On Thursday, October 23, Digital Health Canada’s Montreal 2025 (MTL25) Breakfast event brought together members of the local digital health community at Humaniti Montreal to explore the evolving role of AI in healthcare, celebrate innovation, and create meaningful connections among leaders driving change in Canada’s health ecosystem.
The morning began with opening remarks from Scott McMillan, who welcomed attendees and set the tone for a day of collaboration, learning, and inspiration. His remarks highlighted the power of connection within the digital health community and the importance of sharing insights that drive collective progress.
“Another wonderful event yesterday at the Digital Health Canada Breakfast – Montreal 2025! I had the honour to moderate the panel session “From concept to clinic: implementing innovation and AI into clinical practice” with Alexandre Hudon, BEng, MD, M.Sc (Éd), PhD, FRCPC and Dr Samuel Gareau-Lajoie. It was a dynamic exchange with Alexandre and Samuel on real life AI experiences between clinicians and patients with the local Montreal DHC community! Digital Health Canada, QuestQuanum.”
This theme of human-centred innovation resonated throughout the morning, and underscored how AI can be a tool for compassion, equity, and access in healthcare. Attendees were treated to a rich discussion on AI’s potential to enhance patient care and improve efficiency across healthcare systems in the session From Concept to Clinic: Implementing Innovation and AI into Clinical Practice. Mireille Luc, senior director, research, content and medical affairs at Petal noted how new technologies – from predictive analytics to AI-assisted triage – are viewed by leaders like Dr. Samuel Gareau-Lajoie with optimism and how they can reshape interaction between clinicians, innovators, and patients.
“When a rep comes to me and wants to demo something, my question is always the same: Have you done a research project to support what you’re saying and to confirm the impact on efficiency you’re talking about?”
— Dr. Samuel Gareau-Lajoie, Family Physician & Consultant in AI and Digital Health
The event also showcased innovative solutions in the session From Concept to Implementation, where panelists shared implementation insights from real-world projects using new technologies, aiming to reduce administrative burden and improve care delivery. From advanced interoperability platforms to new clinical decision support tools, local entrepreneurs are proving that the region is a hub for creativity and digital excellence.
“From concept to implementation in care settings, from stories to past failures, from welcoming medical AI with open arms to safeguarding first and foremost its potential harm to our patients.”
Beyond the presentations, MTL25 provided a platform for emerging professionals and experienced leaders alike to connect, share insights, and strengthen their commitment to advancing digital health together.
“I’m truly grateful to work in a space where innovation and teamwork come together to improve patient outcomes every day.”
Closing remarks from Shelagh Maloney, CEO, Digital Health Canada, emphasized how mentorship and professional networking remain cornerstones of Digital Health Canada’s community impact, empowering members to learn, innovate, and lead within the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, and presented at MTL25. See you in Halifax for e-Health26!
Visit the Digital Health Canada Event Calendar to see all upcoming events.