The Future of Health Care - in conversation with Steven Maurice Clark MD, FACS
The future of health care is an unknown mystery — who knows what new technologies will appear, what pandemic we may have to combat ten years from now, and how artificial intelligence will change how we view procedures. However, a focus on advancing what we do know is the best we can do right now. Increased longevity with the advancement of new technologies, along with creative combinations of existing ones — are factors that propel patient empowerment, and fundamentally change how we prevent, diagnose, and cure diseases.
We are in conversation with Steven Maurice Clark, MD, a senior bariatric, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon. A health care advocate constantly working toward new and innovative health care, Steven shares his insights into the future of health care and how to make it the best possible.
Steven, the healthcare industry is constantly changing and growing with healthcare needs around the world. Where do you see surgery, and health care in general, in 10 years from now? What do we need to change today to meet the needs of tomorrow?
“Health care is extremely dynamic — always evolving and adapting. There is so much that we will have to change, adjust, and adapt to for the future of health care to be bright and safe. Telehealth, robotics, an emphasis on prevention, nutrition, genetic predisposition, infectious diseases in general, pandemic prevention, and more. Further, tools for laparoscopy, increased tactical feedback, more responsibility for mid-level providers, handheld diagnostic tools, etc. are all tools that will help the health care industry prepare for the future.
“From safety to easy access, from (potentially) reduced costs to artificial intelligence-driven health care — telehealth and remote surgery is the future of health care. Virtual health care is and will continue to be the proverbial win-win situation. For years preceding the COVID-19 crisis, telemedicine, telehealth, robotics, and remote health care were being described as the future of health care — a versatile style of care that could transform the services received by the elderly and those in rural regions. The past two years have proven that telemedicine is not just a simple progression, but a necessity — and there is still much to learn and so many directions to grow in. The future of health care truly lies in technology, and it is up to us to embrace it and use it to its full potential.
“Another important factor that will guide the future of health care is prevention and nutrition. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventive care reduces the risk of disease, disabilities, and death — yet millions lose sight of its value and refuse to invest time and money into preventive care. When it comes to health care, most people tend to act re-actively instead of proactively. As time goes on, hopefully, people will realize its value and work toward prevention, which ties in with nutrition as well. Keeping your mind and body healthy by eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly are key factors in the process of prevention.
“Health care is so dynamic that it is tough to say where we will be ten years from now. However, knowing what we know now, it is easy to layout a foundational plan with a focus on aspects like prevention and telehealth, to prepare for the kind of future we want.”
Thank you for sharing, Steven.
