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Interview

GP18 Q&A: Keynote speakers Future Crunch


Paul Hayes


5/10/2018 3:41:09 PM

newsGP spoke with GP18 keynote speakers Tané Hunter and Angus Hervey, of Future Crunch, ahead of this year’s RACGP conference for general practice.

The Future Crunch (L–R Angus Hervey, Tané Hunter) keynote address will discuss what’s happening on the frontiers of healthcare and medicine.
The Future Crunch (L–R Angus Hervey, Tané Hunter) keynote address will discuss what’s happening on the frontiers of healthcare and medicine.

Future Crunch’s keynote address will see Tané Hunter and Angus Hervey paint a picture for the future of local and global primary healthcare, and examine the impacts it will have on the future of general practice in Australia.
 
Can you tell us about yourselves?
Tané Hunter
I am a cancer researcher, interested in bioinformatics, and a science communicator.
 
I am also a co-founder of Future Crunch, as well as a data analytics start-up, Lighthouse.
 
I hold a Master’s in Bioinformatics from the University of Melbourne, and have worked for the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital, diagnosing rare genetic diseases. I am currently completing my PhD at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, using molecular biomarkers in DNA and analysing them using artificial intelligence to improve treatments for people suffering from cancer.
 
I am also a former US mountain biking champion and an avid sailor.
 
Angus Hervey
I am a political economist and a journalist specialising in the impact of disruptive technologies on society. I am the other co-founder of Future Crunch, and was the founding community manager of Random Hacks of Kindness, a global initiative from Google, IBM, Microsoft, NASA and the World Bank to create open-source technology solutions to social challenges.
 
I was also the first editorial manager for Global Policy, one of the world’s leading international policy journals. I hold a PhD in Government and a Master’s in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics, where I was the Ralph Miliband Scholar from 2009 to 2012.
 
What are your impressions/understandings of Australian general practice?
GPs are Australia’s family doctors and help care for millions of people of all ages, from all walks of life, and with all types of medical issues and concerns.
 
Rigorous scientific medical training and the ability to apply the evidence appropriately in community settings places general practice at the centre of an effective primary healthcare system.
 
These same qualities – when combined with the discipline’s holistic, relationship-based philosophy and broad generalist practice – distinguish general practices in large measure from other medical disciplines.
 
GPs endeavour to gain patients’ trust and are concerned about preventative health, and are best placed to advise about how Australians can stay healthy and well.
 
What will you be discussing at GP18?
What’s happening on the frontiers of healthcare and medicine and the advancements in machine learning, genetics, CRISPR, microbiome analysis, medical diagnostics, emerging therapies, neuroscience and brain-machine interfacing, which are truly redefining the healthcare industry.
 
This talk will give the audience new ideas about how healthcare practitioners can prepare for change, and take advantage of the incredible new opportunities arising as technology transforms every aspect of the world in which we live, work and play.
 
What are some of the key issues facing health practitioners in 2018?
Technology – which used to be thought of as a function to be outsourced, or a sector on its own – is now a strategic layer across all aspects of our world.
 
Digitisation, artificial intelligence, intuitive computing, robotics, additive manufacturing and biotechnology are combining to create once-in-a-hundred-year revolutions in every industry at once.
 
GPs are on the frontlines and it can be difficult to deal with the rapid pace of change and understanding of the implications of automation and emerging trends in healthcare, and how to make cost-effective decisions about new technology and diagnostics that improve patient outcomes.

Regulators are struggling to understand and deal with the advancements in therapies, biotechnology, data analytics, genetics, wearables and precision medicine, and all of the ethical concerns they raise.
 
What are you looking forward to experiencing while on the Gold Coast?
Tané is in medical research and is really looking forward to diving into healthcare with knowledgeable people.
 
And since Future Crunch is based in Melbourne, we are delighted to be coming to the Gold Coast to bask in the sun, relax on the beach and play in the surf.
 
Future Crunch will deliver its keynote address on Thursday 11 October at 9.00–9.45 am. Visit the GP18 website to learn more and register for the conference.



conference for general practice future crunch GP18


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