Bridging Healthcare Gaps with Technology: Insights from Jeremy Cauwels, Chief Medical Officer at Sanford Health
In a recent episode of The Big Unlock podcast, Rohit Mahajan, CEO and Managing Partner of Damo Consulting and BigRio, sat down with Jeremy Cauwels, Chief Medical Officer of Sanford Health. They discussed how Sanford Health is leveraging technology to overcome healthcare access challenges, particularly in rural communities.
Listen to the full conversation
Sanford Health’s Expansive Reach
Sanford Health, based in the Upper Midwest, serves over 2.4 million patients across a vast geographical area, spanning from Wyoming to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With 56 hospitals, 270+ clinics, and 144 senior care communities, Sanford has been at the forefront of rural healthcare delivery.
One of the most significant challenges in these regions is distance. Patients often travel hours to access care, which has driven Sanford’s commitment to leveraging technology to bridge these gaps.
The Role of Virtual Care
Cauwels emphasized the importance of virtual care in addressing healthcare disparities in rural settings. “Rather than the old phrase, ‘Your doctor will see you now,’ we like to think of it as, ‘The patient will see us now,’” he said.
Sanford recently launched a dedicated virtual care center equipped with cutting-edge tools, including:
3D-printed anatomical models for medical education and surgical planning.
Remote consultation technology to enhance physician-patient interactions.
An innovation hub to test and refine digital healthcare tools.
AI-driven efficiency tools to streamline workflows for clinicians.
AI and Healthcare Innovation
Sanford Health has actively incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance patient care. One notable project involves using AI to assess colon cancer risk. Their research with the American College of Gastroenterology identified 85 factors influencing risk levels. With colon cancer screening guidelines recently changing, Sanford has leveraged AI-driven insights to prioritize at-risk patients and introduce stool-based home testing for increased accessibility.
Furthermore, Sanford has implemented AI-powered ambient listening technology for clinicians, significantly reducing documentation time. “One of our busiest family doctors told me he finished his notes by 5:15 PM and made it home for dinner with his family—something that almost never happened before,” Cauwels shared.
Mental Health and Remote Monitoring
With 95% of the Dakotas classified as “mental health deserts,” Sanford Health has taken steps to address the shortage of psychiatric care providers. They’ve implemented:
Virtual psychiatric consults in emergency rooms to reduce wait times.
Remote patient monitoring tools for depression, diabetes, and heart failure, allowing patients to check in via text.
A striking example of the impact of remote monitoring involved a single mother experiencing severe depression. A routine digital check-in revealed a crisis moment, triggering an intervention that ultimately saved her life.
Future of Digital Healthcare
Sanford Health continues to evolve its digital health strategy to meet the needs of patients, clinicians, and caregivers. The demand for telehealth remains strong, particularly in mental health services, with 20% of monthly visits still conducted virtually.
Looking ahead, Sanford is focused on refining home-based care models and expanding its digital front door to make healthcare more accessible. With a patient-first approach, they aim to ensure that no matter how remote a community is, quality care is always within reach.
For more discussions on digital transformation in healthcare, subscribe to The Big Unlock podcast at www.thebigunlock.com or reach out at info@thebigunlock.com.
