Future improvements in the U.S health care system will come from individuals, not large institutions or systems, as the barrier to knowledge and technology becomes nearly erased. What does that mean for the future of health care, and what do we do to embrace this shift in culture and health?
The answer: Transform 2015, a three-day conference that will take place Sept. 30–Oct. 2 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester and showcase individuals who are taking charge of their health, and spark positive changes in the health care system.
People Power Health is the theme of the Transform 2015 conference.
“This theme underscores the momentum underway around the world,” says Barbara Spurrier, administrative director of Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation, which is the host of the conference. “We are seeing the center of gravity shift away from traditional hospitals and health care – to the people.”
Transform features a program of innovators in health and health care from throughout the country.
“We’ve developed a program to push attendees out of their comfort zones and equip them to be agents for change when they return to their organizations,” says Spurrier. Speakers and events at Transform 2015 will include:
- Personal take charge testimonials by innovators – Presenters include Mario Schlosser, CEO and co-founder of Oscar, a technology-based health insurance company; Nadine Burke Harris, M.D., founder and CEO of Center for Youth Wellness, a San Francisco, Calif., organization that helps heal children exposed to adverse experiences; and America Bracho, M.D., founder and executive director of Latino Health Access, a nonprofit organization in Santa Ana, Calif., combating public health problems of underserved families.
- Interactive experience with a Pop-Up MIT Makers Lab – Presented by co-founders José Gómez-Márquez and Anna Young of MakerNurse, the Makers Lab will offer attendees a chance to try their hands at creating innovations to improve health and health care.
- Evening Powered by PechaKucha – A total of 13 individuals from a variety of backgrounds will share their innovative ideas for transforming health and health care in brief, high-powered presentations on Wednesday evening, Sept. 30.
- Tours of the Well Living Lab – Transform 2015 attendees will be the first to see and experience this one-of-a-kind, human-centered research facility created by Delos and Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation. The Well Living Lab will conduct and translate research based on real-world environments to demonstrate how buildings — and everything that goes in them — can positively influence human health and well-being. Research studies are expected to begin at the Well Living Lab in early 2016.
- Final competition for the Mayo Clinic THINK BIG Challenge – Six entrepreneurial finalists will compete for two $50,000 awards live on Thursday night, Oct. 1. Members of the Transform 2015 audience will vote for the winners using their smartphones.
