Using Data to Promote Health and Advance Health Equity

Dr. Jose Galvez, Deputy Director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Strategic Programs, FDA
Angelica Johnson, Engagement Specialist, All of Us Research Program, NIH
Kathleen Featheringham, Vice President, AI/Machine Learning, Technology & Consulting Services, Maximus (moderator)

In this Fireside chat, experts from the FDA and NIH federal health agencies came together to delve into the transformative role of data in promoting health and advancing health equity. The speakers shed light on their respective agencies' efforts to harness data to improve health outcomes and create a more equitable healthcare landscape. Dr. Jose Galvez, Deputy Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Strategic Programs, FDA, offered valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by data collection in the context of drug evaluation and regulation. He shared strategies for overcoming data challenges and highlighted the impact of trust and transparency in fostering public confidence in data-driven decision-making.

Angelica Johnson, an Engagement Specialist from the All of Us Research Program at NIH, provided a unique perspective on leveraging data sets to improve decision-making in health research. She emphasized the program's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, aiming to bridge health disparities by incorporating a wide range of population data into their research initiatives. The discussion touched upon the essential role of industry in supporting the agencies' missions, exploring the collaboration between federal health bodies and private sectors to drive innovation and deliver equitable healthcare solutions.

Kathleen Featheringham, Vice President of AI/Machine Learning, Technology & Consulting Services at Maximus, skillfully moderated the conversation, guiding the panelists to delve into key topics such as data ethics, privacy, and the responsible use of AI and machine learning in healthcare. The panelists' combined expertise provided a comprehensive understanding of the transformative power of data in shaping the future of healthcare and its potential to create more equitable health outcomes for all. The Fireside chat left the audience informed and empowered to engage the Federal government with industry solutions to address health equity.