AUGUST 2023LIFE SCIENCES REVIEW 19Institutions use analytics, including data mining and surveillance, to support medical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Governments are using real-time tracking to monitor changes in antimicrobial resistance and implement targeted stewardship and infection prevention and control practices. These trends are shaping the future of medicine and will continue to do so for years to come.How do you envision the industry's future with all the potential transformations in the space?The biotech industry has undergone significant transformations with recent advancements in technology, research, and scientific discoveries. As we move forward, implementation science will take the lead in clinical research. While many innovations are conceptually outstanding, there will be an emphasis on demonstrating real-world implementation and impact on patient outcomes. I foresee a growing need for near-patient and rapid testing as patients demand fast and direct answers. In Canada, patient-friendly tools have been developed for monitoring specific markers, like blood glucose. However, we will see the implementation of near-patient testing devices become the norm even for infectious diseases, offering results in just a few minutes, aiding in managing our evolving healthcare system.The power of analytics will continue to drive change. Changing geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes will increase the information sharing and interpretation demand. Is there any project that you have been working on, and what are some of the technological elements that you have leveraged to make the project successful? Optimizing workflows and communication between microbiology labs and clinical wards are two focus areas in our work. This involves customizing and adapting labs to be more efficient in providing timely and accurate results, along with managing human resources. Automation and analytics have greatly evolved to support tasks that require human competencies. Retrospective data analysis can support better healthcare structures, and real-time data analysis can help identify emerging trends and make more informed decisions.Two examples come to mind. First, we are exploring using rapid diagnostic stewardship to decongest emergency rooms. By utilizing innovative rapid testing, we can quickly screen and triage patients, providing clinical teams with the first good indicators of the infection-causing pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility. This allows for the initiation of targeted treatment, protecting patients from unnecessary exposure to antibiotics while waiting for confirmatory results. This approach enhances patient care and leads to quicker resolution of their condition, less time in the hospital, and shorter wait times in urgent care.Second, we seek to support rural areas such as Northern Ontario and Northern Canada, where microbiology staff does not run labs. Samples are shipped to larger centers for testing, which is costly and impacts patient care. By using rapid diagnostics, we can provide results faster, improving patient care and resource allocation.Would you like to share a piece of advice with the other leaders and fellow peers working in the space?The fast-paced world of technology is constantly changing, and the healthcare industry is no exception. To succeed in this dynamic field, developing an adaptable, strategic mindset that incorporates empathy is important. As someone who has worked in medical affairs for most of my career, being strategic is essential to surviving and thriving in this industry. While our research and education contribute to advancements in healthcare, we must also choose where to invest our time and resources to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and caregivers. Working closely with professionals and stakeholders is important to identify unmet needs and prioritize projects that address them. We are responsible for creating the culture we want to live in, and each of us has a role to play. Understanding the market is crucial for data analysis and anticipating and pursuing career opportunities with flexibility. As we move forward, implementation science will take the lead in clinical research. While many innovations are conceptually outstanding, there will be an increased emphasis on demonstrating real-world implementation and impact on patient outcomes
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