When skilled medical care is guided by empathy, it becomes something greater. It rises beyond competency. It becomes a connection. It becomes care.

We celebrate survival and measurable outcomes — and we should, however, carry with us what people carry with them long after the diagnosis, such as what was done and how we were treated in the process. It is when a physician takes the time to explain the next steps clearly. It’s the kind gesture from a nurse, the smile behind the mask, the call that came just to check-in. These human elements are not extras. Communication is always part of care.

The most enduring part of the health journey is whether people survive and how they are treated while they try.

People Always, Sometimes Patients

People navigating illness rarely rave about systems. They remember moments — how a physician sat and listened, the hand on the shoulder, the honest, unhurried explanation. They speak of kindness, clarity, and dignity. Empathy is not an accessory to care — it is the essence of care. The data backs that up.

A Medscape report confirmed that patients with chronic pain experienced significant improvement when treated by physicians who exhibited empathy. In Patient Education and Counseling studies, empathy led to better communication, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. Harvard Medical School research shows that when patients feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to engage in their care and experience improved results. This is more than perception — it’s physiology. Stress levels drop, trust increases, and healing accelerates.

Empathy isn’t a “soft skill.” It’s a clinical tool that improves outcomes and humanizes healthcare. In How Doctors Think, Jerome Groopman, MD, reminds us that data does not replace presence: “Statistics cannot substitute for the human being before you; statistics embody averages, not individuals.” Every patient has a backstory — a unique path to the clinic door — and when physicians listen, they gain context and insight.

In 1993, the late Arnold P. Gold, MD of Columbia University, reimagined the start of a medical student’s journey by introducing the “White Coat Ceremony” — a symbol of professionalism and compassion in care. His vision was simple but profound: remind future physicians from day one that medicine is about people, not just pathology.

The ceremony expanded to nursing and other health professions under the leadership of Richard I. Levin, MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health and former President and CEO of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation. “We mourn for him,” Dr. Levin said of Dr. Gold, “but as we celebrate his unique life, we can all carry his legacy forward in love.” The White Coat Ceremony, born from one physician’s belief in the power of human connection, can be a learning experience shaping the heart of health professionals.

The Clinicians Who Lead with Heart

This approach is not hypothetical. It’s exemplified by physicians whose names are synonymous with excellence and empathy. These are outstanding physicians I have encountered through the years. They and their office or department teams collectively demonstrate that knowledge and empathic caring create memorable medical experiences.

Empathy is not just a soft skill in healing — it’s a clinical art. It allows a physician to step into the world of their patient and grasp their experience emotionally, intellectually, and behaviorally. However, empathy goes further: it means communicating that understanding, validating the patient’s concerns, and transforming the exchange into therapeutic action. Empathy becomes the bridge between the healer and those seeking to be healed — where listening becomes treatment, and understanding becomes care.

This fusion of clinical excellence and genuine empathy distinguishes exceptional physicians in healthcare delivery. These physicians prove that it is possible to be both an outstanding clinical physician with a heart and conscience:

A distinguished urologist in New Jersey, Joseph V. DiTrolio, MD, who only recently announced his retirement from clinical practice, seamlessly integrated innovative techniques with a patient-first philosophy for years. His approachable demeanor — insisting patients call him “Joe” — fosters a comforting environment where individuals feel genuinely valued. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. DiTrolio has contributed significantly to urology through product development and holds several patents. His commitment to education is evident in his Clinical Professor of Surgery role at New Jersey Medical School.

Serving as President of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and Physician-in-Chief of The Mount Sinai Hospital, Valentin Fuster, MD, embodies the integration of empathy and leadership. His holistic approach to cardiovascular health — encompassing research, patient care, public health policy and education — has made a global impact. Dr. Fuster’s development of a cardiovascular “polypill” reflects his dedication to accessible patient care, reducing cardiovascular mortality by 33 percent among heart attack survivors. His contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the World Heart Federation Lifetime Achievement Award. He makes himself 100 percent available, whether focusing on a patient in the ER awaiting treatment, rebuilding Haiti’s health system, focusing on the needs of communities in Spain, or leading a global professional association. His heart is in everything he engages.

As Chair of Radiation Oncology at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Alison Grann, MD, exemplifies the harmonious blend of clinical precision and emotional intelligence. Recognizing the emotional weight of specific diagnoses, she ensures that every patient interaction — from reception to treatment — is infused with warmth and respect. Her leadership fosters an environment where patients feel seen and heard, reinforcing their trust in their care. Dr. Grann’s commitment extends beyond patient care; she actively engages in research and holds a Clinical Assistant Professorship at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

At Weill Cornell Medicine, Allyson J. Ocean, MD, stands out as a leading gastrointestinal oncologist and patient advocate. Her compassionate approach clarifies the uncertainties of oncology, deeply resonating with patients. As a co-founder of “Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer,” she heeded the counsel of a communication leader – one of her patients – the late Anne Glauber – and turned the pancreatic cancer journey into a broader mission to extend others’ lives. Dr. Ocean’s dedication to patient-centered care is further demonstrated through her roles at The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health and her active involvement in clinical research and education.

At NYU Langone, Lawrence (Larry) Phillips, MD, delivers exceptional cardiovascular care rooted in empathy and connection. In a specialty where urgency often overtakes interaction, he slows the pace — making listening his first intervention. Patients consistently highlight how seen and heard they feel, a testament to his people-first approach. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, Dr. Phillips also serves at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and is a passionate advocate with the American Heart Association, leading grassroots efforts to expand CPR training and community heart health education.

As Chief Medical Officer of WebMD, John Whyte, MD, MPH, bridges the worlds of clinical practice, public health, and consumer education — delivering trusted health information with empathy and clarity. He sees patients weekly, grounding his clinical leadership in real-world care. Dr. Whyte’s books, including Take Control of Your Cancer Risk and Is This Normal?, reflect his commitment to guiding people through their health journeys with candor and compassion. A former leader at the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, he brings a public health lens to his work, ensuring each message empowers and every patient feels seen.

These physicians exemplify how empathy and medical expertise transform patient care and cement community admiration. They do more than heal — they restore faith in the system and dignity to the patient’s journey.

Stop Calling Us Beneficiaries — We’re Paying Customers

Empathy must extend beyond the individual clinician and become a defining trait of our health system, from how we write policies to how we answer phones.

Too often, people in need of care face frustration instead of compassion. Insurance denials, confusing bills, impersonal communications — these compound the stress of illness. But forward-thinking organizations are challenging that norm.

In the health industry, we often claim that the patient is at the center of care and that naïve Band-Aid should be ripped off. The murder of Brian Thompson is a tragic and terrifying wake-up call to the US health insurance industry. However, the headlines have receded into the background, and with the passing news cycle, so has the urgency to evolve the care coverage system.

The public reaction to Thompson’s death gives us an essential opportunity to recognize that we have lost the trust of many of the people the sector seeks to serve. The trauma of this terrible moment can be addressed in one of two ways — avoidance or engagement. This event must catalyze health companies to reassess their approach to patient care and public trust.

Profitability and service to the patient aren’t two separate outcomes. Investing in interventional care and providing that care are also inextricably intertwined. The industry should consider several key recommendations. Some companies do what is needed to treat “beneficiaries” and “members” more like paying and valued customers.

MetLife and Guardian Life have partnered with Empathy, a platform designed to support beneficiaries through bereavement. These companies understand that losing a loved one is not just a claims process; it’s a human-customer-like — experience. They’ve committed to making that moment one of guidance, not bureaucracy.

Operationally, insurance teams must rethink how they respond to prior authorization requests. What if instead of a hard “No,” a representative said, “Let’s see what we can do together”? That’s not just good service. It lowers people’s tension and is good medicine. When insurance becomes a partner, not a process, people feel seen — not shuffled.

In the broader system, patient navigation — first championed by a physician who became an authority on race, poverty, and cancer — Harold Freeman, MD — shows that outcomes improve when people have support navigating the maze of care. Especially in underserved communities, navigators ensure that empathy is not dependent on privilege. It becomes a universal right.

Designing for Dignity

Empathy isn’t just something we express; it’s something we can design. We can build it into:

• The architecture of clinics that create calm, not chaos
• The approach we take in helping patients complete registration
• The way we train AI and LLMs to converse with respect
• The tone of insurance letters that minimize legalese and empathize with care
• The workflows that give nurses and doctors more time to connect

We must think of empathy not as reactive but as proactive. It must be embedded in systems, supported by policy, and measured by efficiency and experience. Empathy differentiates between treating a condition, focusing on a body part, and healing a person.

The System’s Soul

At its best, medicine is more than what we do — it is about how we do it. Empathy does not appear on a chart and is not coded into billing. But its absence is always felt, and its presence potentially transforms the entire care experience.

Empathy binds us back to our purpose, whether we are physicians in a clinic, nurses in an ICU, call center agents helping a customer navigate issues with a denied claim, or patient navigators walking with someone through a new diagnosis.

As we move into the future of AI, automation, digital health, and remote care, our most vital technology remains human connection. Our most critical clinical protocol is compassion.

Empathy is not a soft idea. It is medicine’s soul in action.

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This May, the 2024 Annual Meeting was held in Seattle, and after taking some time to absorb the whirlwind of activity and insights, three elements stand out:

1. ARVO is back!

The pandemic changed the face of many conferences and meetings, and ARVO was no exception. This year, the annual meeting returned to pre-pandemic levels of attendance and participation, and the energy and enthusiasm were palpable. The number of abstract presentations and scientific research presentations rebounded, and I was very proud of the large showing by my colleagues and fellow vision scientists from Doheny Eye Institute and UCLA; Doheny contributed 67 papers and posters among a total of 155 from UCLA.

In addition to the many new learning opportunities, there were a number of opportunities for forging collaborations and networking. Growing connections within the scientific community is essential to expanding our thinking and considering new methods of achieving outcomes to benefit all.

2. Tech innovations are driving progress.

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic in almost every industry in recent years. In vision science, we’re seeing many developments in AI that have the potential to enhance assessments and diagnoses, as well as to quantify disease features precisely, something previously thought not possible.

Additionally, incredible gains are being made in genetic science and gene-based therapies. The recent groundbreaking FDA approval for a gene-editing approach to addressing sickle cell anemia, which can affect the eye, opens the door to other patient trials and new gene-based therapeutics.

In parallel with these advances in genetic and molecular therapies, significant progress is happening in high-resolution diagnostic technologies. For example, my colleagues at Doheny and UCLA demonstrated, for the first time, visualization of metabolic processes in individual retinal cells in the living eye.

Exciting innovation in the tech space inspires the ARVO 2025 Annual Meeting, which has the theme of “i3: Imagining Innovation and Intelligence in Vision Science.”

3. We need to communicate.

The closing keynote speech focused on a topic that some don’t readily associate with the scientific community: communication. The vision science community is producing incredible work and results, and while we are adept at sharing technical information with vision science colleagues, we cannot necessarily take the same approach with other audiences.

Communication needs to be tailored to reach various stakeholder groups, from the general public to policymakers to government and philanthropic organizations that hold the keys to funding. Advocacy is one of the pillars of ARVO’s five-year strategic plan, developed in 2023. We can only grow advocacy for our cause if we can clearly communicate its impact and importance.

Start planning for 2025.

ARVO 2025 Annual Meeting will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, May 4-8, and as the newly appointed president of ARVO, I am already deep into the planning stages. If the 2024 meeting is anything to go by, our 2025 gathering will offer compelling content and unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and engagement. I invite all members of the vision science community to join me!

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Dr. Igel’s distinguished career spans both academia and clinical practice. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Weill Cornell Medicine, and an Attending Endocrinologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Dr. Igel has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in the management of a wide range of endocrine disorders, with a specific focus on weight management, post-bariatric surgery care, type 2 diabetes, and other related conditions.

His commitment to advancing diabetes care is evident in his innovative approach, particularly in addressing the often-overlooked connection between diabetes and obesity. Dr. Igel emphasizes a weight-centric approach to diabetes treatment, advocating for medications that are either weight-neutral or lead to weight loss. This approach challenges the status quo in healthcare, where the impact of certain diabetes medications on weight gain is often disregarded.

“The link between diabetes and obesity is complex, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach,” says Dr. Igel. “We know that over 11% of Americans have diabetes, and a large percentage are actually undiagnosed. Many individuals are in a progression towards diabetes, and much of that progression is closely tied to weight gain that occurs throughout someone’s lifetime. This is why we are committed to continuing our work to improve diabetes care and raise awareness of the critical connection between obesity and diabetes.”

“It is a privilege to recognize Dr. Leon Igel as the Medical Honoree of the Year,” said ADA’s Research Dinner Executive Committee Chair Gil Bashe, Finn Partners. “Obesity is a common, chronic, and progressive disease that is linked to a significant number of diabetes cases every year, and Dr. Igel’s dedication to reshaping diabetes care through his groundbreaking work in obesity management will help improve the lives of many people. His innovative approach and unwavering commitment are invaluable contributions to the field.”

As part of the Intellihealth team, Dr. Igel’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice. Intellihealth is at the forefront of leveraging innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Igel’s work with Intellihealth underscores the company’s dedication to advancing healthcare through research, technology, and patient-centered approaches.

For more information, sponsorships, and tickets, please go to www.diabetes.org/researchdinner2024.

About Intellihealth
Intellihealth is changing the perception of obesity and redefining how it is treated. We offer evidence-based medical obesity treatment that is three times more effective than lifestyle intervention alone. Our product, Evolve^™, enables health care providers to offer effective medical obesity treatment both via telehealth and in person. Our clinical services affiliate, Flyte^™ Medical, provides businesses and healthcare systems the services of experienced clinicians who are passionate about obesity medicine, including physicians, nurse practitioners and registered dietitians. More about Intellihealth, Evolve and Flyte Medical may be found at www.intellihealth.co.

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“Culture crushes innovation.”  Here, we must not point the finger of blame for the dysfunctional health ecosystem at physicians, nurses and allied health professionals on the hospital floor.  Healers want to heal as much as those who need their help seek answers and solutions. The shared problem is not how to utilize this “hot” evolving technology but are we prepared to make the investment in time and training!  Time to input (usable) data into EMRs and learning technologies that can sort and “scrape” through and highlight information to accelerate clinical decision-making. 

Using AI to Reject Patient Claims and Care

One part of the challenge is understanding how to cognitively maximize and explore vast amounts of information is another. The other is to come to agreement in how AI can and cannot be used ethically and responsibility. As we saw recently, a nascent AI system must not be used by major health insurance companies to deny patients coverage for medicines and procedures.

While the “system” is resistant to significant change and science has become politicized and misunderstood, we must rally to the dual-goal of saving lives and reducing costs.  Can information technologies and “intelligent health systems” do what people in power have not achieved?  Are we able to educate consumers about being partners in data security? Can information bring people – professionals and consumers – together and transform this country’s post-WWII build health system? Yes!

Cardiologist Eric Topol, MD, reflects on the tension between patient care and AI in a Time Magazine interview about his bestselling book Deep Medicine:

“AI will always need human backup. A machine could handle certain things autonomously–diagnosing a skin rash, for example. Doctors shouldn’t be dealing with things that machines will do better than them. But serious conditions, like getting a cancer diagnosis, are what doctors should be working on. I think once patients understand that there are things they don’t need doctors to do, they would love it–once they get used to it.”

Many health professionals (and patients) are understandably wary! In one Medscape interview a physician shared this experience:

“We’ve played around with it. It was very early on in AI and we noticed it gave us incorrect information with regards to clinical guidance,” said Monalisa Tailor, MD, an internal medicine physician at Norton Health Care in Louisville, Kentucky. “We decided not to pursue it further,” she said.

Don’t close the door on an evolving technology! Care professionals work within a system that hinges on economics – how the institution is paid and how it must cover costs.  What is to be done if the system cannot support the health professional’s efforts or make the best use of their training, abilities, energy and dedication?  What will happen as more and more health professionals ghost the provider system that they feel no longer addresses their emotional and economic needs? These are questions that must be addressed sooner than we think! AI is inescapable. It’s an evolutionary process that will improve – improve health professionals and care output – over time.

Perhaps the biggest question is whether we can wait to resolve all these questions while health costs soar and people risk dying from treatable illnesses.  We should already know that answer! If you’re living in the question, that’s great. One way to resolve your angst and uncertainty is to follow people – some pioneers and others pundits – who are also asking those questions, doing the necessary research and exploring sensible possibilities.

20 AI/ChatGPT Champions to Follow

It was a challenge to select only 20 influentials for this listing. There countless people writing, speaking and commenting about AI and ChatGPT. It’s a hot topic and “trendy.” This list is not about “trends” and it isn’t an exclusive roster of people. However, these people are key voices of influence at the frontlines of AI and ChatGPT and are boldly considering how the health sector will need to support and adapt to these technologies ethically. It is important to follow their social posts, speeches and writings. They are theorists, physicians and teachers. What they say and where they say it can inform your opinion and direction. Follow them and get smarter faster!

Acknowledgements

As always, thanks to my friend and Medika Life Founding Editor-in-Chief Dr. Robert Turner, and Cullen Burnell for their encouragement and suggestions, and to Carolyn Neugarten, Medika Life Editorial Assistant for her efforts in making this feature possible, and Tyler Mayers, whose expertise sharing content across social platforms makes important information widely accessible. Special appreciation to colleagues from numerous professional circles who shared their thoughts and contributed recommendations. Special acknowledgement to people who appeared on previous Medika Life Lists and continue on the path to improve the wellbeing of people and planet. These exemplary people are dedicated to improving people’s health and know their efforts will make a difference.

AI and ChatGPT are frightening to some and mysteries to others. Humanity must decide how to best deploy these evolving and “thinking” technologies. What to do next is a mindful choice in the hands of people, and must be for the sake of people.

Gil Bashe, Editor–in-Chief, Medika.Life

AI and ChatGPT Global Voices of Influence

Here is our Medika Life roster of 20 people to follow in alphabetical order; all-important voices – to track and learn from in the coming years We have included wherever available links to the social media platforms and bios.

Follow these Voices and Leaders of Influence – They are writing the future of how AI and ChatGPT will be essential to health care delivery.

Ran D. Balicer, MD

Dr. Ran D. Balicer, a public health physician, executive and researcher, serves as Chief Innovation Officer & Deputy-DG at Clalit – Israel’s largest health insurance organization, and is Founding Director of the Clalit Research Institute.

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Regina Barzilay, MD

Dr. Regina Barzilay is a School of Engineering Distinguished Professor for AI and Health in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and a member of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

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Kirk Borne, PhD

Dr. Kirk Borne is a Data Scientist, providing thought leadership, global speaking, content creation, mentoring, training, and consulting activities in data science, machine learning, and AI across multiple disciplines.

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Atul Butte, MD, PhD

Atul Butte, MD, PhD is the Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg Distinguished Professor and inaugural Director of the Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute (bchsi.ucsf.edu) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). 

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Lex Fridman, PhD

Lex Fridman, PhD, is a Russian-American computer scientist, podcaster, and artificial intelligence researcher. He is a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and hosts the popular Lex Fridman Podcast, a podcast and YouTube series.

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Mo Gawdat, MBA

Mohammad “Mo” Gawdat is an Egyptian entrepreneur and writer. He is the former chief business officer for Google X and author of the bestselling business books Solve for Happy and Scary Smart – The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World.

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John Halamka, MD, MS

John D. Halamka, M.D., M.S., president of the Mayo Clinic Platform, was trained in emergency medicine and medical informatics, Dr. Halamka has been developing and implementing healthcare information strategy and policy for more than 25 years.

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Eric Horvitz, MD

Microsoft’s Chief Scientific Officer and an early AI champion for health and medicine going back many years, Dr. Eric Horvitz is among the founders and funders of Stanford’s 100-year longitudinal study of the impact of AI on Society.

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Daniel Kraft, MD

Daniel Kraft, MD, is a Stanford and Harvard-trained physician-scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and innovator and is serving as the Chair of the XPRIZE Pandemic & Health Alliance. With more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research and health innovation.

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Tom Lawry

A leading AI transformation advisor to health and medical leaders around the world. Lawry is the best-selling author of Hacking Healthcare – How AI and the Intelligent Health Revolution Will Reboot an Ailing System, former Microsoft National Director of AI and now the managing director of Second Century Tech LLC, and partner in Aspire Health Innovations.

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Fei-Fei Li, PhD

Dr. Fei-Fei Li is the inaugural Sequoia Professor in the Computer Science Department at Stanford University, and Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute. She served as the Director of Stanford’s AI Lab from 2013 to 2018.

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Berci Mesko, MD, PhD

Bertalan Meskó, PhD is known as “The Medical Futurist” and the Director of The Medical Futurist Institute analyzing how science fiction technologies can become a reality in medicine and healthcare. He holds a PhD in genomics and is an Amazon Top 100 author. 

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Mira Murati

Mira Murati is the Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, and one of the most influential innovators in technology and AI. She oversees efforts to commercialize OpenAI products and improve them through human feedback. She serves on the leadership teams that developed the OpenAI ChatGPT and Dall-E systems.

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Andrew Ng, PhD

Dr. Andrew Ng is a globally recognized leader in AI. He is Founder of DeepLearning.AI, Founder & CEO of Landing AI, General Partner at AI Fund, Chairman and Co-Founder of Coursera and an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University’s Computer Science Department.

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John Nosta

John Nosta is a cutting-edge thinker in the world of technology, science, medicine and innovation. He is a globally recognized among the foremost voices constantly pushing the envelope on how AI and ChatGPT will transform health settings and work flow. Nosta is non-stop power thinker (and contrarian) and has more than 500 articles published on innovation topics.

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Tam C. Nguyen

Associate Professor Tam Nguyen has more than 20 years of working in clinical trials, health and medical research and research management sector including tertiary teaching hospitals, medical research institutes and universities across Australia. He is the co-editor of the recent book: AI in Medicine (Springer).

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Ziad Obermeyer, MD

Ziad Obermeyer, MD, is the Blue Cross of California Distinguished Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management. He is a physician and researcher who works at the intersection of machine learning and health.

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Brian Roemmele

Brian Roemmele is a scientist, researcher, analyst, connector, thinker and doer. Brian became an early adopter of AI and neural networks and pioneered Prompt Engineering technologies and techniques to understand and extract information from AI platforms.

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Mihaela van der Schaar, MD

Mihaela van der Schaar, MD, is the John Humphrey Plummer Professor of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Medicine at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow at The Alan Turing Institute in London. In addition to leading the van der Schaar Lab, Mihaela is founder and director of the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine (CCAIM).

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 Eric Topol, MD

Eric Topol, MD, is the founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute; Executive Vice President, Scripps Research; Professor, Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research; and the Gary and Mary West Endowed Chair of Innovative Medicine, Scripps Research. In many ways, Dr. Topol was he kindled that started the AI transformation with his more than 1,300 publications and bestselling books.

Dr, Topol appears last – alphabetically – on this Top 20 Voices in AI and ChatGPT to follow. His ideas and prodding the system, perhaps place him first!

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Spot a broken link, typo, forgotten degree or name misspelled?

Oops! Apologies! While care has been taken in compiling this list and adding social media links, things go wrong or a name is misspelled or a link broken. Please do get in touch to address typos, amendments, or omissions by reaching gil.bashe@medika.life.

Thanks in advance and be healthy!

The post Medika’s Top 20 AI Voices to Watch. Follow These Experts as They Demystify AI and Its Future appeared first on Medika Life.

The most notable health discoveries center around therapies and technologies that enable the health system to better address rare diseases, non-communicable diseases, chronic conditions and public health urgencies that demand attention. Yet, many – not all – of these conditions and situations might be prevented through preventive healthcare delivery and wellness strategies.

Longevity – healthy years – has long been a quest since Ponce De Leon searched out the healing waters that might magically maintain a youthful appearance. We are fascinated with the possibilities of longevity and the well-being of mind, body and spirit. Is this only a fantasy? Today’s research and science suggest otherwise. Like all great things; it takes work – personal investment in diet, exercise, mindfulness and preventive care. Why focus only on sick care. This is why Medika Life highlights 30 outstanding individuals whose efforts are transforming how we approach health and wellness.

Ambassadors of a Wellness Movement

All selected for the 2022/2023 Top 30 Influencers Transforming Health and Wellness roster have demonstrated commitment to improving people’s well-being and advancing the global wellness movement. This list recognizes and celebrates their achievements and encourages their journey! All of them originate and share bold ideas, engaging the diverse sphere of wellness in productive – sometimes controversial – conversation.

Those selected are pioneers and explorers who advance the sectors of beauty, diet, food, fitness, mental and medical health, relaxation and travel. Wellness isn’t only a “nice thing to do.” Done persistently, it has multiple levels of ROI. The Global Wellness Institute estimates that as we emerge from the pandemic, the wellness economy will reach nearly $7.0 trillion in 2025. Global Wellness Institute estimates that as we emerge from the pandemic, the wellness economy will reach almost $7.0 trillion in 2025. Wellness isn’t only a “nice thing to do.” Done persistently, it has multiple levels of ROI.

Wellness is often debunked as too “touchy-feely” and lacking scientific substance. We counter by asking whether sickness is a wiser financial investment – letting the downslide of health take its course. According to the Global Wellness Institute, there is an estimated ROI of $4-$14 for every $1 in public health, prevention, managing non-communicable diseases, and health promotion. At a time when the United States dedicates almost 20 percent of its GDP toward “health,” it is questionable whether that is sustainable. We may need to invest more time, money and policy development in nutritional education, women’s health, overcoming mental health stigma and encouraging a better balance between work and downtime. These 30 Wellness Influencers have the courage and entrepreneurial savvy to raise their voices and open their bank accounts to keep people on track to living longer and healthier.

The Challenge to Select Only 30 Influencers

Wellness and our life choices are complex. America is not a frontrunner in the wellness field – but the interest is strong. There is a science to wellness; however, the byproduct of its efforts aren’t quick fixes. Technology has a place in the wellness movement, yet the simple pleasure of community and conversation are also healing. To arrive at 30 individuals of influence was a process that took months! Those selected are ambassadors for a movement that includes hundreds, thousands, and, we hope, millions of advocates. Medika Life is privileged to champion these pioneering voices.

Analytics and Research

To compile this roster, Medika Life used analytical tools to review data from varied sources – from search to these individuals’ social impact and reach. We examined their readiness and effectiveness in engaging others and supporting wellness through presentations, podcasts, webinars, written content, and willingness to share insights in public forum. We include names that appeared in previous Medika Life lists when nominees focused on wellness policy, communications and outreach. However, priority has been given to highlighting influencers who have not appeared on our previous lists.

We considered geography.  We wanted to ensure that voices from around the globe are included. We looked to ensure diversity and equity. We focused on people with the courage to share their ideas through research, investment, art, music, and literature (backed by science) that inspire wellness, launched new companies and NGOs and advocated for beleaguered industries during the pandemic, such as the leisure and travel sectors.

Appreciation

As always, thanks to my friend and Medika Life Founding Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Robert Turner, for assisting me in preparing this roster of exceptional contributors to the wellness conversation. Also, appreciation to Medika Life authors and colleagues Cullen Burnell and Jordan Forbes for their support. Special thanks to the colleagues from professional circles who shared their thoughts and contributed their nominations, particularly those from the Global Wellness Summit community, which serves as a home to many wellness advocates.

Please also look at the Medika Life 2022 2021 Most Influential Voices in Healthcare and Women Transforming Healthcare lists. People who appear on those lists are incredible voices in health transformation. Many need no introduction, and others will be on your radar screen. All these individuals have an impact and are important to watch, follow, amplify and engage. Follow them all and chart their influence.

Gil Bashe, Editor-in-Chief, Medika Life

Top 30 Wellness Influencers Downloadable Banner

All influencers on the 2022/23 Top 30 Wellness Influencers list have a personalized banner that can be downloaded via the “clicking here” link below. We provide these individualized banners to acknowledge and thank them for their efforts toward improving patient experience and healthcare outcomes. Instructions on how to add the banner are shown on the page.

Influencers listed below can download their banners by clicking here. This is one example – there are 30 banners available – for each person – via the unique link.

Top 30 Wellness Influencers

Here is our Medika Life roster of 30 people to follow – not ranked, presented in alphabetical order, all-important voices – to have on your radar screen for future years. Follow their content and voices – these are amazing advocates for patient care and health innovation:

Belgin Aksoy

Creative Director, Richmond International; Founder Global Wellness Day

Wellness is a global movement, and Aksoy raised its banner by creating Global Wellness Day. In 2016, the Global Wellness Summit honored Aksoy and presented her with the “Leading Woman in Wellness” Award. That same year, Aksoy received the “Most Influential Spa Leader” Award from American Spa. Aksoy owns Richmond Nua Wellness-Spa, the award-winning wellness spa brand in Turkey. Her commitment to wellness and the community is well demonstrated.

Ken Dychtwald, PhD

Founder and CEO, Age Wave

Since 1986, Dr. Dychtwald has been the Founder and CEO of Age Wave, an acclaimed think tank and consultancy focused on the social and business implications and opportunities of global aging and rising longevity. His client list has included more than half the Fortune 500. He has served as a fellow of the World Economic Forum and was a featured speaker at two White House Conferences on Aging. Dr. Dychtwald has emerged as North America’s foremost visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, health care, economic and workforce implications of the age wave. He is a psychologist, gerontologist, and best-selling author of 19 books on aging-related issues. Before longevity was a popular topic, Dr. Dychtwald was in the vanguard of elevating its importance.

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Thirty Inspiring Wellness-Sector Role Models

We hope you find these 30 Influencers of Wellness inspiring role models. Seeing the possibilities of extended health over many years is a better way to live. Still, we must continue to direct our eyes toward societal injustices that impede the ultimate goal of a health ecosystem that addresses physical and emotional needs. These wellness leaders champion a life filled with adventure, tasty food, and companionship must also join other health influencers who question the status quo of discrimination, disparities and disruption.

Let’s do our part to ensure these incredible people are heard and supported. Follow and engage with these outstanding advocates of a world filled with wellness. Also, follow people they follow – those people are future candidates for the Medika Top 30 and 50 lists. Again, with a list of 30 people, it’s impossible to include everyone we considered – there were many, and we look forward to featuring their efforts. That is why we urge everyone to visit past lists and engage.

This Spring, Medika Life hopes to release its 30 Voices in Digital Health Health List for 2023, featuring fearless life science innovators seeking to advance access to care, champion new therapies and accelerate diagnosis and alternative treatment approaches. Stay tuned! Follow Medika on Twitter and LinkedIn and follow our editorial staff for updates.

Spot a broken link, typo, forgotten degree or name misspelled?

Oops! Apologies! While care has been taken in compiling this list and adding social media links, things go wrong, or a name is misspelled or a link broken. We seek to honor those listed! Please do get in touch to address typos, amendments, or omissions by reaching gil.bashe@medika.life.

Thanks in advance and be healthy!

The post The Medika Life Top 30 Voices Transforming Wellness for 2022/23 appeared first on Medika Life.