5 Technologies Health Sciences Students Should Focus On.

I’m fortunate in my work to have the opportunity to speak with students who are focused on careers in the health sciences often. A question I get frequently is, "What technologies and skills should I be focused on to be successful in the future"? At Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, we’re advancing #innovation in several areas of #healthtech. Here are some key areas and focal points I predict will continue to transform #pediatrics and #healthcare. ?

In no particular order here are five areas where healthcare students should skill up;?

1. Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: While this is by no means new to healthcare, the availability and capability of telehealth/telemedicine?is growing and accelerating. Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies will continue to advance, enabling healthcare providers to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients' health remotely, and provide guidance to pediatric patients and their families from the comfort of their homes. This will be particularly valuable in pediatrics for managing follow-up appointments, helping patients with?chronic conditions, and reducing the need for in-person visits, especially during times of future outbreaks or emergencies.?
2. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Education and Therapy: Virtual and augmented reality technologies aka “mixed reality” or “XR” will find even more applications in medical education and therapy for pediatric patients. Medical students will no doubt?learn through immersive VR simulations, enhancing their understanding of complex procedures. XR technologies are already being used for pain distraction and anxiety reduction during medical procedures, making the experience less traumatic for children. Expect to see a lot of growth here! ?
3. Wearable Health Tech for Pediatrics: Another established technology, wearables will see considerable growth and advancement. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, will?gain prominence in pediatric healthcare. These devices can monitor vital signs, activity levels, sleep patterns, and more, providing valuable insights to both healthcare providers and parents. This data can aid in tracking a child's overall health and wellness, as well as identifying any potential issues early on.?
4. Precision Medicine and Genomic Testing: Data is everywhere. That data will impact much more in pediatric healthcare than ever before. Advances in genomics and personalized medicine will play an important role in tailoring treatments specifically for pediatric patients. Genomic testing can help identify genetic factors that may influence a child's health, allowing for more precise diagnoses and treatment plans. This approach will lead to better outcomes and reduced adverse effects from treatments.?
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Diagnosis and Treatment: Certainly, the hottest topic in health today is AI. While generative AI’s hype and promise start to level off, we will see meaningful advancements take hold. AI and machine learning will be increasingly used in pediatric healthcare for early diagnosis and treatment planning. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of patient data, including medical records, imaging, and lab results, to assist clinicians in making accurate diagnoses and suggesting personalized treatment options. AI-driven tools can help identify patterns that might be missed by human analysis alone.?

If you are a health sciences-focused student, staying updated on these trends and actively seeking opportunities to learn about how technology and innovation will give you an edge in preparing for a rewarding career. These and many other technologies are being integrated into pediatric healthcare. As the field continues to evolve, embracing these advancements will be crucial for providing the best possible care to young patients. ?