inclusive design are shaping the future of care.The episode examines the challenges and opportunities in residential aged care, including workforce pressures, funding reforms, and the practical use of AI and digital tools to support frontline staff.The evolving role of HiNZ within the health sector is explored, including efforts to foster cross-sector collaboration, drive innovation, and provide long-term governance.The conversation captures insights from industry leader

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Carmela Sergi, CEO of the Care Economy CRC, Amanda Caples, Victoria's Chief Scientist, Jeff Malone, CEO of the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD), and Trang Nguyen, CEO and Founder of SeeTreat, about the intersection of digital health, innovation, and commercialisation in Australia.The conversations explore how health technology is designed, implemented, and scaled in real care settings, with a focus on patient outcomes, workforce realities, and practical adoption.The episode includes in-depth discussion on the future of the care economy and how co-design and end-user involvement are driving more effective, compassionate, and practical solutions.The discussion also dives into the emerging role of quantum technology in healthcare, strategies for translating research into real-world products, and how cross-sector collaboration can accelerate home-grown innovation.This episode was recorded during the ANDHealth Unfiltered 2025 event in

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Paul Deffley and Nick White from Alcidion about their new handbook on improving patient flow within healthcare systems.The conversation explores why the handbook has been released now, its intended audience, and how its concepts can support leaders and clinicians in enhancing the movement of patients through hospitals.The discussion examines the current pressures facing hospitals, including rising patient demand, workforce challenges, and system inefficiencies, and considers why traditional approaches to patient flow are no longer sufficient.Lessons from other industries are explored, highlighting how principles such as systems thinking and Lean methodology can be adapted for healthcare.The episode emphasises the combination of real-time data, organisational culture, and continuous improvement as central to creating safer, more efficient, and patient-centred hospital systems.Key Takeaways✅ Patient flow is more than implementing digital solution

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Pete Williams, CTO of Tyro Health.The episode explores the evolution of healthcare payments, including the transition from Medipass to Tyro Health and the latest trends in digital wallets.It also covers the practicalities of surcharging, regulatory changes, integrated payment solutions, and the potential impact of technologies like stablecoin and PayTo on medical payments for clinics and patients in Australia.Peter and Pete break down what these changes mean for clinics of all sizes, from day-to-day operations to long-term strategy.They discuss how seamless payment experiences can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance patient satisfaction, while also highlighting the risks and challenges practices face in a fast-moving digital payments landscape.The conversation offers practical insights, real-world examples, and a forward-looking view of where healthcare payments are heading.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Associate Professor Colman Taylor and Alasdair Godfrey from HTANALYSTS about the evolving landscape of health technology assessment in Australia.The conversation explores how regulatory change, patient engagement and real-world evidence are reshaping the way new technologies are assessed, funded and adopted.It also examines the challenges health tech companies face when bringing innovation to market in Australia and across international settings.They share practical insights into what these changes mean for innovators, clinicians and policy-makers navigating an increasingly complex system.This episode looks at how value is defined beyond the limits of clinical trials. It also highlights why patient experience and practical implementation are becoming increasingly important in decisions about health technology.Together, these insights offer a grounded and timely perspective on the forces shaping the future of Australian health technology.Key Takeaw

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dominique Powis, Chief Technology Officer at Infomedix, Dr John Lambert, Chief Clinical Information Officer for the Department of Health Tasmania, and Dr Jill Freyne, Health Industry Lead at Amazon Web Services.They discuss the practical applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare and explore its real-world operational impact.The conversation also includes insights from attendees during a live Q&A session, offering a unique opportunity to hear questions and challenges directly from healthcare professionals and technology leaders.The panel dives into real-world use cases of AI, including diagnostics, predictive analytics, improving patient outcomes, and boosting administrative efficiency.They also examine the critical importance of governance, privacy, and practical implementation when integrating AI into everyday clinical workflows.This episode was recorded live at AWS in Sydney, Australia, and is supported by Infomedix, providing an

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with a panel of healthcare experts, including Stephanie Hodgson, physiotherapist, health project manager and industry PhD candidate at ConsultMed; Dr Shoma Dutt, paediatric gastroenterologist and senior staff specialist at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead; Dr Matthew Lam, GP and clinical advisor to ConsultMed at Riverstone Family Medical Practice; Charlie Winstanley, general manager of cardiovascular at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust; and Dalia Croxton, senior project manager for digital health and business systems at Mater Group.The conversation dives into the evolving role of advice and guidance (A&G) models in shaping patient outcomes, clinician workflows, and healthcare access across Australia and the UK.The panel discusses practical benefits, such as reducing wait times, improving triage, and supporting GPs to manage complex cases more confidently.Gain insights into how digital referral pathways and emerging technologies like AI

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Nalaka Withanage, CEO and co-founder of Data Capture Experts, the organisation behind the Digital Health Platform DC2Vue.The discussion explores the fragmentation of data in healthcare and the importance of longitudinal care records.They also examine the evolving role of digital health platforms compared to traditional EHRs, along with the opportunities and challenges associated with artificial intelligence and data governance in healthcare innovation.Dive into the practical steps healthcare organisations can take to build strong data foundations, improve interoperability, and create workflows that truly support person-centred care.The conversation also goes beyond the hype around AI, examining how real value emerges only when technology is underpinned by complete, accurate, and context-rich data.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Leon Young, CEO and Founder at Cogniss, and Dr Frank Iorfino, Associate Professor at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney.The discussion focuses on no-code health technology platforms, digital mental health solutions, and the challenges and opportunities in delivering predictive and preventative healthcare, particularly in youth mental health.The episode covers Cogniss' evolution, the role of digital and predictive tools in healthcare systems, and real-world applications in clinical research and practice.The conversation offers insights into how health professionals can use no-code platforms to build, refine, and scale digital solutions, the importance of personalisation in mental health care, and the ways predictive analytics can identify risks and support early intervention.It also examines the barriers to scaling innovation in health systems and how collaborative approaches are helping to bridge the gap between pilots and broader imp

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Brad Gwyther, Principal Consultant at Imprivata, to explore the evolving landscape of secure access and identity management in clinical settings. The conversation focuses on the New Zealand healthcare ecosystem while highlighting trends and challenges that resonate globally.Brad and Peter discuss the daily struggles clinicians face with password management, the risks of weak access controls, and the impact of inefficient authentication on both patient safety and clinical workflow.They also examine modern approaches to secure access, including passwordless authentication, biometric logins, single sign-on, and mobile device management.These solutions can streamline clinical workflows while maintaining rigorous security and meeting audit requirements.The discussion also delves into practical lessons for implementing authentication solutions across desktop and mobile environments, addressing the complexities of shared workstations, roving staff, an

In this audio-only episode of Talking HealthTech, Dr Max Mollenkopf, a Newcastle GP and practice owner, speaks with Tim Doyle, founder and CEO of Eucalyptus, about the evolution and future of primary care in Australia.The discussion explores Eucalyptus’s digital health model, how it is changing patient experiences, supporting clinicians, and connecting with traditional general practice.The conversation covers key challenges facing healthcare today, including continuity of care, regulatory considerations, clinician engagement, and the shifting expectations of patients in a digital era.They share candid insights on scaling digital clinics, balancing technology with human connection, and the opportunities and limitations of hybrid care models.This episode offers practical perspectives on how digital and traditional care can work together, the evolving role of the GP, and what the next generation of Australian healthcare may look like.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Dr Vienna Tran, Professor Gordon Cable, and Dr Lisa Brown to explore the fascinating intersection of healthcare and space.The discussion focuses on space medicine and how clinicians care for astronauts living in microgravity, exposed to radiation, and operating far from Earth’s hospitals.Learn about the unique challenges of human physiology in space, from fluid shifts and bone loss to immune changes and heightened cancer risks.The panel also examines how technologies developed for astronauts, including wearable health monitors, AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine systems, and on-demand medical tools, are now being adapted for remote and resource-limited healthcare settings on Earth.The conversation highlights the parallels between rural healthcare in Australia and medicine in space, drawing on lessons from the Royal Flying Doctor Service and other innovative programs.It also explores the role of international collaboration, cross-disciplinary r

This is a special bonus episode of the Talking Healthtech podcast featuring one of the shows in our Podcast Network called MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast.In this episode of the MSIA Good Tech Podcast, we speak with Kirk Kikirekov from HealthTrack, Chris Smeed from Cubico, Dr Safwan Sayyal from Sayyal Health Services, Helen Souris from Cardihab, Cameron Sampson from Telstra Health, Maxwell Holmes from MediRecords, Marcus Wilson from Surgical Partners, Robert Best from MIMS, Jan Chaffey and Cameron Jaffrey from Stat Health. This special episode is focused on essential software tools for GPs and specialists, highlighting the leading solutions helping Australian healthcare providers streamline processes, maintain safety, improve efficiency, and support sustainability.A series of in-depth interviews with founders, CEOs, clinicians, and product leads from multiple companies serving primary and specialist care. Covering the development and evolution of clinical and practice management systems, data integration, digita

This is a special bonus episode of the Talking Healthtech podcast featuring one of the shows in our Podcast Network called MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast.In this episode of the MSIA - The Good Tech Podcast, we speak with Gerard Stevens from Webster Care, Dr Ben Hurst from HotDoc, Dr Frank Pyefinch and Lorraine Pyefinch from Best Practice, and Jenny O’Neil from Episoft about the journeys of industry founders, inventors, and stars who have shaped the landscape of Australian health technology.Covering the personal stories behind the development of well-known products such as the Webster Pack, HotDoc, Best Practice, and Episoft. Each guest shares the inspiration that led to their innovations, challenges faced during their development, and the ongoing impact of their work within healthcare. Exploring topics in creating practical technology for medication management, driving efficiency in clinical settings, the role of practitioner founders in product success, interoperability, and advice for new entrants to the sect

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Max Mollenkopf, Dr Michael Bonning, and Dr Nicole Sleeman at GP25, the annual conference for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in Brisbane.The episode covers the changing landscape of general practice in Australia, with a focus on the involvement of private health insurers in primary care, recent bulk billing changes, the environmental impact of healthcare, and the role of artificial intelligence.This episode was recorded during GP25 in Brisbane, the largest national gathering dedicated to general practice, organised by RACGP.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with technology consultant, Dr Shane Black, and Associate Professor Amina Tariq and Professor Steven McPhail from The Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).The discussion covers the current wave of artificial intelligence in healthcare, exploring its real-world implementation, governance, workforce readiness, and how clinicians and technologists can collaborate effectively.The guests share their experience and perspectives on digital health transformation, the challenges of adopting new technologies, and the evolving role of AI in Australian healthcare.They also dive into practical examples of AI in action, from AI-powered scribes easing administrative burdens to tools that support clinical decision-making.The episode highlights the importance of human-centred design, adaptive governance, and building trust among clinicians and patients.Listeners will gain insight into how AI is being tho

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dan Wijeratne from Modern Innovations about the evolving landscape of billing and operational efficiency in Australian primary care clinics.They discuss the recent and upcoming changes to Medicare bulk billing incentives, the challenges faced by general practices in adapting to shifting business models, and how tools like MyGPMPtool are helping clinics manage chronic disease care more effectively.The conversation also explores the broader impact of technology on patient experience and clinic sustainability. Listeners will learn how digital tools can streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and support coordinated chronic disease management, allowing practices to deliver higher-quality care while maintaining financial viability. The discussion highlights practical strategies for both bulk billing and mixed billing clinics to adapt to policy changes and remain resilient in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Ben Hurst, CEO of HotDoc, about evolving patient engagement, clinic efficiency, compliance burdens, and the future of hybrid healthcare delivery in Australia.The conversation explores how HotDoc supports GPs and medical centres with digital tools to automate administrative processes, balance regulatory changes, offer flexible work arrangements, and improve access to care for patients in an increasingly virtual environment.The discussion also highlights the growing pressures on general practice, including workforce shortages, rising patient demand, and competition from virtual-only providers and digital health apps.Listeners will gain insight into how clinics can leverage technology to streamline workflows, capture patient information more effectively, and deliver personalised care, all while supporting doctors in managing burnout and maintaining work-life balance.This episode offers practical perspectives for GPs, practice managers, and healthtech

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with a line-up of innovators, founders and CEOs participating in the ANDHealth Digital and Connected Health Commercialisation Showcase and the ANDHealth Plus Programme.Recorded at the event in Canberra, this episode highlights successes from Australian digital health companies and explores topics surrounding commercialisation, global expansion, regulatory hurdles, funding models, and lessons learned from building scalable healthtech solutions.This episode was recorded at the ANDHealth Digital and Connected Health Commercialisation Showcase in Canberra, celebrating milestone achievements for the participant companies in the ANDHealth Plus Programme, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Medical Research Future Fund.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Raymond Wen, Chief Growth Officer and Medical Director for Primary Care Services at Telecare Australia, about the evolution of telehealth, challenges in delivering virtual care, and Telecare's unique approach to technology-enabled healthcare service delivery.Check this episode out to gain insights into how virtual care is transforming access for rural and regional communities, from mental health support to specialist consultations.The conversation explores practical strategies for workforce flexibility, process automation, and co-designed service models, showing how Telecare combines clinical expertise and innovative technology to improve safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes across Australia.Key Takeaways