We officially launched Nectar Strategic consulting on April 1st, April Fool’s Day, in the midst of a health crisis the world has never seen before. As I sit alone, in my home office, where life as we know it may have been forever changed. I have decided to embrace the irony and paradox of it all. Let the adventure begin. 

Looking Back

For the past eight years, I have had the good fortune to lead all things Healthcare at Cisco. The team and I have worked with clients and partners across the globe to expand and enhance digital transformation in healthcare.  You could say, we were preparing for a moment such as this, but at the same time, we could never have imagined the moment we are collectively in.

And, I must admit the timing of what’s happening here is rather interesting. I had no pre-cognition when I decided to make this change that we would be facing the pandemic and crisis situation we are now in. Not going to lie – it is awkward.  Awkward because I feel like I’ve abandoned a team and a strategy we’ve been preparing and building toward for a long time (virtual health, more convenient patient and clinician experiences, more secure mobile connectivity, etc.). At the same time, I have absolute faith and confidence in the Cisco Healthcare team and I’m so very proud of what we accomplished together, and for the heroic acts I’ve witnessed from them in the face of this virus. I am grateful for my time with each and every one of them.

Looking Ahead

In this time of transitions, I can honestly say it’s critical to pivot toward the new and forever changed. Healthcare as an industry will never be the same and these changes are arguably, for the better. For example, culture and social norms were some of the biggest barriers to virtual care. When we emerge on the other side, many of these issues will have been eradicated, along with real change to reduce other barriers such as regulatory, reimbursement, and workflow concerns.

I believe on the other side of this pandemic, the need for digital transformation in healthcare will never be greater. All stakeholders will recognize the gaps they faced in delivering during this unprecedented time and will make plans to face the next global pandemic differently and from a more informed and effective position. 

The opportunity presented by this change is to truly re-organize how technology transforms experiences for patients, families, clinicians, and business leaders in healthcare. It will have impact on reimbursement, care models, how access can be improved, and how to provide healthcare services differently.   This is the challenge that I and the team at Nectar Strategic Consulting are signing up for – to partner with you when the dust clears. We’re excited about helping our clients to build the new digital healthcare world. Let’s do it together.