Digital Health Canada/ANHIX AB25 Conference
Details
- Date:
- February 4
- Time:
-
8:00 am - 4:30 pm MST
Organizers
Venue
- Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown
-
209 Fourth Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 0C6 Canada + Google Map - View Venue Website
- MEMBER PRICE / NON-MEMBER PRICE
- $189 / $310
Advancing Healthcare in Alberta
Join us in Calgary on February 4, 2025 to discuss Advancing Healthcare in Alberta. Presented in partnership with ANHIX (Alberta Network for Health Information eXchange), this important annual conference attracts leaders, thinkers, senior executives, and individuals within the health space from Calgary and the surrounding area.
Register for the Calgary MeetUp, too!
Connect with your Alberta peers—join us for snacks and socializing at the Calgary MeetUp (conveniently taking place just before the AB25 Conference)! Digital Health Canada MeetUps offer opportunities to network with digital health professionals from your area in a relaxed atmosphere. Your $36.75 registration fee includes taxes, snacks plus one drinks ticket (soda, wine, or beer). Register separately for the MeetUp using the link below.
Schedule
| 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. |
Networking Breakfast |
| 8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. |
Opening Remarks
|
| 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. |
Opening Keynote: Life, the Universe, and Everything—with Apologies to Douglas AdamsThe answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything lies in the utilization of data, much of which has already been collected but is needing to be mobilized. The biggest advantage of a single payor system is the demographically diverse data that is collected. It is time to use that data to make our healthcare lives better.
|
| 10:10 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. |
Introduction of Primary Care AlbertaThis session offers an introduction to Primary Care Alberta (PCA), which oversees the coordination and delivery of primary health care services across Alberta. PCA was created to solely focus on primary care—something that has never been done in Alberta. Attendees will learn about why PCA was established, its mandate, functions, and key goals for the system. The session will illustrate what PCA hopes to achieve in transforming primary care delivery across Alberta.
|
| 10:55 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. |
Networking Break |
| 11:25 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. |
Unlocking the Future of Healthcare: Advancing Care with Data-Driven Intelligence (Main Room)This session explores how Oracle Health Data Intelligence is reshaping healthcare by empowering organizations to harness the full potential of their data. It will highlight the profound impact of integrating and unifying data across the healthcare ecosystem, leading to improved patient care, streamlined operations, and strategic growth. Session Objectives:
Presented by:
Sponsored by Oracle Health |
| 11:25 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. |
Achieving Success via Digital and Automated Clinical Workflows: Benefits to the Patient, Clinician and Institution (Breakout Room)The increasing demand for efficiency and accuracy in healthcare settings has stressed the importance of connected healthcare solutions. The Baxter presentation explores the integration of infusion pumps, connected vitals, and clinical communication systems to streamline workflows, enhance patient safety, and improve care delivery. By linking these critical devices and platforms, hospitals can achieve significant time savings and reduce the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and disconnected systems. The presentation will also highlight the positive impact on staff satisfaction, as automation reduces the cognitive and administrative burden, enabling clinicians to spend more time on direct patient care. This connectivity is the foundation for artificial intelligence applications, offering predictive insights and real-time decision support to optimize outcomes. We’ll also cover insights into how connected healthcare solutions can transform operations, improve clinical accuracy, and lay the groundwork for future innovations in patient care. Key Objectives:
Pre/Post Workflow Optimization:
Lay the Foundation for AI Applications Future of Healthcare Integration:
Sponsored by Baxter |
| 12:10 p.m. - 1:10 p.m. |
Networking Lunch |
| 1:10 p.m. - 1:55 p.m. |
The Impact of the Health Information Act on the Health and Wellbeing of AlbertaThe Health Information Act (HIA)—Alberta’s primary legislation governing health information—is designed to strike a balance between protecting privacy and enabling information sharing to support the delivery of health services. The HIA came into force on April 25, 2001, almost a quarter of a century ago, long before the advent of cloud-based data systems and AI, a virtual ‘geological age’ in the world of information technology. In Disconnected Care, a new report released to coincide with this presentation, we ask the simple question, what is the impact of the HIA on the health and wellbeing of Albertans? The finding may be surprising to many.
|
| 2:05 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. |
Panel Discussion: Continuing Care
|
| 2:50 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. |
Networking Break |
| 3:20 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. |
Closing Session: Connect Care - New HorizonsConnect Care successfully completed its province-wide rollout at the end of 2024, becoming the largest single instance of Epic worldwide. With more than 125,000 clinical users at more than 900 sites and across the continuum of care, the project stretched the boundaries of what people believed what was possible. This presentation will discuss what we have learned about large scale change and how to apply it to the multiple opportunities—and challenges—that lie ahead in Alberta. We will share our approach to the next phase of our Connect Care journey, which focuses on working with clinicians, patients, government, and technology partners to drive improvements and innovation, while also connecting the four sectors of the refocused healthcare system. The goal of this work is optimizing Connect Care so that it drives better quality, efficiency, value, continuity and sustainability of healthcare, with improved engagement and health outcomes for patients and families. Participants will take away practical insights that they can apply to their own digital health odyssey.
|
| 4:20 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Closing Remarks
|
Speakers
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Shelagh Maloney
Chief Executive Officer, Digital Health Canada
Read MoreShelagh Maloney’s career has been defined by a passion for digital health and its transformative ability to improve the patient and provider experience. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, Digital Health Canada, Shelagh held national executive leadership roles in both the public and private sectors where she earned widespread recognition for her business development, relationship management, consensus-building, and communication skills.
A dedicated advocate for innovation and equity through digital health, Shelagh has shaped policy and practice through influential volunteer roles. She is currently Vice -Chair, Vision Loss Rehab Canada and has served as Vice Chair of SNOMED International, Board Chair of Digital Health Canada, and Board Director, Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Shelagh holds a B.Sc . in Applied Health Sciences from the University of Waterloo and is a Certified Professional in Health Information & Management Systems (CPHIMS-CA).
In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Shelagh was an inaugural recipient of the Women Leaders in Digital Health in 2017 and was named a Digital Health Canada Fellow in 2023.
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Kevin Jones
Senior Vice President – Canada, Strata Health Solutions and Board President, ANHIX
Read MoreKevin Jones has over 20 years of experience in the digital health technology space, driven by a personal commitment to leveraging technology for meaningful impact. He has successfully deployed innovative health technology solutions both nationally and internationally. In 2023, Kevin was honored as the Digital Health Executive of the Year by Digital Health Canada, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the field. Kevin currently serves as Senior Vice President at Strata Health, President of the Alberta Health Information Exchange, and Chair of the Alberta Chapter of Digital Health Canada, where he continues to champion advancements in health technology and interoperability.
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Dr. Lyle Oberg
Board Member, Alberta Health Services and Chair, The Seamless Patient Experience Review, Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Read MoreDr. Lyle Oberg has a long history of providing public service to Albertans.
Born and raised in Forestburg, Alberta, Dr. Oberg completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Alberta in 1983. He stayed in rural Alberta, beginning his medical practice in Cold Lake, and then moving to Brooks.
In 1993, he was elected as the MLA for Bow Valley. Dr. Oberg served as an MLA for 15 years and held numerous posts, most notably as the Minister of Social Services, Minister of Learning, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, and Minister of Finance.
Dr. Oberg is a Board Member of Yorkville Asset Management; Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics; and Promethean Biopharma. He is also Vice Chairman of Vancouver Premier College.
Dr. Oberg was appointed to the AHS Board in November 2022 and as the Chair of the Government of Alberta Seamless Patient Experience Review on September 23, 2024.
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Kim Simmonds
Chief Executive Officer, Primary Care Alberta
Read MoreKim Simmonds is the CEO of Primary Care Alberta and formerly an ADM at Alberta Health with a distinctive blend of policy acumen, strategic vision, and adept relationship-building skills. She has experience in public and private sector working across the country consulting on health. Some past experience includes system planning and quality, health evidence, and research and innovation. Kim holds a PhD in epidemiology from the University of Calgary.
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Jeremy Young
Lead Strategic Development Executive, Health Network, Oracle Health
Read MoreJeremy Young is Oracle Health’s Market Lead of Global and North America Public Sector health organizations. Jeremy has consulted healthcare organizations and large employers around the world since 2008, for Cerner, now Oracle Health since 2010. During this time he has supported healthcare organizations in over 35 countries in strategizing and implementing new models of care in pursuit of integrated care and population health management. Jeremy has had the great fortune to represent Oracle Health’s vision for Integrated Care and Population Health Management for local and national scale health service programs across Canada, Australasia, the Middle East, Latin America, and all US federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services and the Indian Health Service.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing and Legal Studies from the University of Central Missouri. He resides in sunny San Diego, California, with his partner and goldendoodles. When he’s not enjoying sunset on the best coast, he spends his days in the skies traveling and working with health organizations around the world in pioneering methodologies and technologies to eliminate the silos and fragmentation of clinical data, thus enabling better healthcare, deriving healthier outcomes, and ultimately a better patient-provider experience for all.
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Erin O’Halloran
Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Health Canada
Read MoreErin O’Halloran is the General Manager and Vice President for Oracle Health Canada, leading the mission to create a human-centric healthcare experience powered by unified data. Erin oversees the strategic development and delivery of the Oracle Health business in the Canadian market, focusing on innovative strategies to modernize healthcare information and technology for our clients across the country.
Erin leads a diversified and dynamic team that work alongside Canadian public sector organizations who have or will be implementing Oracle Health solutions in their organizations and health systems to improve care decisions, support whole-person care, and promote better experiences for patients, clinicians, and staff with intuitive, intelligent healthcare technology solutions.
Erin is a dedicated and passionate healthcare executive with a focus on healthcare technology and digital transformation strategy. Her passion for innovation and mission-driven approach fuels her work, where she leads as a strategic thinker and connector. With a strong background in business development and more than 20 years of experience spanning medical devices, biotech and life sciences, consulting and healthcare technology, Erin is committed to leading change and fostering growth and innovation within the healthcare industry. In addition, Erin has worked as a college instructor and has a strong background and experience in adult education, training, and facilitation. Erin has an MBA from Royal Roads University and an undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.
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Dustin Reeves
Nurse and Clinical Informaticist, Device Integration, Baxter
Read MoreDustin Reeves is an experienced nurse and clinical informaticist, with over 9 years in nursing and 6 plus years in health informatics. Dustin has a passion for interoperability and improving patient safety by the use of connected devices. He is currently Baxter Canada’s Informatics Sales Executive, leading clinical and technical conversations for Baxter’s Connex Solution. Dustin also teaches for the University of Windsor for their graduate Health Informatics program. Dustin holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Windsor and a Master of Science in Health Informatics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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Ryan Hochworter
Sr. Director Digital Strategy and Growth, Baxter
Read MoreRyan Hochworter is an experienced leader in the healthcare industry, known for his passion for transformative digital solutions. With over 20 years of expertise, he has worked with top healthcare systems, focusing on utilizing technology to transform healthcare delivery. Currently serving as the Sr. Director of Digital Strategy & Growth at Baxter, Ryan, plays a crucial role in addressing healthcare value, complex clinical challenges, and accessibility through innovative technology-enabled solutions. He leads a team dedicated to developing technical strategies that leverage digital solutions to tackle industry challenges and stay ahead of trends. Prior to joining Baxter, Ryan held leadership positions in consulting, technical architecture, and global services at Hillrom and other healthcare organizations. He is known for providing guidance and actionable solutions in digital health strategy to healthcare systems worldwide. Ryan holds a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor's degree in International Business from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also holds certifications in Project Management, Six Sigma, and has contributed to innovation through multiple patents.
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Kate Vignoe
Head of Clinical Informatics, Baxter
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Ewan Affleck
Senior Medical Advisor - Health Informatics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta
Read MoreEwan Affleck has worked and lived in northern Canada since 1992. He is currently serving as the Senior Medical Advisor - Health Informatics, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, Strategic Advisor - Clinical and Informatics at the Canadian Institute for Health Information, and Chair of the Alberta Virtual Care Coordinating Body. He is the past Chief Medical Information Officer of the Northwest Territories, was co-chair of the national Virtual Care Task Force, served on the Expert Working Group of the pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy, and is the Executive Producer and co-writer of The Unforgotten (2021), an award-winning film about inequities in health service for Indigenous people living in Canada. In 2013, he was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contribution to northern health care.
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Don McLeod
Executive Lead, Imagine Citizens Network
Read MoreFor over 30 years Don has led citizen engagement projects and provided leadership in the not for profit and public sectors. He is currently serving as Executive Lead for Imagine Citizens Network (ICN). He is passionate about the power citizen-patient storytelling has to change healthcare.
Don also currently works as a facilitator for TREC (Translating Research in Elder Care), a national research collaborative based at the University of Alberta. In the past few years he has engaged with Albertans about modernizing primary health care and the new “Refocusing Healthcare in Alberta” initiative.. In 2022-23 he helped lead an conversation with older adults and their carers focused on what quality outcomes and indicators matter most to them.
Don co-led multi-stakeholder community initiatives including the Age Friendly Calgary project and designing a Dementia Strategy for the Calgary Region. Previously he served as Vice President, Organization Effectiveness for Bethany Care Society.
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Dr. Denise Milne
Executive Director, Alberta Continuing Care Association
Read MoreDr. Denise Milne is the Executive Director of the Alberta Continuing Care Association (ACCA). In this role, she is focused on advocacy and engagement of members supporting Albertans being served in the Continuing Care sector along with industry partners.
Prior to being this role, Dr. Denise Milne had been working with NZ Management Consultants since spring of 2021 on several projects with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, specifically the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Program and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program.
Before becoming a consultant, Dr. Denise Milne was the CEO of CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health and the CASA Foundation in Edmonton. Denise was also the Past Chair of the Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health for two years. Denise has been an appointed member of the Mental Health Review Panel by the Minister of Health for the past six years.
Prior to 2014, Denise was the Provincial Lead for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Alberta Human Services. Her previous employment with the Alberta Mental Health Board (AMHB) included the Provincial Director for the Professional Practice Councils, Program Director of Adult Psychiatry, Program Director of Forensic Psychiatry and Director of Social Work. Denise was also a Mental Health Consultant for the Government of Alberta with years of experience in clinical at the Day Hospital Program and Walk-In Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital and a Probation and Parole Officer and Social Worker at the Edmonton Youth Development Centre.
Denise completed her Ph.D. in Psychology in November 2014. Denise’s research interest focused on FASD and adoptive families. Denise also has a Master’s in Clinical Social Work, a Master’s of Science in Administration, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Sociology and Law. Denise is an advanced practice clinical social worker and registered provisional psychologist.
Denise has taught at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary and conducted investigations for the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Denise has provided numerous presentations to corporations, government and non-profit organizations on mental health and addictions. She also has been in private practice for the past 30 years in which she sees individuals, couples, and families.Read Less -
Dr. Jeremy Theal
Chief Medical Information Officer Alberta Health Services
Read MoreDr. Jeremy Theal is the Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) at Alberta Health Services. In this role, he is the lead physician for Connect Care, a province-wide clinical information system serving 4.5 million citizens across over 800 facilities and over 8,900 acute care beds, the largest project of its kind in North America.
He practices Gastroenterology at the University of Alberta Hospital, where he is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine.
Prior to his work in Alberta, he was a CMIO serving for 15 years in Ontario, where he led award-winning digital health initiatives from local, to provincial, to national scale.As a recognized expert in improving patient and provider outcomes using clinical information systems, Dr. Theal has engaged with clinicians, administrators and policy makers in 12 different countries and has served as an advisor to over 100 hospitals, both in Canada and internationally.
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Debbie Pinter
Clinical Operations Informatics Officer, Alberta Health Services
Read MoreDebbie Pinter is a dedicated nurse, experienced leader, and clinical informatics professional with over 25 years’ experience in supporting quality care through the delivery and implementation of clinical and corporate systems. Debbie holds a nursing, zoology and masters degree in adult continuing education with a focus on leadership and development from the University of Calgary. Debbie’s experience in large-scale transformation initiatives enables her to support organizations with change, engagement, training and adoption of health care technologies. Debbie’s most current role within Alberta Health Services is Clinical Operations Informatics Officer (COIO) in AHS. The COIO is accountable for the Connect Care Clinical Operations team that leads the operations aspects of Connect Care that focuses on clinical design, workflow, engagement, adoption and training. The COIO engages with business and clinical operations to present recommended actions to facilitate ongoing CC optimization and user satisfaction. She is enthusiastic and passionate about incorporating evidence informed decision supports and safety constructs into connect care and supporting clinicians to use the technology to promote quality care and positive patient outcomes. Debbie is a native Calgarian who lives with her husband and three children. Spending time with her family is most important and she loves to garden, do yoga and ski.
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Penny Rae
Chief Information Officer, Alberta Health Services
Read MoreOver the last ten plus years, Penny Rae has been leading the Information Technology department at Alberta Health Services (AHS), as the Chief Information Officer (CIO). Prior to that role, she was the Senior Vice President Capital Management, responsible for the physical infrastructure that supports Alberta’s health care system.
Also a professional engineer, Penny has held senior leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, operations, auditing, negotiations, consulting, and staff management.
In 2018 she received national recognition from Digital Health Canada as one of the top Women Leaders in Digital Health. Penny is part of a triad team which led the implementation of Alberta’s Clinical Information System, Connect Care, which was completed in the fall of 2024.
Penny is a firm believer in living life to its fullest, upholding a balanced lifestyle, keeping active and maintaining a passion for working collaboratively and transparently on common goals. She is married with two children, has many personal interests, and loves to travel to warm destinations full of sand, sun and water.
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