Samsung Medical Center: Pioneering the future of smart healthcare

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Samsung Medical Center: Pioneering the future of smart healthcare

How Samsung Medical Center’s digital transformation is shaping the next era of healthcare.


 Jong-Soo Choi. Photo-Illustration: Umang Sawkar/WIRED Middle East

Samsung Medical Center (SMC) in South Korea is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible through digital transformation and smart healthcare. It recently became the first recipient of the 2024 HIMSS Davies Award in the Republic of Korea, and is setting a new standard in patient care and operational excellence. As highlighted by Jong-Soo Choi, a leader in digital transformation at SMC, the center’s advancements are not just about technology—they are about improving patient outcomes and redefining the healthcare experience.

“Compared to 10 years ago, the number of employees has not changed, but the number of daily outpatient visits has increased from 7,000 to almost 10,000,” said Choi during an interview at GITEX 2024. “And the average length of stay has decreased from 7.3 days to 5.3 days, which is a reduction of two days. This carries tremendous significance and would not have been possible without the help of Healthcare IT,” he explained.

According to Choi, the key to SMC’s success lies in its strategic integration of digital health technologies, which have enabled the hospital to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality patient care. SMC’s efforts were recognized by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) for their application of advanced data analytics and precision medicine to improve patient outcomes, making it the first hospital in South Korea to receive this prestigious award​.

One of the pivotal aspects of SMC’s transformation has been the implementation of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). This technology enables continuous monitoring of patient vitals and alerts medical staff when immediate intervention is needed. According to Choi, “Recently, methods to take preventive measures so that patients do not fall into sepsis are being applied through the integration of RPM and AI.” This proactive approach is a testament to how SMC is leveraging AI to reduce complications and improve patient safety.

The integration of RPM with artificial intelligence is just one example of SMC’s approach to adopting emerging technologies to address real-world healthcare challenges. As the center continues to explore new avenues, it aims to make these technologies accessible and impactful across various patient demographics.

SMC’s focus on digital transformation does not stop at operational efficiency. The center is also exploring cutting-edge treatments like CAR-T cell therapy. “The survival rate for cancer treatment is very high, but in Korea, it costs about $400,000, and the waiting list is long. However, if more reasonable costs and treatment procedures are developed in the future, I think it will greatly contribute to the advancement of humanity,” says Choi.

Looking ahead, Choi sees a future where the fusion of data, AI, and precision medicine will be key to transforming patient care. “What I have to prepare for such coming waves is reshaping organizational governance, integrating data and new technologies, and ultimately focusing on improving patient treatment outcomes,” he said.

With a third-place ranking in Oncology and an 18th place in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals in a recent study by Newsweek, Samsung Medical Center is not just a national leader, but a global influencer in healthcare innovation. These achievements reflect its commitment to reshaping the healthcare landscape through data-driven decision-making and strategic adoption of new technologies.

As Samsung Medical Center continues to evolve, its journey serves as a model for other institutions worldwide that are navigating the complexities of healthcare’s digital future. “The future of humanity will change faster than we think,” Choi noted, quoting Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave. By staying ahead of this curve, SMC is not just preparing for the future—it is building it.

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