Introduction to Digital Health and Strategy: Leveraging Emerging Technologies in Healthcare
Introduction to Digital Health and Strategy: Leveraging Emerging Technologies in Healthcare
Overview
The use of digital technologies is changing the healthcare sector at an unprecedented pace, providing innovative ways to achieve better healthcare outcomes, opportunities for lower long-term healthcare costs, and a rapidly growing digital health market poised to grow by USD 207.34 billion during 2020-2024.
Run in an unprecedented partnership of Columbia Business School Executive Education and digital health testing center HITLAB, the Introduction to Digital Health and Strategy: Leveraging Emerging Technologies in Healthcare program offers executives in the healthcare space unique resources for accelerating the infusion of digital health in their business.
Over the course of three days, executives develop a powerful digital health strategy for their organization, tapping into Columbia Business School’s world-renowned leadership expertise and HITLAB’s preeminent know-how of the healthcare sector.
The program demystifies the value-based components of digital health and generates a common language and framework for accelerated collaboration across the executive's organization. Participants explore a strategic roadmap for its real-world application upon their return to work, leaving with a strategic game plan that ensures sustainability across people, platforms, processes, and partnerships.
To learn more about this program, please contact Co-Director Stan Kachnowski at swk16@gsb.columbia.edu.
Delivered in collaboration with
“Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the program content is more pertinent to healthcare organizations than ever before. To adapt, we have changed our popular in-person Digital Health Strategy program to be delivered fully online. While previously designed to provide a substantive course of action for your organization in digital health technologies and techniques, we have reshaped the conversation around digital health strategy in the age of COVID-19.”
Stan Kachnowski
Director of the Digital Health Program SeriesMeet Faculty Co-Director Stan Kachnowski as he introduces the Digital Health Strategy program.
Impact
Participants explore and learn how innovative digital health solutions transforms life-science research, clinical testing and development, consumer and patient experience, and business models and operations. They also learn the necessary skills, technologies, organizational enablers, and constraints for successfully finding, verifying, and diffusing new digital health solutions.
The program highlights four key leadership processes that make transformation possible through digital health innovations, teaching participants to articulate how key emerging technologies add patient-centric value can improve organizational productivity. Those key processes entail identifying, selecting, verifying, and diffusing innovations.
After attending the program, executives will be ready to:
- Improve innovation and health outcomes through their new understanding of the potential of digital health
- Identify digital health opportunities within their industry
- Diagnose their company’s readiness levels for digital health innovation
- Develop a digital health strategy to meet specific business needs
- Measure the impact of their digital health program
- Embed digital health into the DNA of their organization
The program is run in partnership with digital health testing center HITLAB. In this video, faculty director Stan Kachnowski explains how participants benefit from the partnership:
Upon completion of this program, you will earn three credits towards a Certificate with select alumni and tuition benefits. Learn more.
AMA CREDIT DESIGNATION STATEMENT
The Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 18.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Program Structure
The program uses a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, planning group exercises, and experiential learning activities that leverage New York City’s digital health ecosystem. Most importantly, participants learn — step by step — the tools of digital health strategy and apply these tools to their own organization.
Schedule
Six days over two weeks with live sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
To view an agenda for either format of this program, please connect with a Learning Solutions specialist. Contact us.
Dates and fees are subject to change.
Definition and Relevance
- Participants examine the complex and rapidly changing landscape of digital health and how to develop a digital health strategy for success.
- Through an in-depth analysis, they identify the strengths and weaknesses of their organization’s digital health readiness and strategy relative to competition.
- In the second half of the day, participants learn about the role digital health plays in their organization, and begin to design a new strategy based leveraging a new digital health strategy toolkit.
Guest speakers will include current and past chief digital officers, chief medical officers, and innovation leaders across the industry. Case studies will be shared from past and current examples, and students will interact with some of the most well-respected minds in the field.
“It was refreshing to have a healthcare-centric program with outstanding leaders from the hospital and private sector discussing their businesses and perspectives. The networking opportunities were another benefit and I actually discussed a collaboration with one participant and met offline with another participant who also happens to be a physician. There are not many physicians that actually seek out business school and learn how to build and manage a company. Medical school does not prepare physicians to become business leaders or CEOs of a company or teach physicians how to finance an idea or take an idea to market. I am impressed with the way Columbia continues to reach out to me and keep me informed of lectures and meetings and I must say [Faculty Director] Stan Kachnowski is incredible with the way he gets on a Zoom or phone call to check-in. I am very happy with my Columbia Business School/HITLAB experience.”

Carl Rosen
CEO at CallDR“As an entrepreneur running a digital health startup company, I was worried I would have already known most of the contents prior to taking this class. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the comprehensiveness of the contents and quality of the speakers delivered in this course. The networking arrangements were also great.”

John Hui
John Hui“This course helped me understand the changes happening in US healthcare and think through how they might help developing countries improve their health outcomes and achieve universal health coverage. I became more effective in identifying digital heath opportunities for the developing country clients we serve.”

Marelize Gorgens
International Development“The difference between being good and great often comes down to preparation and early adoption. Insights from the Digital Health Strategy program can help better prepare your organization for the fast moving tech transformation in healthcare.”

Ashish D. Pal
Managing Director, MSD Singapore & Malaysia“I just joined a health innovations organization. The Digital Health Strategy program was a good orientation into the health innovations market. I particularly liked the experience of interacting with other executives in the field. Appreciating their experiences has built my confidence in what I am doing. I now know what I am targeting and what might not work.”

Ruth Obaikol
Deputy Director at the Academy for Health Innovations and Impact, Infectious Diseases InstituteParticipant Profile
Digital Health Strategy: Leveraging Emerging Technologies in Healthcare is designed for executives working in the rapidly evolving fields of life science innovation, pharmaceutical and device research, health tech investment and other related industries. This program empowers participants to understand the complex digital health landscape and to both identify and capture meaningful opportunities to generate new value for both their organizations and customers.
Columbia Business School alumni and up to four of their colleagues are eligible for a 25 percent tuition benefit for this program. More on the Alumni Tuition Benefit.
Years of Management Experience
Job Function
Faculty

Carri Chan
Professor of Business and Faculty Director, Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Management Program
Columbia Business School

Stan Kachnowski
Professor of Health Information Management in the division of Policy and Management at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University
Certification
I’m interested in the Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE), how do I get started?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, you’ll be able to customize a unique learning experience by selecting programs that best interest you and are most suited for your needs. Any completed program, regardless of format (live online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence.
Which programs qualify for the CIBE?
Any completed executive education program, regardless of format (live-online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence. Partner programs will also count towards the certificate.
Which programs do not qualify for 25 percent tuition benefit?
- Advanced Management Program
- Executive Development Program
- Developing Black Leaders in Financial Services
- Strategic Wealth Manager
- Global Banking Program: Fintech, Digital, and Analytics
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Venture Capital Private Equity
- Digital Business Leadership Program
- Executive Program in Management
What programs are considered partner programs?
Executive education programs developed and administered with our educational partners, bring the best of our combined knowledge, thought leadership, resources, and expertise. Kindly find a list of our partners here on our partnership page.
What are the costs of the certificate?
There’s no set cost associated with the certificate path since you’re able to customize your learning journey with in-person and online programs (price will vary depending on the program type and length).
Are there any tuition assistance or scholarships?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, we offer non-degree and non-credit-based professional development programs to the global business community. As our programs are non-degree and non-credit, they do not qualify for financial aid.
How are CIBE credits determined?
Credits for a program are determined by the program duration and total learning hours.
Where do I find information on the credit value for a program?
You will find this information on each program page. Credits range from 0.5 credits – 26 credits per program.
How do I get enrolled in the CIBE?
Your certificate journey will start with your first program, and you have 4 years to complete your CIBE. You may register for any of our executive education programs on each program page. You may enroll using the “Enroll Now” button, and the application process should take 5-10 minutes.
How do I receive credits?
You are required to fully attend a program and complete all necessary coursework in order to receive CIBE credits. Credits are only awarded after you complete a program.
How do I check the status of my Certificate completion?
Kindly reach out to a Learning Solutions representative for any questions on the status of your CIBE credit count.
Do CIBE credits expire?
Credits are only valid for four years (Please note: While we are not able to offer in-person programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration to complete the programming has been extended to five years.). If you have not completed your CIBE within four years, we will only count non-expired credits towards your CIBE credit total.
Does the Certificate in Business Excellence expire?
Your Certificate in Business Excellence does not expire. Once you become a certificate recipient, you will join the greater alumni community at Columbia Business School.
I’ve reached 18 CIBE credits, what’s next?
Congratulations! You should receive a digital copy of your certificate at the end of your program. If you do not receive a copy from your program manager, kindly contact your Learning Solutions representative or your program manager for next steps.
Will I receive a physical certificate?
Upon completion, you will receive a secure, digital certificate through Accredible. Within the platform you will have the option to print your credential, post it to your LinkedIn feed, or display it on your profile as a certification. Please contact your program manager for the status of your digital certificate.
How do I get access to my alumni benefits?
Once you complete your CIBE, we kindly ask for your patience as we process your alumni credentials. The processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks long.
Can I refer colleagues to the Certificate in Business Excellence?
If you are a certificate holder, you may sponsor up to four colleagues each year for full-price in-person programs lasting up to seven days and all full-price online programs.
Can I add the Certificate in Business Excellence to LinkedIn?
Yes! We will provide you with instructions on how to add your certificate to your LinkedIn profile after you become a Certificate recipient.
Preferred Pricing and Tuition Benefits for Alumni
Are there preferred pricing options available for live online programs?
Yes, preferred pricing is available for groups of two or more. To inquire, email execed@gsb.columbia.edu.
As a Columbia Business School alumni am I eligible for tuition benefit?
Columbia Business School alumni and up to four of their colleagues are eligible for a 25 percent tuition benefit for this program. More on the Alumni Tuition Benefit.
Assignments
Will there be any homework or assignments?
For select programs, there will be some assignments to complete after the end of select program sessions. Assignments will typically consist of readings, self-reflections, and brief assessments. This approach is designed to help you practice your learnings.
How long will assignments take?
We do not expect that homework assignments will take up a large amount of time to complete.
Will there be any examinations or grades?
There will be no examinations or grades for our live online programs.
Access
When will I receive information on how to log in?
You will receive your login information immediately before the program start date. Kindly reach out to your Program Manager for further instructions on how to prepare and log in for the program.
What platform do you use to deliver live online programs?
We use the Zoom platform.
Recordings
Will sessions be recorded?
Most live online sessions (depending on the faculty and program) will be recorded and will be available for you upon request. In-person programs are not recorded.
How long will they be available for?
Recordings will be available for the duration of the program. Depending on the program, some recordings may have additional availability post-program.
How do I gain access to the recordings?
Your Program Manager will provide you with further instructions on how to gain access to recorded sessions.
Experience
How do participants network during the live online programs? Will I participate in group work?
Our live online programs are fully virtual and highly interactive. Most programs also feature small group work for a high-touch learning experience. The virtual program experience allows participants to feel comfortable and productive learning at home while preserving the interconnectivity of an in-person program.
What are the networking opportunities during the live online sessions?
Yes. Examples of this may include: virtual lunches, virtual receptions, use of the chat function, and virtual office hours for you to connect with participants and faculty. Please refer to the agenda of the specific live online program you are interested in for details.
Live Online Format
What are live online programs?
Now, more than ever, executives need the knowledge and insights to help them adapt to change and solve complex problems. As the business world has evolved, we have applied new best practices to continuously improve your learning experience. With our live online programs, we are taking select in-person programs and are translating them to a fully live and virtual format, delivering the same interactive sessions with faculty and real-time application of the knowledge you would experience in person.
What is the difference between live online and online programs?
Compare our two formats for distance learning here.
What does “live online” mean?
Live online programs are fully virtual, highly interactive programs taking place in real-time, often featuring small group work for a high-touch learning experience. Our Columbia Business School faculty stream to you live and virtually, no matter where you are located.
Are all live online programs the same in terms of format and length?
No. Please refer to the agenda of the specific live online program you are interested in. For any questions, please reach out to the Contact person listed on the program's web page.
Do I have to attend all live sessions?
Participants are expected to attend all sessions. However, we understand that participants may have scheduling conflicts. Kindly let us know in advance whenever possible and your Program Manager would be happy to discuss how we can help you get up to speed. We will also record most faculty sessions, which you can review upon request.
Will I need to attend the live sessions even if I’m based in a different time zone?
You are required to attend all live sessions even if you are based in a different time zone. (Kindly reach out to the Learning Solutions team to learn more about our asynchronous program offerings, which consist predominantly of pre-recorded videos that you can watch on your own time).
COVID-19 Safety Plans
Please review the latest COVID-19 related protocols at Columbia Business School.
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