Eighth Annual WLSA Convergence Summit Focuses on Moving from Innovation to Adoption

Event Will Foster Collaboration Across Ecosystem to Spur Connected Health Technology Implementation

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Mar 12, 2013, 07:00 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance (WLSA) will convene its eighth annual Wireless Health Convergence Summit May 28-30 at San Diego's Omni Hotel, an event that will focus leaders in the connected health movement on how to accelerate market adoption of the wealth of innovations more widely and cost-effectively.

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The theme of this year's conference is "Moving Healthcare from Innovation to Adoption." The event will focus on educating and aligning stakeholders throughout the healthcare ecosystem on the myriad innovative solutions available to drive enhanced health outcomes and more efficient healthcare services. Among the top goals are increasing consumer engagement and bolstering collaboration throughout all sectors involved in healthcare improvement, leading to broad adoption of new technologies worldwide.

The Convergence Summit brings together key players to explore how applications of wireless technology can transform the delivery and cost of delivering essential healthcare. This year it will offer participants opportunities for structured networking with the most dedicated and innovative thought leaders in healthcare and health technology, such as Qualcomm Life, with its 2Net™ platform, and Ascension Health.

Scheduled discussions will cover topics including how to spur continuing connected health innovations and encourage institutions and consumers to embrace them.

Distinguished speakers scheduled to lead highlighted conversations during this year's summit include:

Inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, who founded DEKA Research & Development Corporation; holder of more than 440 U.S. and foreign patents, many of them for innovative medical devices that have expanded the frontiers of healthcare around the world; member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and recipient of a National Medal of Technology in recognition of inventions that have advanced medical care worldwide. Kamen is one of the most prolific and successful creators of medical devices, and his insights and passion always surprise and delight audiences.
Veteran program manager Bakul Patel, who is policy adviser to the federal Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), where he is responsible for leading several efforts related to CDRH's policy on medical device software and systems. He is also responsible for advising on regulatory issues related to health IT and mHealth. Patel will update attendees on key FDA initiatives that affect connected health products and services, including the FDA guidance on Mobile Medical Applications. He also may cover the FDA's activity with respect to Clinical Decision Support software, a second area of critical importance to the connected health community.
Mobile entertainment and content industry pioneer Ralph Simon, who heads London-based Mobilium International, a consultancy that provides strategic advice to mobile handset makers, telecommunications operators, media and technology companies, movie studios and TV networks, global music artists, ad agency groups, brands and platform providers around the world. Simon recommends unique, practical ways to expand a company's mobile business. He will focus on opportunities for global and early-stage companies in the developing world, with special attention to Africa.
David Sayen, regional administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in San Francisco. The San Francisco Regional Office spans a vast geographic area; has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the nation; and serves more than 14 million Medicare, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program beneficiaries. From his perspective as one of the top CMS administrators, Sayen will provide insights on critical healthcare reform programs that will affect the market for connected health, including implementation of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and health insurance exchanges (HIEs).

The deadline for early-bird registration for the Convergence Summit is March 15.

For further information on the conference, visit www.wirelesslifesciences.org or contact Molly Cogan at [email protected].

About Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance (WLSA)

The Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance (WLSA) is a special-purpose trade organization committed to accelerating the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies. Our community includes CEOs, senior-level executives, entrepreneurs, companies of all sizes, foundations, educational institutions, scientists, physicians, and policy makers. The WLSA is dedicated to creating value and improving health, globally, by stimulating the implementation of technologies that empower consumers and innovative institutions. WLSA partners and companies all over the world are using wireless and connected health innovations to better manage chronic conditions, pre-empt disease and improve the lives of the elderly and under-served populations.

Visit us at www.wirelesslifesciences.org