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Oct 31, 2024, 02:39

Douglas Flora: The real breakthroughs start with the simple question: “What if?”

“‘If you want to make a big change, start by disrupting yourself.’ — Clayton Christensen

In healthcare, every day counts. As leaders, we can choose to act like owners, fully invested in making real change happen, or like renters, content with the status quo. But the truth is, we hold the power to create a healthcare system that’s more innovative, efficient, and compassionate than ever. The real breakthroughs start with the simple question: “What if?”

There are almost 5,500 cancer diagnoses each day–is it reasonable then to take a leisurely 6-9 months to vet a software program that might detect more early-stage cancers or make more accurate diagnoses? If this were your family member still being diagnosed with late-stage cancer in 2024, how would you feel about that?

We can do better. But it takes more than words—it takes initiative. It’s about challenging ourselves to learn more, read more, and ACTIVELY seek solutions. It’s about leading with urgency, exploring new ideas, and pushing beyond comfort zones.

This is why I’m committed to sharing news about healthcare innovation almost daily—hoping some of you will grab the baton and run with it in your roles. Take the initiative yourself. Our patients don’t have time to wait, and neither should we.”

Douglas Flora is the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, overseeing clinical operations, strategic planning, and the expansion of cancer programs. He is also the co-founder of the Center for Precision Medicine; Genomic Health.

As the Editor-in-Chief of ‘AI in Precision Oncology,’ the first peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to this field, he plays a pivotal role in advancing research. He is also an active board member of the American Cancer Society and ACCC, where he contributes to advocacy, education, and innovation within the cancer community.