Talking HealthTech

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

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Josh Ayscough, Utiliti Group Partner, about investment in healthtech, navigating innovation in healthcare, and the different approaches to scaling health technology businesses in Australia and globally.They explore Josh Ayscough's background, the investment focus at Utiliti Group, and how founders can effectively pitch their healthtech solutions to investors and customers.The conversation also delves into the shift towards consumer-centric healthcare, the practical applications of AI, and the importance of building interdisciplinary teams.Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of funding, regulation, and scaling in the Australian health tech ecosystem, as well as strategies for forming partnerships and driving meaningful impact.This episode offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to innovate and succeed in a complex, evolving industry.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Greg McDavitt, physician executive and director of healthcare industry strategy at ServiceNow, and Andrew Dome, Chief Digital Information Officer at Uniting New South Wales Act, about the "hidden tax" on healthcare.The discussion examines the non-financial burdens that affect efficiency and patient care, and how technology can help reduce administrative overhead.It also looks at the emerging role of artificial intelligence in streamlining workflows across healthcare organisations.The episode explores the practical challenges facing care providers and examines how technology can improve outcomes for both staff and patients.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Jason Ward, co-founder and CEO of EQL, about the evolution of digital health in musculoskeletal (MSK) care across Australia and the UK. Jason discusses the story behind founding EQL and the factors that shaped its approach to digital MSK care. He also examines the different funding and access challenges faced in Australia and the UK, highlighting how local healthcare structures influence the delivery of care.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Mecaela Couper, specialist solution consultant for healthcare, Colby Rook, senior account executive for healthcare, and Dr Greg McDavitt, physician executive and director for healthcare, all from ServiceNow.The discussion covers the role of artificial intelligence and technology in reducing administrative burden for clinicians, improving patient outcomes, and optimising workflows within the healthcare sector.The episode explores the intersection of digital transformation and the unique human elements that are central to effective healthcare delivery, based on insights from both clinical and technology backgrounds.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Ramya Raman, Rafiah Ansari, Andrew Aho, and Farhoud Salimi about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in digital health.Topics covered include clinical governance, digital health ethics, women’s health data, interoperability, AI, connected care, and the importance of partnerships across healthcare and technology.This episode was recorded during HIC 2025, hosted by the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH) in Melbourne.It features conversations captured in the Digital Health Studio throughout the event, covering panels, keynotes, and interview sessions with innovators and leaders from across the healthcare technology space.Key Takeaways✨ Clinical governance, ethics, and research translation are critical for driving sustainable digital health innovation

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Steve Lewis, founder of Nabu, about his personal journey into health tech, the creation of Nabu, and the challenges of coordinating complex healthcare for patients with special needs.Steve shares how his own experiences caring for his daughter Bowie inspired him to develop tools that help patients, families, and support workers better manage the demands of the healthcare system.They cover the realities of patient navigation, the role of digital tools in improving outcomes, and the importance of human collaboration alongside technology.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Charles Papp (Founder and CEO, KRE8 IT and KRE8 My Health) and Steven Whittington (allied health consultant and co-founder, KRE8 My Health) about interoperability in healthcare.The discussion covers the challenges of connecting fragmented health data, the role of FHIR standards, their journey forming KRE8 My Health, and practical examples of how better data exchange can improve outcomes for clinicians and patients. The episode explores recent developments such as Smart Health Link and Australian Patient Summary standards, as well as how managed services can bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern interoperability requirements.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Simon Kos, Chief Clinical Officer for ANZ at Microsoft; Georgia James, Director for VicKey Statewide CRM at Austin Health; and Alan Pritchard, Director of EMR and ICT Services at Austin Health.The conversation covers the development and rollout of a statewide Microsoft Dynamics-based CRM for health services in Victoria, with a focus on digital referral management, patient communication, automation, and the use of AI in improving health system processes and outcomes.Key Takeaways

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Declan Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Eolas Medical, about the challenges and opportunities in healthcare knowledge management. They explore how clinicians can better access both external medical evidence and context-specific internal knowledge, the importance of technology in surfacing reliable information at the point of care, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in supporting decision making in healthcare environments.Key Takeaways:

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch speaks with Claire Holt, Technical Health Information Manager at Austin Health, about the role of data management and digital health transformation in tertiary hospitals. The discussion focuses on the integration of new data capture solutions within Austin Health, with a special emphasis on the challenges and opportunities surrounding legacy systems, workflow transformation, stakeholder engagement, and mandatory reporting.This episode was recorded live at HIC 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, at the Data Capture Experts booth on the expo floor.Key Takeaways:

A referral should be the start of a patient’s care journey, not a roadblock. Yet too often, paper forms, phone tag and admin delays get in the way.In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Emily Manning, Sales Manager at Global Health, about how smarter referral management is reshaping Australian healthcare. Emily explains how MasterCare+ streamlines workflows for clinics, hospitals and community providers – reducing risk, freeing up staff time and improving the patient experience.Key Takeaways: