Talking HealthTech

THT Productions
THT Productions
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Technology
  • Updated Semiweekly

Conversations with clinicians, vendors, policy makers and decision makers to promote innovation and collaboration for better healthcare enabled by technology. Learn about digital health, medical devices, medtech, biotech, health informatics, life sciences, aged care, disability, commercialisation, startups and so much more.

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    626 - Turning Trends Into Action: Oura Ring 4 and Its Place in Healthcare

    In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Robyn Birch about their experiences using the Oura Ring 4, exploring how this wearable device fits into the broader clinical ecosystem. The conversation focuses on the practicalities and implications of using wearables for health monitoring, such as bringing data into clinical consultations, comparing its ongoing data with clinical-grade tools, and considering the everyday healthcare impact for consumers and clinicians. After six months of daily wear, Peter and Robyn share what the ring got right, where it fell short, and the moments the data prompted real action, including a GP visit that led to a formal sleep study. They also discuss the scepticism patients can face when bringing consumer device data to their doctor, the role of trends and baselines over exact numbers, and what wearables are revealing about areas like sleep, recovery and women's health. Key Takeaways 🟢 Wearables like the Oura Ring are increasingly used to support meaningful conversations with healthcare professionals 🟢 Data trends from wearables are more useful than one-off readings for both consumers and clinicians 🟢 Ongoing wearable monitoring complements, but does not replace, clinical grade diagnostic tools like sleep studies 🟢 Presenting continuous wearable health data can help drive further medical investigation when necessary 🟢 Wearable data is becoming more accepted by clinicians, helping patients become proactive participants in their health Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction & Oura Ring overview 02:27 - Wearables in clinical conversations 04:05 - Data trends vs. one-off readings 05:07 - Wearable data leading to clinical action 09:35 - Clinical sleep study vs. wearable metrics Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    626 - Turning Trends Into Action: Oura Ring 4 and Its Place in Healthcare

  2. 3d ago ·  Video

    625 - Breaking Silos at DHF26: Telstra Health's Corus™ Modernises Patient & Clinician Experience

    In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dr Monica Trujillo, Chief Health and Risk Officer, and Farhoud Salimi, Chief Technology Officer, both from Telstra Health. The discussion covers the ongoing fragmentation of Australia's healthcare system, the challenge of integrating diverse legacy systems and the announcement of Telstra Health's new platform, Corus™, a unified care intelligence ecosystem built in partnership with Snowflake, Smile Digital Health and Salesforce. Peter, Monica and Farhoud explore how modern cloud architecture, interoperability standards, cybersecurity and AI are being brought together to support seamless healthcare delivery, from the data spine that unifies patient records through to curated AI agents designed to ease clinical workflows. They also unpack the shift in thinking from connected care to care connected, keeping the moment of care at the centre with the technology built around it. The episode was recorded live at the Digital Health Festival 2026 in Melbourne, part of a series of episodes captured at the event, where more than 8,000 health leaders, clinicians and innovators gathered to explore what's next for the sector, and brings together perspectives from both technology and clinical leadership on what meaningful digital change in health really takes. Key Takeaways 🩺 Healthcare in Australia is made up of multiple independent, legacy systems, rather than a single integrated system 🕸️ Integration challenges stem from varied data standards, terminology, and the need for high data reliability 🌐 The new Corus™ platform combines modern interoperability standards (FHIR), a robust data spine, and partnerships with technology providers like Snowflake, Smile Digital Health, and Salesforce 🔒 Cybersecurity and clinical governance are crucial in developing safe, secure, and trusted digital health solutions 👩‍⚕️ Corus™ aims to empower both patients and clinicians by enabling more efficient workflows, seamless data access, and self-management, supporting a shift toward preventative and proactive healthcare Timestamps 00:00 — Episode introduction and guest intros 01:48 — Why healthcare remains fragmented 03:47 — Technology challenges integrating systems 04:15 — Modernisation and standards aligning 05:12 — Corus™ platform announcement 07:09 — What Corus™ enables and its architecture 10:00 — The "data spine" explained 11:06 — AI integration and customisation 13:17 — Managing cybersecurity and clinical governance 15:04 — What success looks like for Corus™ Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    625 - Breaking Silos at DHF26: Telstra Health's Corus™ Modernises Patient & Clinician Experience

  3. Jul 15 ·  Video

    624 - Telehealth for Regional Australia: Updoc's Mission to Bridge Healthcare Gaps at DHF26

    In this episode of Talking HealthTech Peter Birch speaks with Dylan Coyne, co-founder at Updoc, about the origins and growth of the Updoc platform, the challenges and opportunities of providing accessible healthcare across Australia, and the balance between technology, trust, and scalability in digital health. The conversation traces back to a personal injury that exposed the inefficiencies of the traditional healthcare system, sparking the idea for a platform built around convenience and access. The episode explores how Updoc is addressing gaps in rural and regional healthcare access, fostering a supportive culture for both patients and clinicians, and participating in the development of national telehealth standards. Recorded live at the Updoc booth during DHF26, The Digital Health Festival, the conversation highlights the ongoing innovations and real-world community engagement driving the company's mission. Key Takeaways 🩺 Updoc aims to be a digital "front door" to healthcare, offering on-demand consultations without the need for traditional appointments or waiting rooms. 🌏 Rural and regional Australians represent nearly 40% of Updoc’s consultations, reflecting critical healthcare access barriers outside metropolitan areas. 🔒 Trust and data security are central to Updoc's operations, safeguarding both patient and doctor information while fostering confidence in telehealth solutions. 💡 Bootstrapping the company drove a focus on sustainability, leading to scalable offerings like unlimited telehealth subscriptions. 📜 Updoc played an active role in developing national telehealth standards, advocating for shared quality, credentialing, and feedback systems across the industry. Timestamps 00:00 - Updoc's origin story 02:07 - Making healthcare accessible and convenient 04:22 - Impact and scale—reaching over a million Australians 05:24 - Building trust with patients and clinicians 08:20 - Serving rural and regional communities 09:09 - Community Access Programme and in-person outreach 12:01 - Attracting and supporting clinicians through flexibility 15:06 - National telehealth standards initiative 16:36 - Updoc's future and role in the healthcare ecosystem Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    624 - Telehealth for Regional Australia: Updoc's Mission to Bridge Healthcare Gaps at DHF26

  4. Jul 13 ·  Video

    623 - Digitising Healthcare at Scale: Safe AI, Smarter Workflows and the Future of Care

    In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Dalibor Frtunik, CEO of Sorsix, about how their platform Pinga® is building the backbone for the future of digital healthcare. The conversation covers Sorsix's origins in North Macedonia, where the company cut its teeth integrating an entire national health system from the ground up, through to the concept of a health operating system and what that means in practice for clinicians, administrators, and patients alike. Frtunik unpacks how AI-powered digital pathways are being deployed safely within clinical workflows, why the balance between customisation and standardisation matters more than ever, and how Sorsix approaches compliance and governance using frameworks like ISO 42001. The episode also explores the growing role of data in preventative care, the limitations of old-style integration, and what the next decade of digital health transformation will demand from platforms and health systems alike. Key Takeaways 💡 Sorsix’s platform Pinga® acts as a health operating system, integrating different healthcare workflows from individual clinics to entire countries ⚙️ Pinga® supports both clinical and administrative workflows, including triage, long-term care management, screening programs, and preventative pathways 🤖 AI is already in practical use within Pinga®, supporting operational efficiency and improved clinical outcomes, but safety and compliance remain priorities 🔒 ISO 42001 certification for AI is a critical part of building trust and governance in healthcare platforms 🌏 Sorsix’s experience shows that future health systems will need interoperable, flexible, AI-enabled technology that adapts to local workflows and supports ongoing digital transformation Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Sorsix and Pinga® 05:22 - Concept of a health operating system 07:04 - Solving healthcare interoperability and scheduling 13:02 - Balancing customisation with compliance 17:04 - Building clinical and administrative digital pathways 31:36 - Certification, ISO 42001, and AI safety 37:11 - Looking to the future of interoperable, patient-centred systems Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    623 - Digitising Healthcare at Scale: Safe AI, Smarter Workflows and the Future of Care

  5. Jul 8 ·  Video

    622 - From Legacy Systems to AI-Driven Healthcare: Tackling Cybersecurity and Innovation at DHF26

    In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch sits down with Cameron McBride, Divisional Director of Digital Technology Services at Western Health, Chris Fisher, Head of Solution Engineering for Asia Pacific and Japan at Island, and Jeroen Nguyen, Solutions Architect from Endpoint Focus to explore what it really takes to modernise digital workspaces in healthcare. The conversation moves through the everyday challenges of implementing secure and efficient technology in hospitals, the flow-on impact on clinician workflows, the cybersecurity considerations that come with managing sensitive patient data, and the complexities of compliance in a global context. The discussion also looks ahead to the future of AI integration at the point of care and what it will take for emerging technologies to earn the trust of clinicians and patients alike. Recorded live at DHF26, the Digital Health Festival held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this episode features a multi-guest panel discussion captured in front of a live audience at one of Australia's premier health innovation gatherings. Drawing on real-world examples from Western Health and technology partners active in the Australian healthcare sector, the panel offers a grounded look at how digital transformation is unfolding on the ground, not just in theory. Key Takeaways 🖥️ Legacy applications and insecure browsers create significant risks and challenges, addressing them simplifies IT service delivery and enhances security 🔒 Moving security controls into the browser provides more effective protection and flexibility compared to traditional network-based layers ⚡ Improving clinician access to critical systems, such as electronic medical records, directly impacts patient care by reducing wait times 📊 Enhanced analytics and visibility tools enable IT teams to better monitor user behaviour and application performance 🤖 Integrating AI-driven workflows and secure technology environments is paving the way for future innovations in healthcare delivery Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and guest backgrounds 03:04 - Challenges with legacy apps 04:08 - Island's place in security landscape 07:02 - Security at the browser level 09:01 - Clinician workflow improvements 11:36 - IT analytics and reporting benefits 12:57 - Implementing technology changes in healthcare 17:27 - Future plans and AI integration Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    622 - From Legacy Systems to AI-Driven Healthcare: Tackling Cybersecurity and Innovation at DHF26

  6. Jul 6 ·  Video

    621 - From Innovation to Adoption: Solving the Digital Health Distribution Problem at Scale

    In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Bettina McMahon, CEO of Healthdirect, clinical governance and digital health safety expert Chris Boyd Skinner, and Leon Young, founder of Cogniss and Ripple Scale, about the ongoing challenges and potential solutions in scaling the adoption of digital health tools beyond pilots and siloed deployments. The conversation explores why so many effective tools in women's health, mental health, children's health, and long-term care struggle to reach the people who need them most. The group discusses portfolio-based adoption models, the limitations of one-app-at-a-time procurement, and the growing case for a digital health publisher model that can validate, distribute, and maintain tools at scale. The episode also covers clinical trust and regulatory frameworks, the risks of shadow IT, the barriers facing direct-to-consumer digital health, and how innovations such as Ripple Scale are working to address the gaps in app distribution and uptake. Together, the guests make a compelling case for why collaboration, shared infrastructure, and smarter funding models are the next step forward for digital health. Key Takeaways 🌐 Many digital health tools struggle to scale beyond pilots due to barriers in adoption by health providers. 🤝 Clinicians and researchers are often required to become startup founders to drive adoption, even if their expertise is in care, not business. 🏥 Health systems face challenges in assessing, procuring, and managing hundreds of separate digital health apps. 🔒 Clinical safety, regulation, and building trust are essential for the widespread uptake of digital health technology. 🚀 Portfolio-based models and digital publishers like Ripple Scale offer alternatives to fragmented app distribution, making it easier for providers to offer trusted digital solutions across key health areas. Timestamps 00:00 - Introductions & background 03:21 - Cogniss mission and innovation 04:52 - The need for a digital health publisher 05:28 - Barriers to adoption: system and innovator challenges 12:37 - The perspective of Health Direct and large organisations 17:57 - Consumer vs. provider-facing digital products 19:00 - Clinical safety, trust, and governance 26:30 - "Shadow IT" and its impact 33:52 - Advice for digital health tool creators 36:15 - Next steps for Ripple Scale Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    621 - From Innovation to Adoption: Solving the Digital Health Distribution Problem at Scale

  7. Jul 1

    620 - From Know-What to Know-How: Medcast’s Journey with Medical-Grade AI at DHF26

    Find out how Medcast is building trustworthy medical-grade AI in this episode of Talking HealthTech, recorded live at the Digital Health Festival 2026 in Melbourne, Australia's premier gathering for health innovation, technology, and policy. Peter Birch sits down with Dr Stephen Barnett, CEO of Medcast, to explore what it genuinely takes to make AI safe, reliable, and fit for purpose in a clinical setting. With a background spanning general practice, research, and digital health innovation, Barnett brings a grounded and practical perspective to one of the most talked-about topics in healthcare right now. Together, they unpack the concept of knowledge translation, the persistent gap between cutting-edge AI and trustworthy clinical tools, and why large language models alone are not enough. The conversation covers retrieval-augmented generation, the risks of AI hallucinations, the importance of curated and validated data sources, and the orchestration layer that sits between a powerful model and a safe medical answer. They also discuss how clinical workflows are changing, the shift in how doctors use digital tools in front of patients, and the emerging conversation around patient-facing AI. Key Takeaways 🧑‍⚕️ Knowledge translation in healthcare relies on getting the right information to the right person at the right time, impacting both clinician learning and patient outcomes. 🤖 Large language models require an orchestration layer and data curation processes to be considered "medical grade" and trustworthy for clinical use. 🔎 Retrieval-augmented generation and other governance measures help address hallucinations and bias in AI-powered healthcare solutions, supporting quality, safety, and auditability. 💡 Medluma, Medcast's AI platform, addresses compliance, standardisation, and onboarding within healthcare organisations, while empowering clinicians with trusted knowledge access. 📱 Patient-clinician trust depends on using validated, professional tools for information sourcing, and future AI integrations may also support patient self-service within set guardrails. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and guest overview 00:44 - Medcast origins and purpose 02:54 - Obsession with AI and knowledge translation 03:49 - Medical safety in language models 06:13 - Techniques for trustworthy AI 10:01 - Adapting to rapid AI changes 13:32 - Knowledge translation across clinical and non-clinical roles 14:49 - Patient trust and professional boundaries 18:22 - Medcast and Medluma future roadmap Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    620 - From Know-What to Know-How: Medcast’s Journey with Medical-Grade AI at DHF26

  8. Jun 29

    619 - Practical AI in Public Health: Eastern Health at the Microsoft Stand at DHF26

    In this episode of Talking HealthTech, Peter Birch speaks with Suma Shivalingaiah, Chief Information Officer at Eastern Health, about the practical use, governance, and impact of AI and digital technologies in a large Victorian public health service. The conversation covers the AI journey at Eastern Health, from addressing a significant cyber incident that reshaped the organisation's digital strategy to building internal capability, upskilling staff, and deploying AI across both administrative and clinical workflows. Suma shares how Eastern Health approaches AI governance through a dedicated committee that assesses and manages risk across all tools and platforms, why cybersecurity remains the organisation's top priority, and how clinician buy-in is central to any successful implementation. The discussion also touches on real-world pilots including GP referral triage systems, help desk and policy management agents, and Emergency Department wait time predictions, as well as the role of university partnerships in accelerating AI adoption. This episode was recorded live at the Microsoft stand during the Digital Health Festival 2026, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in May 2026, as part of a series of conversations captured across the event. Key Takeaways 🛡️ Governance and cybersecurity are foundational for AI deployment in healthcare, and a dedicated committee is needed to ensure safe use of digital tools ⚙️ Real-world AI success starts with addressing repetitive and administrative tasks for staff and clinicians, using agents like help desk and policy management tools 👨‍⚕️ Clinician and staff buy-in is critical. Adoption depends on early engagement and solving actual pain points 📊 AI in clinical workflow includes initiatives like triaging GP referrals and predicting ED wait times, always as a support tool, not a replacement for clinicians 🎓 Building AI literacy, continuous training, and partnerships with universities are essential for capability uplift and safe technology integration Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction & Episode Setting 00:28 - Overview of Eastern Health 01:35 - Practical AI applications 02:51 - AI agents & support tools 03:57 - Importance of clinical buy-in 05:33 - Governance & cybersecurity foundations 06:30 - AI use case—triaging referrals 08:31 - Justifying AI adoption in public health 10:02 - Automating clinical notes & admin 11:16 - Multi-pronged strategy & advice 12:02 - Lessons for healthcare leaders Check out the episode and full show notes on the Talking HealthTech website. If you’re enjoying the show and want access to exclusive healthtech discussions, meetups, and member-only content, you can learn more about becoming a THT+ Solo Member here: talkinghealth.tech/solo_shownotes And if this episode was useful, leaving a review or sharing it with someone in the industry always helps. Mentioned in this episode: THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners. THT+ Company Partnership Learn more about THT+ Company Partnership options for start-ups, scale-ups and enterprise digital health companies looking for visibility, content, community access and industry connection: talkinghealthtech.com/partners.

    619 - Practical AI in Public Health: Eastern Health at the Microsoft Stand at DHF26
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Conversations with clinicians, vendors, policy makers and decision makers to promote innovation and collaboration for better healthcare enabled by technology. Learn about digital health, medical devices, medtech, biotech, health informatics, life sciences, aged care, disability, commercialisation, startups and so much more.

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