CCPS Panel Focuses on Health-Care Digitalization and Innovation

The transformative role of technology in health care—including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and innovation that are shaping the industry’s future and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders—was explored during a panel discussion hosted by The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS), in collaboration with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, at St. John’s University’s Manhattan, NY, campus on December 5. 

“Building on the momentum of the CCPS graduate program’s Next-Level Series, the ‘Healthcare Digitization and Innovation’ event was a resounding success,” said Radhika R. Jha, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Engagement at the College. “It highlighted the transformative power of collaboration between academia and industry. CCPS looks forward to hosting future events that explore emerging trends in health care, technology, and innovation.”

Located in the heart of New York City, a hub for hospitals and health-care facilities, the Manhattan campus provided an ideal venue to attract a diverse audience. Designed to launch a strategic partnership, the event offered attendees invaluable networking opportunities and access to insights from leading professionals in academia and technology.

The panel featured esteemed experts, including Thomas Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer at Zebra Technologies; Syed Ahmad Chan Bukhari, Ph.D., Director of Research and Associate Professor, Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science, at CCPS; Jamie Fox, Senior Technology Strategist at Microsoft; and Christopher Whiteside, Strategic Account Executive for Higher Education and Healthcare Northeast Global Education for Medicine and Science at Astound Business Solutions, LLC. Moderated by Justin Goldberg, Assistant Dean, CCPS Graduate Programs, the panel delved into pivotal topics in health-care innovation, blending academic and industry perspectives.

“The panelists were dynamic in their responses and were given ample time by the moderator, who asked relevant questions that engaged both the speakers and the audience,” said Joan E. DeBello, Ed.D., Professor and Chair of the Division of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Science at CCPS.  

The evening also included a networking social, allowing attendees to learn more about graduate programs and upcoming offerings in health care, data science, AI, and cybersecurity.

“Participating on the panel was an inspiring experience, with engaging discussions and valuable insights from my peers,” said Mr. Whiteside. “One standout moment was the conversation around ‘value.’ Thomas highlighted the many ways value can be measured, while Jamie emphasized its contextual nature, shaped by the intended outcome and end-user. These perspectives deepened my understanding of how we can better serve our health-care clients and inspired me to continue exploring our industry’s potential.”

Mr. Fox added, “The event was a great exchange of insights and ideas from various perspectives on technology in health care. I learned a great deal about areas within health care that I’m less familiar with, while also sharing insights from my own expertise. I truly appreciated the collaboration between industry and academia in this rapidly evolving field.”

“The stories and experiences shared by the panelists changed the way I view my major and future career,” shared Edward Rodriguez, a student in the Healthcare Informatics program who plans to graduate in May. “Real-life examples illustrated the rapid evolution of the health-care industry, with AI not replacing people, but enhancing their work. The integration of AI in health care will revolutionize operations at every level.”