In a recent ION Influencers fireside chat hosted by Giovanni Amodeo, Michael Dershem, Founder & CEO of Apierion, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare and technology. The discussion covered a range of topics, highlighting key trends and innovations that are shaping the future of the industry.

1. Michael Dershem’s Background and Entrepreneurial Journey: Michael Dershem, a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare and pharma sectors, shared his journey of building companies that have significantly impacted the industry. He discussed his early ventures, including pioneering the placement of nurse practitioners and doctors in alternative sites like Walmart and CVS, and his role as CEO of Pharmacet, which developed groundbreaking hepatitis C treatments.

2. The Evolution of Apierion: Dershem provided an overview of Apierion’s evolution from a payment company to a leader in healthcare data interoperability. He explained how the company leverages blockchain and AI to create patient-driven interoperability platforms, addressing the long-standing issue of data silos in the healthcare industry.

3. The Importance of Data in Healthcare: The conversation delved into the critical role of data in healthcare. Dershem emphasized the need for comprehensive data sets that include not only clinical data but also social determinants of health (SDOH). He highlighted the challenges of data sharing due to competitive barriers and the importance of cybersecurity in protecting valuable healthcare data.

4. Blockchain and AI in Healthcare Solutions: Dershem discussed how Apierion is utilizing blockchain technology to ensure secure and efficient data structures. He also touched on the integration of AI to enhance healthcare solutions, enabling better patient outcomes and more effective use of data.

5. Digital Medical Twin and Interoperability: A significant portion of the chat focused on the concept of the digital medical twin, which combines clinical data with SDOH to create a comprehensive medical profile. Dershem explained how this approach can improve patient care and facilitate interoperability across different healthcare systems.

6. Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare Data: The discussion highlighted the challenges of achieving true data interoperability, including regulatory hurdles and the need for a shift in mindset among industry stakeholders. Dershem expressed optimism about the future, citing ongoing efforts to create decentralized finance models and democratize data access.

7. Real-World Applications and Future Vision: Dershem shared real-world examples of Apierion’s solutions in action, such as digital credentialing for healthcare providers and initiatives to address maternal health and TB resistance. He outlined his vision for the future, where data-driven healthcare solutions can bridge gaps in access and improve outcomes globally.

Key timestamps:

00:09 Introduction to the Fireside Chats
01:47 The Evolution of Apierion
02:43 Lessons from Past Experiences
05:22 Understanding Interoperability
07:09 The Role of Wearable Technology
08:48 The Challenge of Data Sharing
12:53 Stakeholders in Healthcare Commerce
14:08 Digital Credentialing in Healthcare
17:46 Navigating Regulatory Challenges
19:44 Addressing Maternal Health Issues
21:21 Addressing Healthcare Data Challenges
22:41 Demonstrating Real-World Applications
24:11 Strategic Positioning in Complex Markets
26:09 Simplifying Complexity in Healthcare Solutions
29:00 Conclusion and Acknowledgments