Seeing Through Both Lenses: The Physician-as-Patient Experience in the Digital Age
June 18, 2026 | Webinar
In recent years, healthcare has created significant stress and friction for both patients and physicians. Digital health technologies aim to ease some of these challenges, and the emergence of AI has greatly accelerated their present and potential impact.
Physicians and physician informaticists possess a unique depth of knowledge and awareness regarding AI and digital health technologies, and studies show that adoption of these technologies is almost universal. When they experience healthcare from the patient perspective, they gain insights that are unique from those of the broader patient population. Through firsthand experiences, they may identify gaps in digital health tools, patient communication workflows, patient portal usability, laboratory ordering and results processes, and other aspects of the healthcare journey that are traditionally viewed through the lens of the care team.
The physician-as-patient perspective fosters a deeper sense of awareness and empathy, while also creating opportunities to strengthen patient advocacy and enhance the overall healthcare experience.
To bring this important perspective to a broader audience, the HIMSS Physician Committee is launching the Dual Perspective: Physician-as-Patient webinar series. The first session will feature two Committee members sharing their personal experiences and resulting insights as patient and caregiver, the actions they have taken within their organizations, and their perspectives on shaping the future of healthcare through a more patient-centered digital experience.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss how firsthand patient and caregiver experiences can strengthen empathy, patient advocacy, and patient-centered care design.
- Identify gaps and challenges in digital health tools, patient communication workflows, patient portals, and laboratory processes through the physician-as-patient perspective.
- Explore strategies healthcare organizations can implement to improve the digital healthcare experience and advance more patient-centered innovation.
Speakers
- David Lee Scher, MD, ACP, FACC, FHRS, FESC, Board of Directors Member DVHIMSS Chapter
- Michael H. Zaroukian, MD, PhD, MACP, FHIMSS, FAMIA, Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
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