The healthcare industry has always been a dynamic, ever-evolving entity. And as our understanding of medicine, patient care, and technology has grown, so have the challenges and opportunities that come with it. In a recent podcast discussion with renowned healthcare leader and educator, Dr. Jonathan Baktari, we unearthed some profound insights into the future of healthcare. Dr. Baktari, with his extensive experience spanning across clinical teaching, interviews with top media houses, and the inception of eNashletesting.com, provides a unique perspective on the matter.
A Consolidating Healthcare Industry
It's no secret that many industries have seen increased consolidation in recent years. The pattern is evident from the airline industry narrowing down to a select few major players to the telecommunications sector shrinking in diversity.
"Just like the airlines in the United States got consolidated, it went from twelve to three. The cellular phone companies went from ten to three. The same thing is happening in healthcare," Dr. Baktari highlighted.
Such consolidations invariably lead to reduced choice and potentially diminished service quality. Comparing it to the decline in service observed in the airline industry, Dr. Baktari paints a sobering picture.
However, it's not all bleak. The story takes a twist when considering the once prevalent private practice culture.
"20 years ago or so, 75% of doctors worked for themselves. Now that number is shockingly down to 25%," Dr. Baktari reveals.
While many may view this as a loss of the personal touch in healthcare, it also signals a shift towards more structured and potentially more efficient healthcare systems.
Bridging the Communication Gap
One of the recurrent themes in our conversation with Dr. Baktari was effective communication. As he said,
"Patients hang on to every word. You could say the same thing three different ways, and you could have three different responses."
This profound statement emphasizes the importance of the nuanced communication required in the healthcare sector. Dr. Baktari's clinical faculty experience and engagements with various media outlets have given him a keen understanding of tailoring information to diverse audiences.
Embracing Technology in Healthcare
The rise of technology has impacted almost every industry, and healthcare is no exception. "There's no way we could be where we are with our technology," says Dr. Baktari. Elaborating on his venture, eNashletesting.com, he reveals how they prioritize making just two entities happy - the patient and the staff. "We don't cut any corners, so you can really use technology," he asserts.
Drawing an analogy with Amazon, where incorrect deliveries are rare, Dr. Baktari wishes for a healthcare system that's just as bulletproof. Especially given the hush-hush topic of medical errors in hospitals, technology can play a pivotal role in reducing them. He remarks,
"Patients sometimes can get the wrong medication, the wrong dose... our system ideally will block it."
Finding the Balance
For multi-talented professionals like Dr. Baktari, balancing multiple roles can be challenging. From being a clinician to an educator, and a CEO, he finds a unique alignment in his roles. "Being a clinician is a gift from God... there's nothing like being able to impact someone's health," he shares.
Conclusion
The insightful conversation with Dr. Baktari offers a lens into the changing dynamics of the healthcare industry. From increased consolidation and the challenges it brings to the profound impact of effective communication and the pivotal role of technology, we're at a crossroads.
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