INNOVATION
I believe entrepreneurs are key to catalyzing massive positive changes in healthcare, and that the future will be shaped by patient-innovators. I am dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of patient-led innovation. Having navigated the challenges of rare heart disease, heart failure, implantable devices, and transplantation I have firsthand insight into the daily challenges faced by chronic disease patients and possible solutions. Leveraging my background in health sciences and technology, I am committed to driving forward data-driven solutions for patient care that focus on patients as partners, and informed consumers, in healthcare. I am excited by the potential of emerging technologies to foster a more empathetic, effective healthcare experience for citizens, driving innovation that not only enhances the quality of care but also ensures personalized, meaningful outcomes for every patient. I am leading several early-stage research and development projects. Ping me if you want to learn more:
AI-ENABLED KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND SYNTHESIS
As an Advisor to BioSpark AI Technologies, I am exploring the capabilities of AI and large language models to advance how knowledge is generated and synthesized in healthcare. BioSpark has developed a tool that systematically aggregates, filters, and synthesizes real-world evidence from peer-reviewed scientific case reports published in medical literature into structured research-ready datasets. The platform generates novel data and insights regarding oncology therapeutics and patient socio-demographic characteristics, biomarkers, genomics, full diagnostic and therapeutic journey, adverse events, and clinical outcomes. Working with a cross-functional team of data scientists, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, I am working with the BioSpark team to explore the application of AI-enabled knowledge generation and synthesis specific to cardiovascular disease.
PATIENT-INNOVATOR LAB
Harnessing my experience designing and implementing KPMG Canada’s first corporate innovation lab, and advising healthcare innovation labs, I am co-developing a patient-innovators lab aimed at empowering the next generation of healthcare consumers. Expanding on the "patient as partner" approach, the lab will provide investment, technical guidance, and access to global networks, empowering patients to transform their health journey into innovation and entrepreneurship. The lab supports companies founded by verifiable patients with professional technical backgrounds who are working towards addressing a specific gap or need within healthcare. The lab aims to redefine patient involvement in healthcare innovation and create a new standard for patient-centered solutions.
CONSUMER EDUCATION
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok play an increasingly important role in educating consumers about health. In partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital, I am examining the quality of health education on social media, and how real-time feedback and peer support are creating opportunities for community learning as well as misinformation. I am interested in creating solutions that allow consumers to more readily differentiate between scientific, testimonial, and promotional social media information. Ultimately, this research aims to shed light on how social media can be leveraged to improve health literacy, promote evidence-based solutions, and drive better health outcomes across diverse populations.
cybersecurity of implantable devices
Having lived as a ‘cyborg’ with implanted medical devices, I am deeply aware of the vulnerabilities related to device security and long-term patient safety. My initiatives aim to enhance cybersecurity to safeguard patients from potential threats, including malicious exploitation and environmental hazards. In collaboration with cybersecurity experts, infectious disease scientists, and a product development team, I am developing advanced materials for a cybersecure and biosecure apparel line. Our apparel will be hacker-proof and pathogen-proof, designed and proven to ensure the safety and health of both cyborgs and citizens.
phARMACOVIGILANCE
My journey as a patient has underscored the importance of monitoring medication-related side effects and adverse events. Building on past collaborations around digital pharmacovigilance, I am developing a patient reporting system to report and track adverse drug reactions in real-time. This initiative aims to provide a more dynamic understanding of how drugs perform in diverse populations, beyond the controlled environment of clinical trials. By integrating these insights into healthcare systems, I hope to support patients in receiving safer, more effective treatments. This will allow proactive risk management and improve overall drug safety, ultimately contributing to more personalized and responsive healthcare.
INFECTION CONTROL AND RESILIENCE
I am a Corporate Health Advisor to C-POLAR Technologies, which has developed a revolutionary, evidence-based nano-flashing technology for infection control and resilience. C-POLAR, short for Cationic Polarization Matrix, demobilizes and eradicates air- and surface-borne bacterial, viral, and fungal threats with 99.9% accuracy - making it the definitive world leader in air, surface and textile safety. Leveraging my business acumen and scientific background in infectious diseases, I create partnerships with government and multinational corporations, with the goal of advancing business development and product innovation in the areas of healthcare, defense, and performance sports.