Q&A: Bill Doherty, Founder and CEO of International Conference Development (ICD), where Healthcare Leaders across the World Connect and Learn

RamaOnHealthcare April 10, 2024

Fostering Collaborative Efforts to Enhance the Healthcare Landscape

Today, RamaOnHealthcare talks with Bill Doherty. He is a global events and media executive with a 30+ year track record of success. He leads International Conference Development (ICD) www.icdevents.com, a company that creates targeted content and events that attract professionals from around the world.

RamaOnHealthcare (ROH): Welcome to RamaOnHealthcare! Tell us what you have been doing and how it is impacting healthcare.

Bill Doherty (BD): ICD connects healthcare professionals globally to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices via education, collaboration, and innovation. We strive to elevate quality healthcare for all and provide exceptional conferences to drive meaningful positive change. Attendees receive access to the latest advancements, research, and insights. Pivotal themes include patient experience, health equity, burnout, workforce challenges, and hospital-at-home.

We network and partner with organizations, institutions, and professionals to create impactful events and improve patients’ lives. I am committed to effecting meaningful change and fostering collaborative efforts to enhance the United States healthcare landscape for the betterment of all stakeholders.

ROH: What is your mission? How do you address it?

BD: ICD is passionate about connecting healthcare professionals worldwide to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices. We do this through education and collaboration. By bringing together key stakeholders in the same room to exchange ideas and strategies, we believe we can collectively elevate the quality of healthcare for all.

We are committed to providing healthcare professionals access to the latest advancements, cutting-edge research, and insights from leading experts across various topics. We work to stay on top of the critical topics to stay ahead of the curve. I am also proud to announce ICD very recently announced a new partnership with Health Data Management and The American College of Health Data Management. Read more here: Dynamic New Partnership

ROH: Congratulations! What are your plans and potential with this new partnership?

BD: We aim to collaborate closely with Health Data Management to synchronize our content and expand our conference reach to various venues. Additionally, we intend to work together to revive Health Data Management’s The Most Powerful Women in Healthcare IT awards, while concurrently hosting The Annual AMWA Annual Meeting at our upcoming Conference on Women Leadership in Healthcare in 2025.

ROH: What are the current healthcare priorities to focus on now?

BD: Two top priorities I see are:

1. A critical healthcare labor shortage. We must address Burnout, Equity, and other workforce challenges to retain and support healthcare workers as they do the crucial work.
2. We must also meet patients where they are. ICD is very committed to patient experience. Our Patient Experience Symposium is in its Eighth Year. We also have a new portfolio of Hospital at Home events.

ROH: What unique characteristics are required of leaders and leadership within the dynamic industry of healthcare today?

BD: Leaders must possess a unique blend of skills and characteristics to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry effectively. Effective leadership in healthcare demands a combination of adaptability, empathy, strategic vision, collaboration, ethical integrity, innovation, resilience, patient-centeredness, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Leaders who embody these characteristics can navigate the complexities across the industry and drive positive outcomes for patients, providers, and communities.

ROH: Where do you see potential in transforming the healthcare industry?

BD: The potential for transforming the healthcare industry is vast and multifaceted. Several key areas poised for significant innovation and improvement:

• Digital Health Technologies: The integration of digital technologies, such as telemedicine, wearable devices, and health monitoring apps, offers immense potential to enhance patient care, increase access to healthcare services, and improve efficiency in healthcare delivery.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI-driven solutions have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling predictive analytics, personalized treatment plans, medical image analysis, and automated administrative tasks, ultimately improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and operational efficiency.
• Value-Based Care Models: Shifting from fee-for-service to value-based care models can incentivize healthcare providers to prioritize patient outcomes and quality of care over the volume of services rendered, promoting better health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction.
• Healthcare Workforce Development: Investing in healthcare workforce development, training, and education to cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership skills, and cultural competence fosters a resilient, skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving healthcare needs and driving innovation in care delivery.

• Patient Engagement and Empowerment: Empowering patients through health literacy initiatives, shared decision-making, and access to health information promotes active participation in their care, enhances adherence to treatment plans, and improves health outcomes.
• Health Equity and Access: Promoting global health equity and access to essential healthcare services, medications, and technologies ensures all individuals, regardless of race, geographical location, or socioeconomic status, can attain optimal health outcomes and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
• Hospital-at-Home: This has the potential to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and alleviate strain on hospital resources. As the demand for more accessible, patient-centric care continues to rise, hospital-at-home initiatives stand poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ushering in a new era of personalized, convenient, and effective medical treatments.

ROH: What are the biggest challenges within healthcare education today?

BD: The healthcare education challenges stem from the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong learning. Healthcare is increasingly interdisciplinary, with professionals from various specialties needing to collaborate effectively to deliver comprehensive patient care. However, traditional education models often silo different disciplines, hindering collaboration. Conferences focused on interdisciplinary topics facilitate networking and knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds. This fosters an integrated approach to education and practice.

Healthcare requires professionals engage in lifelong learning to stay current with advancements and best practices. However, busy schedules and competing priorities make it challenging to participate in continuing education opportunities. Online webinars offer a convenient and accessible means for professionals to engage in learning activities without travel, or taking time away from work, and thereby promoting lifelong learning and professional development. Conferences that offer certification and accreditation help fulfill professional advancements while keeping the workforce educated.

ROH: How do you keep current with the changes in healthcare?

BD: Staying current within healthcare involves several strategies. First, I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and webinars. These events provide updates on the latest research, technologies, and best practices in healthcare. Additionally, I actively seek out reputable sources of information such as medical journals, online databases, and professional associations’ publications to stay informed about emerging trends and advancements in the field. Collaborating with colleagues and participating in interdisciplinary discussions also help gain insights into diverse perspectives and approaches. I also prioritize networking with industry experts and thought leaders to exchange knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.

ROH: How has your organization impacted healthcare and what do you foresee of the future?

BD: The most rewarding feedback we get from our conference delegates is that they feel heard, inspired, and motivated to act. It’s my goal that every attendee leaves an ICD conference with tangible strategies to bring back to their organization. I’m always over the moon when a conference delegate returns the next year and reports on the growth and change, they’ve experienced. That’s how I know we’re making an impact. So, we’ll continue to deliver that tenfold!

ROH: What are your hobbies, favorite sports teams, etc.?

BD: I enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures. Living in Maine, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, gardening, etc. I like working out and maintaining physical fitness. My favorite sports team is The Boston Celtics!

ROH: Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise with our Readers. We wish you all the very best in transforming healthcare!