The world of healthcare is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by rapid advancements in technology and an ever-pressing need for accessibility. As someone with over 14 years of experience in healthcare and technology, I’ve had the privilege of standing at the forefront of this transformation, spearheading initiatives that aim to make healthcare smarter, more inclusive, and ultimately life-changing. My journey in health tech is deeply rooted in a commitment to solving some of the most pressing gaps in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions like Africa.
My career began with IBM Canada, where I managed the deployment of medical and non-medical devices at Alberta’s South Health Campus (SHC). This 323-bed hospital represents one of Canada’s most advanced healthcare infrastructures, serving over 22,000 inpatients and hosting 158,000 outpatient visits annually.
Over a decade with Alberta Health Services (AHS), I worked on IT systems and the province-wide implementation of Epic Systems, the world’s leading electronic health record (EHR) platform. These experiences taught me that technology is not merely a tool but a critical enabler of better healthcare outcomes.
Bridging Critical Gaps in Africa
In Africa, where over 90% of medical records remain on paper, the margin for error is staggering. More than 20% of those records contain inaccuracies, creating life-threatening risks for patients. Recognizing this, I founded Clinify, a platform that integrates healthcare systems across the continent. Today, we have over one million users accessing centralized and standardized electronic medical records (EMRs) via a mobile app and portal.
Our cloud-based solution, designed for scalability, has revolutionized how medical records are managed and accessed. By prioritizing patient empowerment, we’ve given users control of their data—a first in many of these markets.
Empowering Local Ecosystems
At Clinify, innovation is not about replacing humans but empowering them. We’ve automated processes to reduce administrative burdens while focusing on user experience to drive adoption. This delicate balance ensures that patients receive care with a personal touch, even as technology enhances efficiency.
Clinify strengthens healthcare systems through direct partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and governments. Our solutions align with local regulations, include training for healthcare providers, and foster job creation by developing local tech talent. This approach addresses unique challenges with culturally relevant strategies, improving health outcomes and driving economic growth. Technology and local expertise come together to build a sustainable foundation for progress.
Interoperability and Safeguarding Patient Data
Interoperability remains a critical goal for health tech, and at Clinify, we’ve embraced global standards like HL7 and FHIR to ensure seamless integration with other health systems. While implementing these frameworks posed technical and logistical challenges, they have positioned us for cross-border expansion, enabling better continuity of care.
Healthcare data is among the most sensitive information in the digital ecosystem, and we take its security seriously. Clinify is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified, adhering to the highest global standards for information security management. Data encryption, patient control, and compliance with international regulations underscore our commitment to privacy.
AI-Powered Diagnostics
Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, and Clinify is leading this wave. Our platform features an AI-powered scribe that summarizes medical notes and diagnoses, streamlining workflows for doctors. This not only enhances accuracy but also reduces the time physicians spend on EHR documentation, allowing them to focus on patient care.
Telemedicine and electronic health records are reshaping how healthcare is delivered. Advanced tools like computer vision and voice-to-text transcription are enabling real-time, accurate documentation without interrupting patient interactions. Blockchain technology is emerging as a critical enabler for secure and transparent data sharing—a direction Clinify is actively exploring.
Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities
As a Black innovator, I’ve encountered both personal and systemic challenges in the health tech space. However, I believe that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise. With determination, resilience, and faith, my team and I have navigated these hurdles, often leveraging Canada’s supportive tech ecosystem for funding, mentorship, and advice.
Operating primarily in Africa has also shielded us from some of the systemic barriers prevalent in other regions, allowing us to focus on impact and innovation. The continent’s connectivity gaps were a significant hurdle, but we’ve adapted by offering offline access for areas with limited network infrastructure. This dual approach ensures that no patient is left behind, regardless of their location.
To Aspiring Innovators
For young Black innovators aspiring to transform healthcare, my advice is simple: arm yourself with knowledge and validate every assumption. Surround yourself with the right networks, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and dedicate yourself to solving meaningful problems. Join health tech accelerator programs, access grants, and, most importantly, let passion drive your work.
The future of healthcare lies at the intersection of technology and humanity. At Clinify, we’re proud to stand at that crossroads, building solutions that not only advance healthcare but also bring dignity and hope to those who need it most. Together, we’re not just transforming systems—we’re saving lives.
