Top 30 Healthcare IT Influencers to Follow in 2025
The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing importance of data in decision-making. As we move into 2025, the role of healthcare IT influencers becomes crucial in shaping the future of healthcare. These individuals are at the forefront of innovation, policy-making, and the integration of technology in healthcare systems. In this article, we will explore the top 30 healthcare IT influencers to follow in 2025, categorized into five key subtopics: Innovators in Health Tech, Policy Makers and Advocates, Data and Analytics Experts, Cybersecurity Leaders, and Patient Engagement Champions.
Innovators in Health Tech
Innovation is the lifeblood of healthcare technology. The following influencers are leading the charge in developing new technologies that improve patient care, streamline operations, and enhance the overall healthcare experience.
1. Dr. Eric Topol
Dr. Eric Topol is a renowned cardiologist and digital medicine expert. He is the author of several influential books, including “The Patient Will See You Now,” which discusses the impact of technology on healthcare. Dr. Topol is the founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and has been a vocal advocate for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine.
His work emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care and the role of technology in empowering patients. Dr. Topol’s insights into genomics and personalized medicine are shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
2. Dr. John Halamka
Dr. John Halamka is a healthcare IT leader and the president of the Mayo Clinic Platform. He has extensive experience in health information technology and has been instrumental in developing interoperable health systems. Dr. Halamka is a frequent speaker on the future of healthcare and the role of technology in improving patient outcomes.
His work focuses on creating a seamless flow of information across healthcare systems, which is essential for effective patient care. Dr. Halamka’s vision for a connected healthcare ecosystem is paving the way for future innovations.
3. Dr. Vivian Lee
Dr. Vivian Lee is the CEO of the University of Utah Health and a prominent figure in healthcare innovation. She has a background in medicine, law, and business, which gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing the healthcare industry. Dr. Lee is known for her work in value-based care and the integration of technology in clinical practice.
Her leadership at the University of Utah Health has resulted in significant advancements in telehealth and digital health solutions, making her a key influencer in the health tech space.
4. Dr. Peter Diamandis
Dr. Peter Diamandis is the founder of the XPRIZE Foundation and a leading advocate for exponential technologies in healthcare. His work focuses on harnessing innovation to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges, including those in healthcare. Dr. Diamandis is a proponent of using technology to democratize access to healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
His vision for the future of healthcare includes the use of AI, robotics, and genomics to create personalized treatment plans for patients.
5. Dr. Rasu Shrestha
Dr. Rasu Shrestha is the Chief Strategy Officer at Atrium Health and a thought leader in digital health transformation. He has been instrumental in implementing innovative technologies that enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency. Dr. Shrestha’s work focuses on leveraging data and analytics to drive decision-making in healthcare.
His insights into the future of healthcare technology make him a must-follow influencer for anyone interested in health tech innovation.
Policy Makers and Advocates
Healthcare policy is a critical aspect of the industry, influencing regulations, funding, and the overall direction of healthcare systems. The following influencers are key players in shaping healthcare policy and advocating for necessary changes.
6. Dr. Don Berwick
Dr. Don Berwick is a former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and a leading advocate for healthcare quality improvement. He is the co-founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and has been a vocal proponent of patient-centered care and value-based payment models.
Dr. Berwick’s work has significantly influenced healthcare policy, particularly in the areas of quality measurement and improvement. His insights into the importance of patient safety and quality care make him a key influencer in healthcare policy.
7. Dr. Atul Gawande
Dr. Atul Gawande is a surgeon, author, and public health researcher known for his work on healthcare delivery and policy. He is the founder of Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Gawande’s writings on healthcare reform and the complexities of medical practice have garnered widespread attention.
His advocacy for systematic changes in healthcare delivery has made him a prominent voice in the policy arena.
8. Dr. Leana Wen
Dr. Leana Wen is a physician, public health expert, and former health commissioner for the City of Baltimore. She is a strong advocate for health equity and access to care, particularly for marginalized communities. Dr. Wen’s work focuses on addressing social determinants of health and advocating for policies that promote health equity.
Her insights into public health policy and advocacy make her a vital influencer in the healthcare landscape.
9. Dr. Ashish Jha
Dr. Ashish Jha is the Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and a leading voice in healthcare policy and public health. He has been a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights into public health strategies and healthcare delivery. Dr. Jha’s research focuses on improving healthcare quality and access, making him a key influencer in health policy discussions.
His expertise in public health and policy advocacy positions him as a critical voice in shaping the future of healthcare.
10. Dr. Karen DeSalvo
Dr. Karen DeSalvo is a former National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and a leading advocate for health IT policy. She has played a significant role in advancing health information exchange and interoperability in healthcare systems. Dr. DeSalvo’s work focuses on leveraging technology to improve public health and healthcare delivery.
Her insights into health IT policy and advocacy make her a key influencer in the healthcare technology landscape.
Data and Analytics Experts
Data is at the core of modern healthcare, driving decision-making and improving patient outcomes. The following influencers are experts in data analytics and are shaping the future of healthcare through their work.
11. Dr. John Nosta
Dr. John Nosta is a digital health strategist and founder of NostaLab, a think tank focused on the intersection of healthcare and technology. He is known for his insights into the role of data and analytics in healthcare decision-making. Dr. Nosta’s work emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
His thought leadership in digital health makes him a must-follow influencer for anyone interested in healthcare analytics.
12. Dr. David Blumenthal
Dr. David Blumenthal is the president of the Commonwealth Fund and a leading expert in health information technology and data analytics. He has played a significant role in shaping health IT policy and promoting the use of data to improve healthcare delivery. Dr. Blumenthal’s work focuses on leveraging data to drive quality improvement and enhance patient outcomes.
His insights into health data and analytics make him a key influencer in the healthcare landscape.
13. Dr. Jennifer Dyer
Dr. Jennifer Dyer is a pediatric endocrinologist and a thought leader in digital health and data analytics. She is known for her work on using data to improve diabetes management and patient engagement. Dr. Dyer’s insights into the use of technology and data in chronic disease management make her a vital influencer in the healthcare analytics space.
Her expertise in leveraging data to enhance patient care positions her as a key voice in healthcare innovation.
14. Dr. Michael Apkon
Dr. Michael Apkon is the CEO of Tufts Medical Center and a leader in healthcare analytics and data-driven decision-making. He has been instrumental in implementing data analytics solutions to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Dr. Apkon’s work focuses on leveraging data to drive quality improvement and enhance healthcare delivery.
His insights into the future of healthcare analytics make him a must-follow influencer in the industry.
15. Dr. Rachael D. H. Heller
Dr. Rachael D. H. Heller is a data scientist and healthcare analytics expert known for her work on predictive analytics in healthcare. She has been involved in several initiatives aimed at using data to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Dr. Heller’s expertise in data-driven decision-making positions her as a key influencer in the healthcare analytics landscape.
Her insights into the use of predictive analytics in healthcare make her a vital voice in the industry.
Cybersecurity Leaders
As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, cybersecurity is a critical concern. The following influencers are leaders in healthcare cybersecurity, advocating for best practices and innovative solutions to protect sensitive patient data.
16. Dr. David Finn
Dr. David Finn is the Chief Information Security Officer at Symantec and a leading expert in healthcare cybersecurity. He has extensive experience in information security and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity in healthcare organizations. Dr. Finn’s work focuses on developing strategies to protect patient data and ensure compliance with regulations.
His insights into cybersecurity best practices make him a key influencer in the healthcare cybersecurity landscape.
17. Ms. Lisa Gallagher
Ms. Lisa Gallagher is the Senior Vice President of Technology Solutions at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). She is a recognized leader in healthcare cybersecurity and has been involved in developing frameworks and guidelines for securing healthcare data. Ms. Gallagher’s work focuses on promoting best practices in cybersecurity and advocating for policies that protect patient information.
Her expertise in healthcare cybersecurity makes her a vital influencer in the industry.
18. Mr. John McCarty
Mr. John McCarty is the Chief Information Security Officer at the University of California Health System and a leading voice in healthcare cybersecurity. He has extensive experience in information security and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity in healthcare organizations. Mr. McCarty’s work focuses on developing strategies to protect patient data and ensure compliance with regulations.
His insights into cybersecurity challenges in healthcare make him a key influencer in the industry.
19. Mr. Michael McCoy
Mr. Michael McCoy is the Chief Information Security Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs and a recognized leader in healthcare cybersecurity. He has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity in healthcare organizations, particularly in the public sector. Mr. McCoy’s work focuses on developing strategies to protect patient data and ensure compliance with regulations.
His expertise in healthcare cybersecurity makes him a vital influencer in the industry.
20. Ms. Theresa Payton
Ms. Theresa Payton is a former White House Chief Information Officer and a leading expert in cybersecurity. She is the CEO of Fortalice Solutions and has extensive experience in information security, particularly in the healthcare sector. Ms. Payton’s work focuses on developing strategies to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulations.
Her insights into cybersecurity best practices make her a key influencer in the healthcare cybersecurity landscape.
Patient Engagement Champions
Patient engagement is essential for improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring that patients are active participants in their care. The following influencers are champions of patient engagement, advocating for strategies that empower patients and enhance their healthcare experience.
21. Dr. Michael Apkon
Dr. Michael Apkon, mentioned earlier as a data and analytics expert, is also a strong advocate for patient engagement. His work at Tufts Medical Center emphasizes the importance of involving patients in their care decisions and using technology to enhance patient engagement. Dr. Apkon’s insights into patient-centered care make him a key influencer in this area.
22. Ms. Jane Sarasohn-Kahn
Ms. Jane Sarasohn-Kahn is a health economist and advisor known for her work on patient engagement and health technology. She is the founder of Health Populi, a consultancy focused on the intersection of health and technology. Ms. Sarasohn-Kahn’s insights into consumer behavior and patient engagement strategies make her a vital influencer in the healthcare landscape.
Her expertise in understanding patient needs and preferences positions her as a key voice in promoting patient engagement.
23. Dr. Susan Dentzer
Dr. Susan Dentzer is a health policy expert and former editor-in-chief of Health Affairs. She is a strong advocate for patient engagement and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving patient-centered care. Dr. Dentzer’s work focuses on promoting policies that empower patients and enhance their healthcare experience.
Her insights into the importance of patient engagement make her a key influencer in the healthcare policy arena.
24. Mr. Paul Tang
Mr. Paul Tang is the Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and a leading advocate for patient engagement. He has been involved in several initiatives aimed at using technology to enhance patient engagement and improve healthcare delivery. Mr. Tang’s work focuses on leveraging data and technology to empower patients and improve their healthcare experience.
His expertise in patient engagement strategies makes him a vital influencer in the healthcare landscape.
25. Ms. Amy Cueva
Ms. Amy Cueva is the Chief Experience Officer at MadPow, a design agency focused on improving healthcare experiences. She is known for her work on patient engagement and user-centered design in healthcare. Ms. Cueva’s insights into creating meaningful patient experiences make her a key influencer in the patient engagement space.
Her expertise in design thinking and patient-centered care positions her as a vital voice in promoting patient engagement strategies.
Conclusion
The landscape of healthcare IT is rapidly evolving, and the influencers highlighted in this article are at the forefront of this transformation. From innovators in health tech to policy makers, data experts, cybersecurity leaders, and patient engagement champions, these individuals are shaping the future of healthcare through their work and advocacy.
As we move into 2025, following these influencers will provide valuable insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities in healthcare IT. Their expertise and thought leadership will be essential for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the industry.
In summary, staying informed about the work of these top 30 healthcare IT influencers will not only enhance your understanding of the industry but also inspire you to engage with the innovations and policies that are shaping the future of healthcare.
