Rural communities around the world face a persistent and growing healthcare crisis — workforce shortages, fragmented data, limited digital infrastructure, and the stark reality that people in remote areas live measurably shorter, less healthy lives than those in urban centers. In this panel discussion from InterSystems READY 2026, four healthcare leaders from the U.S., England, and Australia share what it actually takes to close that gap.
Dr. Thomas Keane (National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, HHS), Ben Turrell (CEO, Big Sky Care Connect in Montana), Dr. Tim Ferris (former National Director of Transformation, NHS England), and Dr. Andrew Bell (Chief Clinical Information Officer, Northern Territory Health, Australia) draw on decades of firsthand experience to discuss what works, what doesn't, and what's next.
Panelists:
- Dr. Tom Keane, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, HHS
- Ben Tyrrell, CEO Big Sky Care Connect
- Dr. Tim Ferris, Vice President, Healthcare Practice, InterSystems
- Dr. Andrew Bell, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Norther Territory Health, Australia
Moderator:
- Julie Smith, Director of Healthcare Strategy, InterSystems