Chukwuemeka - Emeka

OHT Fellow

What inspired you to pursue a career in HealthTech? 

My inspiration for pursuing a career in HealthTech stems from a blend of personal passion and professional experiences. During my time working in healthcare as a Therapy Assistant with the NHS, I witnessed firsthand the transformative role technology can play in improving patient care and streamlining administrative processes. Additionally, my academic background in Management of Information Technology and Mechanical Engineering has equipped me with a deep appreciation for how innovation can solve complex problems. The potential for technology to address challenges in healthcare, such as accessibility, efficiency, and personalization, aligns perfectly with my desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. My interest in energy conservation also influences my perspective, as I see parallels between optimizing resource usage in energy systems and improving efficiency in healthcare delivery. Altogether, HealthTech offers a unique opportunity to combine my skills, passion for technology, and commitment to improving well-being into a fulfilling career path. 

Share a personal experience that showcases the importance of diversity and inclusion in the HealthTech industry. 

One personal experience that highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the HealthTech industry occurred during my time working as a Therapy Assistant at the NHS in Brighton and Hove. Brighton is a highly diverse city, with people from different cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I frequently interacted with patients whose unique needs and experiences required an empathetic and inclusive approach to care. In one instance, I assisted a non-English-speaking patient who was undergoing a stressful hospitalization. Language barriers initially hindered effective communication between the patient and staff. To address this, I worked with interpreters and used visual aids to bridge the communication gap, ensuring the patient could express their concerns and understand their care plan. Witnessing how this simple act of inclusion improved the patient's experience underscored the value of accommodating diverse needs. This experience showed me that diversity and inclusion are essential not only in providing equitable healthcare but also in designing HealthTech solutions. For technology to serve everyone, it must reflect diverse perspectives, be culturally sensitive, and accommodate various needs, such as multilingual interfaces or accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This lesson continues to shape my approach to innovation, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and equitable for all users. 

If you could wave a magic wand and advance any area or issue in HealthTech - what would it be? 

If I could wave a magic wand and advance any area in HealthTech, it would be equitable access to personalized healthcare powered by AI and data-driven solutions. In many parts of the world, healthcare is still reactive, generalized, and disproportionately inaccessible to underserved communities. By leveraging AI and data, we could create systems that proactively predict health issues, tailor treatment plans to individual needs, and provide access to expert-level care regardless of geographical or economic constraints. For instance, AI-powered diagnostic tools could assist healthcare workers in remote areas, enabling them to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment recommendations. Moreover, I'd focus on ensuring that these technologies are inclusive and address biases in healthcare algorithms. A system that adapts to diverse populations and respects cultural, social, and biological differences would revolutionize care delivery and outcomes. Ultimately, the goal would be a world where advanced healthcare tools and insights are as accessible as smartphones-empowering everyone to live healthier, longer lives. 

What's one piece of advice you would give to aspiring HealthTech professionals looking to make a difference in the industry? 

One piece of advice I would give to aspiring HealthTech professionals is to immerse yourself in the problem before building the solution. HealthTech is not just about creating innovative technologies-it's about solving real problems for patients, healthcare providers, and systems. Spend time understanding the challenges faced by stakeholders. Shadow healthcare professionals, talk to patients, and learn about the nuances of healthcare workflows, regulations, and ethics. Equally important, foster a mindset of collaboration and empathy. The best HealthTech solutions come from multidisciplinary teams that blend technical expertise with medical insight and patient perspectives. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and work with people from diverse backgrounds, whether they're clinicians, designers, or policymakers. Finally, stay curious and adaptable. HealthTech is rapidly evolving, and making a difference means embracing lifelong learning to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. Combining this mindset with a user-centered approach will help you create solutions that truly transform healthcare. 

What's your go-to karaoke song? 

"We found love" by Rihanna 

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? 

Naruto 

What's your favourite way to de-stress after a busy day at work? 

Sleep 

What's your favourite hobby or activity that has nothing to do with your job?

Gyming 

Do you want to tell us any fun facts about yourself? Or do you have any hidden skills? 

I am an artist 

Who are your heroes? 

My parents and siblings