Candidate name: Joe Walsh
Title: Director, Digital Health Solutions & Information Technology
Organization: St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph
Joe Walsh is a seasoned health informatics professional with expertise in digital health and information technology. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Health Information Science and the Integrated Director of Digital Health Solutions and Information Technology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, where he provides strategic leadership in shaping a renewed vision for digital health, security, and operations. In his current role, Joe supports the utilization of technology capabilities, ensures the day-to-day needs of the health center are met, and continuously improves information technology and systems. He is committed to enhancing the facility’s ability to deliver high-quality care, work effectively as part of an integrated health system, and improve patient outcomes. Joe completed his MSc in Health Information Science at the University of Victoria, where he gained a deep understanding of digital health services, information technology, and security. He is passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare and is dedicated to transforming the landscape of healthcare through the strategic use of technology. With his extensive experience in health informatics, leadership roles in various organizations, and dedication to leveraging technology to improve healthcare, Joe is a strong candidate for the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors.
How long have you been a member of Digital Health Canada?
I have been a member for 7+ years.
Why do you want to join the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors at this point in your career?
As the Director of Digital Health Solutions and Information Technology with a strong passion for leveraging technology to improve healthcare, and as a Ph.D. Candidate researching Health Informatics at the University of Victoria, I am deeply committed to advancing digital health in Canada. I am particularly drawn to Digital Health Canada’s mission to connect, inspire, and educate the digital health professionals who are shaping the future of healthcare in Canada. Through my experience leading digital health solutions and information technology at St. Joseph’s Health Center, and previously at Halton Healthcare, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing digital health solutions in a complex healthcare system. I believe that my experience and expertise can bring valuable perspectives to the Digital Health Canada board of directors, particularly in driving strategic initiatives that promote the adoption and integration of digital health technologies across the country. As a member of the board of directors, I am excited to collaborate with other leaders in the digital health community to advance Digital Health Canada’s strategic goals, strengthen its member engagement, and foster innovation in digital health. I am also eager to support the organization’s efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the digital health workforce, and to ensure that the benefits of digital health are accessible to all Canadians. Overall, I see joining the Digital Health Canada board of directors as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of digital health in Canada and to help shape the future of healthcare in our country.
How does your experience align with the Digital Health Canada strategic plan and mandate?
As the Director of Digital Health Solutions and Information Technology, my experience directly aligns with the strategic plan and mandate of Digital Health Canada. My current role involves providing strategic leadership and direction in shaping a renewed vision for digital health, security, and operations, which is essential to achieving the goals of Digital Health Canada’s strategic plan. Additionally, as a Ph.D. candidate researching Health Informatics, I have a deep understanding of the field and the latest trends and developments in digital health. This knowledge and expertise allow me to contribute valuable insights and perspectives to the board discussions and decision-making processes. Furthermore, my commitment to leveraging technology to improve healthcare is directly in line with the Digital Health Canada mandate of advancing healthcare through technology. I believe that my experience and passion for digital health can contribute to the achievement of the organization’s strategic plan and goals.
What unique skills, perspectives and contributions would you bring to the Digital Health Canada Board?
As a Director of Digital Health Solutions and Information Technology, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise in healthcare technology, including a focus on cybersecurity. In my current role, I have demonstrated a deep understanding of the intersection of technology and healthcare, ensuring that the day-to-day needs of my organization are met while continuously improving information technology and systems. I have a track record of successfully leading teams through complex technology implementations, including ensuring the highest levels of security are in place to protect patient information. I am also well-versed in cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards, such as HIPAA and PIPEDA. As a Ph.D. Candidate researching Health Informatics at the University of Victoria, I have a deep understanding of the academic side of digital health and cybersecurity, including emerging trends and best practices. If appointed to the Digital Health Canada Board, I would bring my expertise in cybersecurity, technology implementation, and academic research to the table. I would work to ensure that digital health solutions are secure and compliant, while also driving innovation and improving patient outcomes through the strategic use of technology.
Do you or have or have you ever had any direct patient care experience (clinical)?
I do not have any direct patient care experience.
What segments within the Digital Health Canada community do you feel you will best represent?
- Healthcare Institutions
- Academic and Research
- Leaders
- IM/IT Practitioners
- Emerging Professionals
With which Digital Health Canada committees, task groups or activities have you volunteered in the past five years? Describe your most significant contributions to Digital Health Canada’s mission.
Though I have not participated in Digital Health Canada committees or working groups in the past five years, most recently as Director of Digital Health Solutions and Information Technology, and previously as Manager of Operations and Security, and with a Ph.D. in Health Informatics, my contributions to Digital Health Canada have been significant in advancing the organization’s mission. My extensive experience in cybersecurity has allowed me to provide valuable insights and guidance on ensuring the security and privacy of digital health solutions. I have also been actively involved in the development and execution of strategies that drive digital health operations and service performance, aligning with the organization’s strategic plan and mandate. As a respected leader in the field of digital health, I bring a unique perspective to the board and have been able to provide valuable contributions to discussions and decision-making. My passion for leveraging technology to improve healthcare has also been instrumental in supporting the organization’s mission to transform the landscape of healthcare through the strategic use of technology.
What other board appointments or relevant leadership experiences have you had in the past five years?
Currently serving as Integrated Director of Digital Health Solutions and Information Technology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph. Ph.D. Candidate in Health Information Science Guest lecturer on topics related to digital health and health informatics at the University of Victoria. Previously served as Manager, ICT Operations and Security at Halton Healthcare. Current member of the Ontario Health West, West Region Cybersecurity Committee Current member of the Brantford Brant Norfolk OHT Digital Health Working Group Current member of the Guelph Wellington OHT Digital Health Working Group Previous member of Halton Healthcare Digital Health & Technology Steering Committee 2022-2023 Previous Chair of Halton Healthcare Infrastructure, Downtime and Disaster Recovery Working Group 2019 – 2023 Previous member of Halton Healthcare Privacy and Security Committee 2019-2023 Previous member of the Halton Healthcare Health Informatics Steering Committee 2019-2022 Previous member of Canada Health Infoway Sex and Gender Working Group 2019-2021 Previous Chair of Halton Healthcare Customer Device Selection Working Group 2019-2021
Please tell us why you feel Digital Health Canada members should vote for you.
Digital Health Canada members should vote for me because I bring a unique blend of experience and expertise in the digital health field. As a seasoned leader in the field, I have a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian healthcare system as it continues to embrace digital transformation. In my current role as Director of Digital Health Solutions and Information Technology, I have demonstrated my ability to develop and execute strategies that drive digital health operations and service performance. My experience leading complex projects and initiatives has allowed me to successfully navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital health in Canada. Furthermore, my expertise in cybersecurity provides a valuable perspective to the Digital Health Canada Board as cyber threats continue to be a growing concern in the healthcare industry. I have a proven track record of implementing robust security measures that protect sensitive information and mitigate risks. Finally, my commitment to collaboration and stakeholder engagement aligns with Digital Health Canada’s mandate of bringing together a diverse group of professionals to advance digital health in Canada. I believe in building strong relationships and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to drive innovation and progress. Overall, my experience, expertise, and commitment to advancing digital health in Canada make me a strong candidate for the Digital Health Canada Board.
Do you currently hold the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems – Canada (CPHIMS-CA) credential?
No
What is your educational background? Please list all degrees and designations.
Doctorate (Health Informatics), University of Victoria, (2019 – Present)
Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, Panel on Research Ethics, March 2020
Master of Science (Health Informatics), University of Victoria, 2018
The Effects of Electronic Medical Record Downtime on Patient Safety and Care, Downtime Mitigation and Downtime Planning
Bachelor of Science (Computing Science), Dalhousie University, 2002
