Dr. Eyal Zimlichman

– Breaking Barriers in Healthcare: Dr. Eyal Zimlichman Unveils Sheba Medical Center’s Digital Symphony for Transformative Patient Care

In this insightful second podcast episode, Host Inga Bergen engages with Dr. Eyal Zimlichmann, Deputy Director General and Chief Quality Officer at Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital. Dr. Zimlichman, an internal medicine physician, healthcare executive, and researcher, delves into his journey from clinician to leading digital innovation at Sheba.

1. Background and Digital Innovation Role:

Dr. Zimlichman discusses his evolution from a clinician to the Chief Transformational Officer at Sheba Medical Center. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of quality and innovation, he outlines the gaps in clinical care, including aspects of quality, patient safety, and efficiency. The discussion highlights the necessity of addressing these gaps and the transition from a traditional clinical role to a leadership position focused on digital innovation.

2. Digitalization at Sheba Medical Center:

In response to Inga Bergen’s inquiry, Dr. Zimlichman explores Sheba’s journey into digitalization. He sheds light on the hospital’s reputation as one of the world’s best, emphasizing the accelerated innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation touches on the digital solutions implemented, including telemedicine, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. These innovations are framed within the context of improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall healthcare quality.

3. Innovations in Patient Journey:

Dr. Zimlichman introduces the ARC program, outlining its focus on making innovation usable along the patient journey. Specific innovations are explored, with a spotlight on AI applications in radiology. A concrete example illustrates how AI for CT scans in emergency settings significantly improves early diagnosis and positively impacts patient outcomes. The ARC program is positioned as a structured approach to innovation with a tangible impact on patient care.

4. Patient-Centric Approach:

The interview emphasizes the evolving patient journey in a digitalized healthcare landscape. Dr. Zimlichman stresses the importance of maintaining a patient-centric approach, where the digitalization of healthcare empowers patients to become active participants in their treatment decisions. The discussion explores how digital tools can enhance the patient experience, creating a more personalized and engaging healthcare journey.

5. AI Impact on Outcomes:

Dr. Zimlichman elaborates on the positive outcomes resulting from the integration of AI into clinical practice, particularly in radiology. A specific case study highlights the significant reduction in mortality for patients with intracranial hemorrhage due to AI applications. The potential transformative impact of AI on improving outcomes, patient safety, and the overall quality of healthcare is underscored.

6. Participation in Innovation:

Sheba’s active role in both developing and implementing innovations is a key focus. Dr. Zimlichman advocates for the widespread adoption of such technologies globally. The interview emphasizes the collaborative nature of innovation, with Sheba actively engaging with startups and companies. The goal is not only internal success but also the commercialization of solutions to impact global healthcare positively.

7. Participation in Commercial Success:

Dr. Zimlichman outlines Sheba Medical Center’s approach to innovation, emphasizing both organic and open innovation. The institution actively collaborates with startups and companies, facilitating the commercialization of internally developed solutions. The goal is to impact global healthcare by launching companies that can implement innovations worldwide. This approach positions Sheba as a driver of innovation with a global impact.

8. Robotic Assistance in the Emergency Room:

The interview extends to the use of robotics in the emergency room, with Dr. Zimlichman highlighting the deployment of a small robot capable of measuring standard biomarkers. The robot assists in identifying patients who urgently need attention, optimizing resource allocation. The discussion touches on the necessity of incorporating automation to address healthcare workforce shortages globally, underlining Sheba’s commitment to advanced technologies.

9. Telemedicine and Digitalization of Patient Care:

Sheba Medical Center’s pioneering role in telemedicine is emphasized, with a focus on cardiac rehabilitation offered remotely. Dr. Zimlichman shares insights into the successful implementation of telemedicine, highlighting the benefits of integrating sensors, video conferencing, and mobile apps. The discussion underscores the shift toward patient-centric, home-based healthcare solutions and the potential for transformative changes in how healthcare is delivered.

10. Enjoyment of Digitalized Offerings:

Dr. Zimlichman challenges the perception that digitalized or AI-supported healthcare is a compromise. He notes that patients often enjoy digitalized offerings, citing examples such as telecardiac rehabilitation, where patients prefer the flexibility and comfort of home-based care. The interview emphasizes the potential for digital solutions to enhance patient experience, challenging preconceived notions about the perceived drawbacks of digitalized healthcare.

11. Transformative Journey and Change Management:

The interview delves into the ongoing transformation of the healthcare industry, emphasizing the importance of change management. Dr. Zimlichman discusses the gradual adoption of new healthcare paradigms, starting with early adopters and innovation champions. The evolution toward patient-centered care and the role of successful case studies in driving change are highlighted. The discussion paints a comprehensive picture of the dynamic changes occurring in healthcare and the need for effective change management strategies.

12. Diverse Innovations:

Beyond telemedicine and robotics, Dr. Zimlichman touches on various innovations, including collaborations with companies like Care Syntax for surgical support tools. Virtual reality, analytics, chatbots, and generative AI are mentioned as integral components of the evolving healthcare landscape. The discussion showcases the diverse range of technologies and approaches that Sheba is actively exploring to drive innovation across different aspects of patient care.

13. Policy Implications:

The podcast hints at the need for policymakers to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape. While not fully explored in the summary, this aspect suggests a broader consideration of the regulatory environment and policy frameworks to support and integrate technological innovations. Dr. Zimlichman’s insights potentially open the door to discussions around how policies can evolve to foster innovation while ensuring patient safety and privacy.

14. Collaboration with Caresyntax:

Dr. Zimlichman discusses the collaboration with Caresyntax, highlighting their work in improving surgical outcomes through data. The focus extends to remote care, specifically exploring the concept of a smart home and its potential to enhance health across various scenarios, including elderly care, chronic disease management, acute disease management, child care, pregnancy, and general wellness. The collaboration with Caresyntax exemplifies Sheba’s commitment to leveraging partnerships for innovative solutions that span multiple areas of healthcare.

15. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Applications:

The conversation explores the diverse applications of VR and AR, particularly in patient care. Dr. Zimlichman highlights their effectiveness in treating conditions like anxiety, depression, and pain. Additionally, these technologies are utilized for training medical staff, rehabilitation, and enhancing surgical precision. The integration of augmented reality within surgery has demonstrated a significant reduction in surgery time and improved outcomes.

The interview concludes with Dr. Zimlichman’s satisfaction in creating a positive impact on a global scale and his commitment to continuing efforts in healthcare innovation and transformation.

In the final segment of the podcast interview, Dr. Eyal Zimlichman shares insights and advice for healthcare leaders striving to integrate innovation into their practices. He emphasizes the critical role of leadership at the top of the organization, highlighting the need to see innovation as a strategic direction on par with other organizational priorities.

Dr. Zimlichman underscores the importance of embedding entrepreneurship, innovation, and transformation into the strategic design, mission, annual plans, goals, and metrics of the healthcare institution. He stresses that leaders at all levels should be actively engaged in fostering an innovation culture.

In response to a question about advice for healthcare leaders facing challenges in implementing innovation, Dr. Zimlichman encourages institutions to embrace innovation strategically to become leaders in their field. He expresses the need for institutions to decide whether they want to implement the textbook of future medicine or write the textbook themselves. The aspiration is to be at the forefront of healthcare transformation rather than following trends.The conversation concludes with an emphasis on collaboration, with Dr. Zimlichman stating that working together is crucial to realizing the full potential of transformation. He expresses 

the desire for leading institutions globally to collaborate, sharing experiences and expertise to drive meaningful change.

The interviewer, Inga Bergen, expresses her appreciation for Dr. Zimlichman’s visionary leadership and the motivating insights shared during the conversation. The podcast concludes with gratitude for the transformative impact the dialogue may have on listeners.

Further Episodes: John D. Halamka

Podcast: Play in new window | Download