Most Visionary Leaders Driving Change in Healthcare and Life Sciences in 2025

Founder & Execuve

Dr.JOHN NORRIS

Pioneers of Progress

Thelastdecadehasmarkedaperiodof

extraordinarytransformationacrossthe healthcareandlifesciencessectors.Fromthe adoptionofdigitalhealthtechnologiestounprecedented breakthroughsingenomicsandbiotechnology,thepace ofchangehasbeenbothrapidandrelentless.Yet,atthe centeroftheseinnovationsliesaconstant:visionary leadership.

Inthisspecialeditionof CIO Business World,weturn ourspotlighttotheboldthinkers,problem-solvers,and pioneerswhoarenotjustrespondingtoindustry challenges—butredefiningwhat’spossibleinhealthcare andlifesciences.Thesearetheleaderswhoenvisiona worldwherecareismorepersonalized,accessismore equitable,andscienceservesthedeepesthumanneeds withbothprecisionandcompassion.

Thehealthcarelandscapetodayisshapedbyaseriesof complexpressures:agingpopulations,global pandemics,regulatorycomplexities,workforce shortages,andagrowingdemandforvalue-basedcare. Atthesametime,advancesinartificialintelligence,data analytics,wearabletechnologies,andtelemedicineare creatingnewavenuesforinnovation.Leadersinthis spacemustnotonlyembracethesetoolsbutguidetheir integrationinwaysthatenhanceoutcomes,reduce disparities,andelevatepatientexperiences.

Whatdistinguishesthevisionaryleaderswefeatureis notjusttheirabilitytoadoptcutting-edgetechnology, buttheircommitmenttosystemictransformation. Whetherit'sdrivingdatainteroperabilityacross fragmentedhealthsystems,leadingclinicalinnovation throughreal-worldevidence,orreimagining

pharmaceuticalR&DwithAI,theseleadersbring purpose,strategy,andexecutiontogetherincompelling ways.

Moreover,thelifesciencesdomain—encompassing pharmaceuticals,biotechnology,diagnostics,andmedical devices—isundergoingarenaissance.Scientificprogress isaccelerating,andthemovetowardmoreagile,digitally enabledbusinessmodelsisredefininghowproductsare discovered,developed,anddelivered.Inthisdynamic environment,leadershipisaboutmorethanoperational excellence;it’saboutsettingavisionthatalignsscientific ambitionwithpatient-centricvalues.

At CIO Business World,werecognizethatleadershipin healthcareandlifesciencesextendsbeyondthe boardroom.Itisreflectedincollaborativeeffortsthat spansectorsandgeographies,inthecultivationof diverseandinclusiveteams,andinadeepunderstanding ofthehumanimpactbehindeverytechnologicaland clinicaladvancement.

Thisfeatureisatributetothosewholeadwithinsight, empathy,andresilience.Theirworkisnotonly transformingorganizationsbutelevatingstandardsacross theentirehealthecosystem.Theyremindusthat meaningfulchangeispossiblewhenboldvisionmeets relentlessexecution.

Aswelooktothefuture,onetruthbecomesclear:the nexteraofhealthinnovationwillbeledbythosewho notonlyembracechangebutdriveitwithintention, integrity,andaprofoundsenseofresponsibility.Weare proudtoshowcasethestoriesofsuch leaders—visionarieswhoarebuildingahealthierworld, onebreakthroughatatime.

From theEditor’s desk

C o v e r

S t o r y

John Norris

16 Shirley Billigmeier: Redefining Health and Happiness through Innergecs

Tamara Sunbul, MD, MBA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, PMP 22 Cassandra Ruela: The Inspiring Leadership of Cassandra Ruela in the Health Sector

34 Navigang Contrasts: Exploring the Disparies Between Commercial & Healthcare Supply Chains

June, 2025

Cover Story

Dr.JOHN NORRIS

“

Safely2Prosperity (S2P) runs off a SaaS soware system and is one of the world's top biosecurity companies.

“

Dr.JohnNorrishasspentoverfivedecadesnavigatingtheintricatelandscapeof healthandhealthcareITandriskmanagement,leavinganindeliblemarkonthose industries.AstheFounderandExecutiveChairmanofSafely2Prosperity(S2P), hehastransformedhislong-heldvisionofbiosecurityintoreality,pioneeringa groundbreakingapproachtomitigatingthespreadofdeadlypathogens.(Itisthe “spread”thatkillsmillions.)Hisjourney,markedbyresilienceandinnovation,has beenshapedbyformidablechallenges,includingworkingwithgovernments, regulatorybodies,andmajorcorporationstorevolutionizehealthandhealthcare securitypracticesfortheirbusinessesandproducts.

AJourneyForgedinLeadershipandResilience

Acommitmenttoriskmanagementinhealthandhealthcare hasdefinedDr.Norris'sprofessionaltrajectory.Overthe years,hehasplayedacrucialroleinaidinggovernments andinstitutionssuchastheUSFoodandDrug Administration(FDA),theMassachusettsDepartmentof PublicHealth,TheJointCommission(TJC),little-known bythepublicbutoneoftheworld'smostpotentand respectedregulatorybodies,aprivateorganizationthat de facto “regulates”22,000hospitals,clinics,andthelikein theUS,andhundredsofthousandsmoreworldwide throughinfluence,andleadingorganizationslikePfizer, Johnson&Johnson,andMassGeneralBrigham,oneofthe world'slargestandmostprominenthospitalsystems.These engagementsrequireddeepexpertise,creativeproblemsolving,andanunwaveringdeterminationtoenact meaningfulchange.

Whetherleadingenterprisesorbeingcalledupontoreform andenhancehealthandhealthcaresystemsororganizations, hisjourneyhasbeenanythingbuteasy Timeandagain,he hasfacedthechallengeofnavigatingthecomplexinterplay betweenhealthandhealthcareregulations,corporate interests,andpublicwelfare.Throughhisvisionary leadership,hehasplayedaninstrumentalroleinshaping policiesandstrategiesthathavefar-reachingimpactsonUS andglobalhealthandhealthcaresecurity.Heisbestknown asatransformativechangeagentinthehealthand healthcaredomains.

TheVisionBehindSafely2Prosperity

Safely2ProsperityoperatesonahighlyadvancedSoftwareas-a-Service(SaaS)platformwithinaBiosecurityProgram, positioningitselfamongtheworld'sleadingbiosecurity companies.Itsflagshipproduct,VirusVigilant,was conceivedfromDr.Norris'sandhisteammates' unparalleledexpertiseandstrategicforesight,offeringan innovativesolutiontomanagingbiologicalthreats.Today,it isconsideredtheworld'sleadingbiosecurity,biodata management,andbioriskmanagementcompanyinterms ofproductvalueanddifference-makingpotential.Another pioneeringhealth/healthcareITcompanythat,alongwith histeammates,Dr.Norrisco-led,wassoldfor$2billionin today'sdollars.Itsvalueinhelpingtolaythepathfor developinghighlyautomatedsurgerytomakeitfaster, cheaper,moreaccurate,andsaferisimmeasurable.Itsvalue intermsofservinghumankindwasandremainspriceless.

S2P'smissionextendsbeyondmerecontainment;itisabout proactiveriskmanagementatanationalscale.With

substantialprogressingainingtractionforcoming engagementsacrossbio-decimatedAfricannations,S2Pis onthecuspofsecuringlarge-scalenationalpartnerships, eachpoisedtogeneratesignificantrevenueandmake enormousbiosecurityreturnstothepeopleofthose countries.Thesepartnershipswillalsocreatemodelsfor enhancingbiosecurityinothercontinents,includingNorth America,SouthAmerica,Asia(startingwithJapanand India,whereDr.Norrishasalreadyspentsignificanttime), Europe(startingwithBritain,Ireland,France,Finland,and Germany,whereDr.Norrishasalsospentconsiderable time),andAustralia.

AttheheartofS2P'sapproachisitscapabilitytocombat biothreatsacrossmultiplediseases—fromtuberculosisto malariatopneumonia—andondifferentscales,fromglobal pandemicstocountry-wideepidemicstolocalized outbreaks.Beyondpublicandpopulationhealth,these biosecurityprogramsserveashumanitarianandnational securitymeasures.

TheS2PVirusVigilantBiosecurityProgramisdesignedto bolsterpopulations'resilience,ensuringthatkeynational securitypersonnelsuchasgovernmentleaders,military personnel,andhealthandhealthcareworkersremain protectednotjustfromacurrentbio-attackbutalsofrom immunosuppressivebio-attacksthatwouldmakethem disabledormoresusceptibletoothercurrentdiseasesinthe environmentordifferent,follow-upbio-attacks. Furthermore,S2P'sworkextendstodeterringdeliberate biologicalthreatsfromhostileentities,strengthening nationaldefenseagainstbioterrorism.

BeyondtheBoardroom:APassionforLeadershipand Impact

Dr.Norris'sdedicationtohealthandhealthcaresafety extendsfarbeyondhisprofessionalcareer.Hehaslong beenmultifacetedinsportsandbusinessleadershiproles andmotivationalendeavors.Hisathletic background—spanningtennis,football,includingregional recognition,baseball,includingnationalrecognition, basketball,swimming,andwrestling—instilledinhimthe disciplineandperseverancethathavedefinedhisleadership style.

Eveninhiscollegeyears,hedemonstratedapenchantfor leadership,servingasthepresidentofhisfraternity,Psi Upsilon.Throughouthiscareer,thispassionforleadership hastranslatedintomentorship,globalpublicspeaking,and publishingover120articlesandpostsonbiosecurity.His unwaveringmissionistopreventfuture

My passion has always extended to a serious concern about saving lives. “ “

pandemics/epidemics/localbioattacksfromcausingthe1.2 millionUSand7millionglobalcatastrophiclossoflife witnessedduringCOVID-19—andthedevastationofhalf theworld'spopulationintheMiddleAges.Through relentlessadvocacyandinnovation,hecontinuestodrive theconversationonbiosecurity,ensuringthatthelessonsof thepastinformasaferfuture.

TheRoleofAIinShapingtheFutureofBiosecurity

WhileS2P'sVirusVigilantplatform,alongwiththe BiosecurityProgramwithinitisencased, isalreadyatthe forefrontofbiosecurityinnovation,thecompanyisnow contractingtointegrateArtificialIntelligence(AI)to enhanceitscapabilities.ByincorporatingAI,S2Paimsto makeitsalreadyrobustsystemevenmoreefficientand effective—deliveringfaster,wiser,andmorecost-effective solutionstocombatbiologicalthreatsorattacks.Thismove exemplifiesDr.Norris'sandhisteam'sforward-thinking approach,ensuringthatS2Premainsaheadofthecurvein anever-evolvingtechnologicallandscape.

TheRoadAhead:AVisionfortheFuture

Dr.NorrishassetambitiousgoalsforSafely2Prosperity Withamissiontosaveonemillionlivesoverthenextsix years,thecompanyisonatrajectorytocreatean unprecedentedglobalimpactonreducingthespreadof infectiousdiseases.Alongsidethishumanitarianobjective, S2Phasstrategicbusinessgoals,includingaprojected$3 billionsalewithinthesametimeframe.GivenDr.Norris's trackrecord—having,alongwithhisteammates,previously soldayoungcompanyfortheequivalentof$2billion today—thisgoalappearswellwithinreach.

TheNextFrontierinHealthcareandLifeSciences

Thehealth,healthcare,andlifesciencesindustriesareon thebrinkoftransformativechange,andDr.Norrisfirmly believesthatAI-driveninnovation,byhimandothers,will playacentralrole.However,hecautionsagainsthaphazard implementation,advocatingforAI'suseonlyinareaswhere itcandrivesignificant,safe,andmeaningful

transformation.Drawingfromhisexperienceinpioneering, alongwithhisteammates,lasereyesurgerypartialautomation40yearsago,heunderstandsthepotentialrisks andbarriersthatcomewithgroundbreakinginnovation.

AccordingtoDr.Norris,“Biosecurityrepresentsthelast majorfrontierofhealth,healthcare,science,andmedicine. Whiletechnological,economic,andpoliticalbarriershave longhinderedprogress,S2Phasovercomethesechallenges injustthreeyears—afeatthattookotheroutdatedsectors decadestoaccomplish.”

Lookingfurtherintothefuture,Dr.Norrisenvisionsa worldwheretheriskmanagementofdeadlypathogens becomesasintegraltohealthandhealthcareasdiagnostics ortreatment.Thepastcenturysawmonumentalmedical advancements,butasnotedbypopulationhealthexperts, “infectiousdiseaseoutbreakscontinuetodevastate populations.”Overthenext20years,hebelievesthat biosecuritywillemergeasthedefininghealthand healthcarechallengethatwillincreasinglyfindasolution, withsystematicandprogrammaticcontainmentefforts ensuringthatwidespreadpandemicsandepidemicsbecome relicsofthepast.Eventsliketherecentdeathofhismother atage100fromlurking,hospital-based,drug-resistant pneumonia,aformofenterprise-basedbio-attack,always readytoexecuteastealthattack,willneverhappenagain.

ALegacyofTransformativeImpact

Dr.Norris'scontributionstohealthandhealthcareare nothingshortofextraordinary.Hiscareerhasbeenbuilton theprincipleoftransformativechange—identifyingcritical issuesinhealthandhealthcareriskmanagementand pioneeringinnovativesolutionstoaddressthem.His leadershipinco-leadingtheessentialtaskofreformingThe JointCommission'sprivate“regulatory”standardsfor certificationhasprofoundlyimpacted22,000hospitalsand clinicsacrosstheUS,withrippleeffectsextendingglobally. Similarly,hisco-leadershipinreshapingtheUSFDA's internalstructure,rules,andmethodshasdirectly influencedtheapprovalandmarketentryofthousandsof life-savingdrugsandmedicaldevicesworldwide.

AtthecoreofhiscurrentworkwithS2Pisasimpleyet powerfulphilosophy:thekeytosavingmillionsofliveslies inpreventingthe“spread”ofdeadlypathogens.By deployingcomprehensivebiosecuritymeasures,heaimsto shifttheparadigmfromreactiveresponsestoproactiverisk management,ensuringthattheworldisbetterpreparedfor futurebiologicalthreats.

Everything in health and healthcare is about risk management: benefit vs harm. “ “ Cover Story

WordsofWisdomforAspiringEntrepreneurs

Forthoselookingtoventureintohealth,healthcare,life sciences,andtheirriskmanagement,Dr.Norrisoffers invaluableadvice—onethathefrequentlyshareswithhis graduateandpostgraduatestudentsatHarvardandyoung entrepreneursandmentees.Success,heemphasizes,isnot aboutluck;itisaboutunwaveringdedication,intellectual growth,emotionalresilience,andtheabilitytothink transformatively Andonlytransformatively Thisisa simpleequation.Butitishardtoexecute.Mostpeoplewant totaketinystepsoutofanabundanceofcaution. Transformativechangeagentscarefullypickgargantuan unmetneedstofillandthenalwaystakegiantleapstosolve them.

Mostoften,theysucceed.Sometimes,theyaretooearlyto achieveacceptanceintherigidhealthandhealthcarefields. Forexample,decadesafterDr.Norrisandhisteammates attemptedtodevelopandintroducetelehealth/telemedicine (whattheycalled“TV”medicineor“remote”medicine),it hasbecomepopularintheUSandglobally.Similarly,his andhisteammates'earlyeffortstocreateelectronicmedical

recordsandanalyticsusedtoadvisephysicians,surgeons, physicianassociates/assistants,andnursesweretooearlyto beacceptedbythoseprofessionals.Theyrejectedthem, fearingtheanalyticswouldreplaceratherthanenhance theiradvancedandhard-earnedknowledge,skills,and services.Today,suchtoolsareubiquitousatonelevelor another.

Dr.NorrishasworkedonhisvisionfortheS2P VirusVigilantBiosecurityProgramfordecades. Itstimeis ripe.Hisjourneyexemplifiesthisethos,provingthattrue impactisachievednotthroughincrementalchangesbut throughbold,visionaryaction—enabledbyperfecttiming. Ashecontinuesshapingthefutureofbiosecurityandhealth andhealthcareriskmanagement,hislegacyisaguiding beaconforthenextgenerationofhealthandhealthcare innovators.

Witharelentlesscommitmenttosavinglives,apioneering approachtoriskmanagement,andaneyeonthefuture,Dr. JohnNorrisisnotjustleadingSafely2Prosperity—heis leadingaUSandglobalmovementtowardasafer,more secureworld.

The People We Look To

There’ssomethingdeeplyhumanabouttheactof

lookingtosomeone.Whetherit’sinamomentof crisis,confusion,orhope,weinstinctivelylook towardthepeoplewhocarrysomethingwe’researchingfor wisdom,direction,courage.Inhealthcareandlifesciences, these“someones”oftenwearmanyhats:scientists, clinicians,researchers,executives.Butwhatbindsthemis onethingleadership.Thekindthatdoesn’tjusttakecharge buttakesheart.Becausewhenyoulooktosomeoneinthese fields,you’renotjustlookingforanswers.You’relooking forchange.

WhenYouLooktoSomeone,YouLookforHope

Inahospitalroom,onalabbench,orduringapress briefinghopeisoneofthemostpowerfulforcesin healthcare.It’swhatkeepsapatientfighting,anurse showingup,ascientisttestingonemoretheory.Leadersin healthcareandlifesciencesareoftenthecustodiansofthat hope.Theyaretheoneswhoremindteamsthatdespitethe noiseandthesetbacks,betterdaysareahead.

Hopefulleadershipdoesn’tmeanblindoptimism.Itmeans beinggroundedinrealitywhilestilldaringtobelievein what’spossible.Itmeansleadingapharmaceuticalteamto developatherapyforararediseasenotbecauseit's profitable,butbecausesomeoneoutthereiswaiting.It meansstandinginfrontofyourhospitalstaffduringa pandemicandsaying,“We’llgetthroughthis.Together.”

Whenyoulooktosomeoneforhope,you’rereallyasking: "CanIbelieveinthisfuture?"Andthebestleadersmake thatfuturefeelnotonlypossiblebutinevitable.

WhenYouLooktoSomeone,YouTrustTheirVision

It’sonethingtomanageateam.It’sanothertoleadthem towardafuturenooneelsecanfullyseeyet.Visionary

leadersinhealthcareandlifesciencesdoexactlythat.They aren’tjustreactive;they’reproactive.Theydon’tsimply adapttochangetheydriveit.

ThinkofthescientistswhosawthepotentialofmRNA technologydecadesago.Orthehospitaladministratorwho reimaginedcaredeliverybyintegratingAIandhome-based caremodelsbeforeitbecamethenorm.Whenyoulookto theseindividuals,youdon’tjustseewhatthey’vebuiltyou seewhatthey’rebuildingnext.

Andhere’sthetruth:peopledon’tfollowtitles,theyfollow vision.Agoodleadercantellyouwhereyouare.Agreat onecanshowyouwhereyou’regoing.Andinthisindustry, whereinnovationmovesfasterthanever,trusting someone’svisioncanmeanthedifferencebetweenstanding stillandsoaringahead.

WhenYouLooktoSomeone,YouFeelSafe

Healthcareisemotional.Vulnerabilityispartofthe experiencewhetheryou'reapatientwaitingforadiagnosis oranursenavigatingburnout.That’swhyemotionalsafety issuchacrucialpartofleadership.Thebestleadersdon’t justguide;theyguard.Theycreatespaceswherepeoplefeel seen,heard,andsafe.

Safetyinthiscontextisn’tjustphysicalit’spsychological andemotionaltoo.It'stheleaderwholistenstotheir overworkedteamandadjustspolicies.It'stheCEOwho leadswithtransparencyduringaproductrecall.It’sthe researcherwhospeaksupabouttrialethics,knowingtheir voicemightcostthempoliticallybutprotectlives.

Whenyoulooktosomeoneandfeelsafe,it'sbecause they’vemadetrustnon-negotiable.Andinhealthcareand lifesciences,trustisn’tabuzzwordit’salifeline.

WhenYouLooktoSomeone,YouLearn

Greatleadersaren’tknow-it-allsthey’relearn-it-alls.And theycreateenvironmentswherelearningisn’tjust encouraged,it’sexpected.Whenyoulooktoaleader,you oftendosobecauseyoubelievetheyhavesomethingto teachyou.Maybeit’stechnicalknowledge.Maybeit’show tostaycalminchaos.Ormaybeit’ssimplyhowtocarea littlemore.

Inhealthcareandlifesciences,wheretherateofchangeis dizzying,continuouslearningiscritical.Theleaderwho insiststheyhavenothinglefttolearnistheonewhofalls

behind.Buttheleaderwhoinvitesquestions,mentors others,andevolvestheirthinking?Theybuildculturesthat innovateandendure.

Theysayleadershipisaboutleavingpeoplebetterthanyou foundthem.Thebestleadersmakethatlearningfeellike empowerment.Youdon’tjustgrowundertheirleadership youthrive.

TamaraSunbul, MD, MBA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, PMP

Roles:

• DigitalHealthTransformationandInnovationStrategic Advisor

• FormerMedicalDirectorofClinicalInformatics,Johns HopkinsAramcoHealthcare(JHAH),Kingdomof SaudiArabia

• Chair,EvidenceandEvaluationWorkstream,Global DigitalHealthPartnership(GDHP)

• Chair,HealthcareInformation&ManagementSystems Society(HIMSS)MiddleEastCommunitySteering Committee

• Co-founderandPartnershipLead,InternationalDigital HealthWorkforceDevelopmentAssociation(ZIMAM)

• InternationalKLASAdvisoryBoard(KAB)Member

Bio:

Dr TamaraSunbulisagloballeaderindigitalhealth transformation,AIgovernance,datascience,andhealthcare innovation.Withover31yearsofexpertiseinhealthcare, informationmanagement,performanceanalytics,and strategicplanning,shehasbeeninstrumentalinreshaping healthcareatAramcoandJohnsHopkinsAramco Healthcare(JHAH)whereduringhertenure,she spearheadedtransformativeinitiativestointegrate technology,optimizecaredelivery,andenhancepatient outcomes.

Dr.Sunbul’sdistinguishedcareerbeganin1994atthe SaudiAramcoMedicalOrganization(SAMSO)after earningherMBBSinMedicineandSurgery.Earlyon,she tookonleadershiproles,establishingthePrimaryCare PatientOwnershipProgram,whichbecameamodelfor enhancingcontinuityofcareandpatientengagement.By

1996,shehadalreadyventuredintomedicalinformatics, leadingIT-drivenprojectstoenhancehealthcareefficiency. Herdedicationtohealthcaretechnologyandleadershipwas solidifiedthroughkeycertificationsandadvancedtraining, includingherCPHIMScertificationin2011,completionof LeadershipStrategiesforITinHealthcareatHarvardT.H. ChanSchoolofPublicHealthin2016,andearningherPMP certificationin2016.Dr.Sunbul’spivotalroleunfoldedin January2018,whensheledtheseamlessrolloutoftheEpic EHRacrossJHAH,enhancingclinicaloperationsand physicianintegration.Herinitiativesin2019resultedinthe establishmentoftheStrategyandRiskManagementOffice, drivingcomprehensiveplanning,governance,andpolicy implementationalignedwithISO31000RiskManagement frameworkandEPMOstandards.Hercommitmentto furtheringherexpertiseinmedicalmanagementculminated inearninganMBAfromtheUniversityofMassachusetts IsenbergSchoolofBusinessin2023,incollaborationwith theAmericanAcademyofPhysicianLeaders.AtJHAH,Dr Sunbulledlarge-scaledigitaltransformationinitiatives, positioningtheorganizationamongthemostdigitallymature healthcareinstitutionsglobally.Sheplayedapivotalrolein achievingHIMSSStage7EMRAMandCHIMEMostWired Level9certifications,overseeingEpicEHRoptimization, AIdrivenanalytics,andtelemedicineexpansion,which earnedJHAHtheKLASPinnacleAwardforEMRUsability. ShealsospearheadedthedevelopmentofAIgovernance frameworks,ensuringtheethicalandeffectivedeploymentof AIinclinicaldecision-making,whiledrivingdata governanceandregulatorycompliance,aligningwithSaudi PDPLandNDMOstandards.Herexpertiseinpopulation healthledtotheimplementationofAI-integrated personalizedmedicineandvalue-basedcaremodels, reinforcingherreputationasapioneerindata-driven healthcare.

Beyondthat,Dr.SunbulisaHIMSSDigitalMaturity Surveyor,assessinghealthcareorganizationsworldwideon EMRAMandAMAMstandardstodrivedigitalmaturity andinteroperability.ShealsoplaysakeyroleinCIO/CMIO leadershiptrainingprograms,equippingexecutiveswith strategicdigitalhealthleadershipskills.Dr.Sunbul’s influenceextendstotheglobalstagethroughherrolesinthe InternationalKLASAdvisoryBoardandtheGlobalDigital HealthPartnership(GDHP).AsChairoftheGDHP EvidenceandEvaluationWorkstream,shehasdeveloped globalframeworksforassessingdigitalhealthtechnologies, focusingonscalability,interoperability,andequity Additionally,shecofoundedandservesontheBoardof DirectorsattheInternationalDigitalHealthWorkforce DevelopmentAssociation(ZIMAM),wheresheleads initiativestoaddressdigitalhealthworkforcechallenges worldwide.Herimpactonglobalpolicyandhealthcare innovationincludescontributionstotheUnitedNations EconomicCommissionforEurope(UNECE),whereshe playedaroleinshapingpublic-privatepartnership(PPP) frameworksforsustainabledigitaltransformation.Shealso ledthedevelopmentofthehealthcareandtelemedicine sectionofthedigitaltransformationPPPpolicyguidance andcontributedtopolicyrecommendationsforgender equalityinitiativesinPPPs.

Recognizedasathoughtleaderandindustryvisionary,Dr. Sunbulhasreceivednumerousaccolades,includingthe 2025HIMSSChangemakerAward(CXOSenior Executivecategory),ZIMAM/HIMSSDigitalHealth LeaderoftheYear(2022),ArabianBusinessKSAWomen inBusinessAward(2023,HealthcareCategory),and HIMSSFuture50ClassClinicalLeader(2021).Asa sought-afterkeynotespeaker,shedeliversstrategic insightsatHIMSS,LEAP,ArabHealth,KLAS,and UNECEsummits,shapingglobaldiscussionsonAIin healthcare,digitaltransformation,datagovernance,andIT strategy

Currently,asaDigitalHealthTransformationand InnovationStrategicAdvisor,Dr.SunbulisdrivingAIpoweredhealthcareinnovation,digitaltransformation strategies,andglobalpolicyframeworks.Sheremains committedtoleveragingemergingtechnologies,fostering cross-bordercollaborations,andshapingthefutureof digitalhealth.

ClaimtoFame(Summary):

Dr.TamaraSunbulisagloballeaderindigitalhealth transformation,withover31yearsofexpertisein healthcare,informationmanagement,performance analytics,andstrategicplanning.Sheplayedapivotalrole inreshapinghealthcareatJohnsHopkinsAramco Healthcare(JHAH),wheresheservedasMedicalDirector ofClinicalInformaticsandledtransformativeinitiativesto integratetechnology,optimizecaredelivery,andenhance patientoutcomes.Underherleadership,JHAHachieved prestigiousrecognitions,includingHIMSSStage7 EMRAM,CHIMEMostWiredLevel9,andtheKLAS PinnacleAwardforEHRExperience.

Dr.Sunbul’sinfluenceextendstotheglobalstagethrough herleadershiproleswiththeGlobalDigitalHealth Partnership(GDHP),theInternationalKLASAdvisory Board,ZIMAM,andHIMSS.Shehascollaboratedwith internationalleaderstodrivedigitalhealthstrategies, establishevidence-basedframeworks,andadvancehealth systemsworldwide.Hercontributionstohealthcare innovationhaveearnedhernumerousaccolades,most recentlythe2025HIMSSChangemakerinHealthAward (CXOSeniorExecutivecategory).AsaDigitalHealth TransformationandInnovationStrategicAdvisor,Dr. Sunbulremainscommittedtocreatinginnovative pathways,leveragingAIandemergingtechnologies,and fosteringinternationalcollaborationstoshapethefutureof healthcare.

When Wears a Name

There’ssomethingextraordinaryhappeningin

theworldsofhealthcareandlifesciences. Fromdigitaltherapeuticstoprecision medicine,we’rewitnessingchangesthatwereonce justdistantdreams.Atthecenterofitall?Leaders. Individualswhoarenotjustoccupyingexecutive chairsbutshakingtheveryfoundationofhowcareis delivered,howscienceisdone,andhowimpactis measured.Thesetrailblazersunderstandthatdriving realchangestartsfromwithin.Whenyou'refilledwith purpose,passion,andempathy,youdon'tjustleadyou transform.

TheUrgencyforChangeinHealthcareandLife Sciences

Thepaceofchangeinhealthcareisn’tjustrapidit’s relentless.Globalpopulationsareaging.Chronic diseasesareincreasing.AndaftertheCOVID-19 pandemic,it’sbecomeclearthatoursystemsare stretchedtoothin.Simultaneously,patientstoday expectmorenotjustbettertreatment,butfasteraccess, greatertransparency,andpersonalizedcare.Inthelife sciencessector,theexplosionofdata,coupledwith breakthroughtechnologieslikeCRISPRandAI,is pushingboundaries.Butwiththiscomestheneedfor ethicaloversight,innovation,andagility.Onlyleaders whorecognizetheurgencyoftheseissuesandact decisivelycanguidetheirorganizationsforward.

TheCharacteristicsofTransformationalLeaders

Notallleadersarecreatedequal.Inhealthcareandlife sciences,thosedrivingrealimpacttendtoexhibit somecommontraits.Firstisvisionarythinking.These leadersdon'tjustsolveproblemstheyanticipatethem. They’renotsatisfiedwiththestatusquo;theypush boundaries,seekinnovation,andinspireothersto dreambigger.Second,there'sempathy.Healthis personal.It’saboutpeople’slives.Leaderswholead withempathyconnectbetterwithpatients,colleagues, andstakeholders.Finally,agility.Healthcareisin constantflux.Leadersmustadapt,pivot,andmake swift,informeddecisions.Thosewhocanbalance visionwithcompassionandagilitydon’tjustleadthey revolutionize.

KeyAreasWhereLeadersareDrivingChange

Someofthemostgroundbreakingchangesinhealthcare todayarebeingchampionedbyforward-thinkingleaders:

• DigitalTransformation:Gonearethedayswhen paperchartsruledthedoctor’soffice.Leadersare championingtelehealth,wearablehealthtech,and cloud-basedEMRs.They'remakingcaremore accessible,especiallyinruralorunderservedareas.

• DataandAIIntegration:Bigdataistransforming diagnostics,drugdiscovery,andtreatmentplans.AI algorithmscannowpredictpatientoutcomes, personalizetherapies,andevenassistinrobotic surgeries—allthankstoleaderswhoembrace innovation.

• Patient-CenteredCare:It’snolongerabouttreating symptoms.It’saboutunderstandingpatients holistically.Leadersarepromotingmodelsthat prioritizepatientexperience,culturalcompetence,and shareddecision-making.

Theseshiftsrequirenotonlyinvestmentbutvision, courage,andcommitment—traitsfoundinleaderswhoare genuinelyfilledwithasenseofpurpose.

Empowering

theWorkforce

Noleadercandrivechangealone.Behindeveryinnovation isateamofcommittedprofessionals.That’swhytop leadersfocusontheirpeople.Theyinvestintraining,foster interdisciplinarycollaboration,andcreatesafe,inclusive workplaces.Theyknowthatamotivatedworkforceisnot justproductive—it’sinnovative.Whetherit’sencouraging nursestobepartofclinicalredesignorempowering scientiststoshareideaswithoutfear,greatleadersbuild environmentswherecreativityandtrustthrive.

EthicalLeadershipandSocialResponsibility

Inhealthcareandlifesciences,everydecisionhashuman consequences.That’swhyethicalleadershipisnonnegotiable.Today’sleadersmustgobeyondprofitmargins andaddressquestionslike:Areweimprovingaccessto care?Areourtechnologiesinclusive?Arewebeing stewardsofpublictrust?

Moreleadersarenowembracingsocialresponsibility.This includesreducinghealthdisparities,championingmental

health,ensuringethicalclinicaltrials,andaddressing systemicinequities.Sustainabilityalsoplaysarole—many arepushingforgreeneroperationsandreducing environmentalimpact,especiallyinpharmaceutical manufacturing.

Ethicalleadershipalsoinvolvestransparency—owning mistakes,communicatingclearly,andmakingdecisionsin thebestinterestsofpatientsandsociety.Inaworldwhere publictrustininstitutionsisfragile,ethicalleadershipisn’t justnicetohave—it’sessential.

BuildingFuture-ReadyOrganizations

Ifthere’sonethingthathealthcareandlifesciencesleaders agreeon,it’sthis:tomorrowwon’tlookliketoday That meansbuildingorganizationsthatarenotonlyefficientbut resilientandfuture-ready.So,whatdoesthatlooklike?For starters,investinginlong-terminnovation—notjustquick fixes.It’saboutsupportingR&D,adoptingemergingtech, andstayingaheadofthecurve.

Thenthere’sculture.Future-readyorganizationsembrace continuouslearning,adaptability,andcollaboration. Leadersarebreakingdownsilosbetweendepartments, encouragingcross-functionalteams,andbuilding ecosystemsthatconnectacademia,startups,andpublic institutions.

Moreover,they’reembracinguncertaintyasanopportunity. Whetherit’sanewregulation,adisruptivetech,orahealth crisis—greatleadersdon’tresistchange.Theyharnessit. Theypreparetheirpeople,fortifytheirsystems,andremain groundedintheirmission.Thefuturebelongstothosewho leadwithcourage,clarity,andcuriosity