The HIMSS25, one of the most significant events in the digital transformation of the healthcare sector, took place on March 4, 2025, and featured a groundbreaking presentation by Dr. Seung-woo Park and Dr. Meong Hi Son from Samsung Medical Center. The presentation delved into the impact of digital transformation in healthcare, focusing on how emerging technologies such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance care quality while maintaining the essential human empathy integral to healing.
Digitalization in healthcare has become a global priority, yet it comes with significant challenges. While the promise of technology is transformative, its effective integration into a complex system like healthcare requires not only technological infrastructure but also the adaptation of processes and the education of healthcare professionals. Drs. Park and Son highlighted that digital transformation should be viewed as a holistic process involving all levels, from data management to patient experience.
One of the most notable achievements of Samsung Medical Center is the successful implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), which has optimized operational efficiency and improved care quality. However, as the speakers pointed out, digitalization is not just about automating processes; it represents a paradigm shift in how data is collected, managed, and used for clinical decision-making.
A key example of this evolution is DARWIN (Data Analytics and Research Window for Integrated Knowledge), a data analytics platform that has transformed how large volumes of clinical data are managed. Thanks to DARWIN, Samsung Medical Center has seen improvements in diagnostic accuracy, quicker decision-making, and better resource management.
Dr. Park and Dr. Son emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be seen as a complement to healthcare professionals, not as a replacement. AI is reshaping diagnosis, treatment, and workflow optimization in healthcare. However, it is crucial to recognize that technology cannot replace the human empathy that is essential in the healing process.
A highlighted example was the implementation of social robots in hospitals, which assist patients and improve their experience during hospitalization. Additionally, AI-based clinical decision support systems help doctors make more informed decisions but always within the context of human-centered care.
The adoption of new technologies in healthcare settings is not immediate or straightforward. Hospitals and clinics must integrate advanced systems like EMR and AI platforms without disrupting patient services. This process requires careful planning and effective change management. Drs. Park and Son shared their experience in implementing these technologies, highlighting the importance of a gradual and iterative approach to ensure the proper integration of digital tools.
One of the most important points addressed in the presentation was the need to cultivate an organizational culture that supports continuous innovation. Digital transformation is not just about technology; it’s about creating a culture within healthcare organizations that prioritizes constant improvement, enabling the adoption of new technologies that enhance both operational efficiency and patient experience.
Dr. Park and Dr. Son also reflected on the future of digital healthcare and how technology must coexist with humanity to create a more accessible and humane healthcare system. In this sense, Onetree plays a pivotal role by offering technological solutions that combine efficiency and innovation without losing sight of the essential human touch needed for high-quality care.
Onetree has collaborated with renowned institutions such as Stanford Medicine and the University of Michigan, demonstrating how technology can be used to improve patient care without sacrificing the human element. These partnerships have been crucial in developing innovative solutions that transform healthcare delivery in accessible and effective ways.
Drs. Park and Son’s presentation at HIMSS25 clearly demonstrated that digital transformation in healthcare should be viewed as a balanced process. Technology is essential for improving efficiency and health outcomes, but it must be integrated into a model that always keeps the patient at the center of care. As a technology provider, Onetree continues to work on innovative solutions that ensure a future where technology and humanity complement each other to improve global healthcare.