By connecting ecosystems across borders, they ensure that digital transformation, clinical breakthroughs, and patient-centred care models are shared and scaled effectively.

Below, we explore our ambassadors’ daily contributions and expertise through the lens of our four key thematic pillars.

Digital Health

Digital health is the foundation of modern medicine, focusing on the integration of technology to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency. Our ambassadors in this space work at the intersection of data, policy, and product innovation.

• Dr. Joseph Kvedar (US): A Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School and Senior Advisor at the American Telemedicine Association, Dr. Kvedar is a pioneer of connected health. His work involves shaping the future of remote patient monitoring and digital health.
• Sari Kaganaff (US): As the CEO and Founder of Aytza, Sari focuses on the frontier of AI and healthcare data, helping companies make strategic decisions that leverage high-level analytics to improve care delivery.
• Dr. Ain Aaviksoo (Estonia): A medical doctor and expert in healthcare digitisation, Dr. Aaviksoo brings the “Estonian model” of digital governance to the global stage, focusing on innovation and secure data sharing.
• Dr. Mike Short (UK): With a background in telecommunications and public policy, Dr. Short bridges the gap between 5G connectivity and health, chairing several UK innovation networks to ensure the infrastructure for digital health is robust.
• John Jeans (UK) & Joan Cornet Prat (Spain): Both serve as mentors and builders of innovation academies, focusing on the technical and structural requirements needed to scale digital health startups.

Healthy Ageing

As the global population ages, our ambassadors are dedicated to ensuring that longer lives are accompanied by better health, independence, and dignity.

• Jon Warner (US): As a CEO and Board Advisor for multiple health organisations, Jon is a leading business expert in healthcare innovation. His daily work focuses on the “silver economy,” identifying technologies that help older adults maintain their autonomy.
• George Margelis (Australia): A medical practitioner with extensive experience in health technology, Dr. Margelis focuses on how clinical tools can be adapted to meet the specific needs of the elderly in various care settings.
• Dr. Joseph Kvedar (US): In addition to digital health, Dr. Kvedar’s work in telehealth is instrumental in healthy ageing, allowing seniors to receive specialist care from the comfort of their homes.

Women’s Health

Addressing the historical gaps in medical research and care for women is a top priority for us. Our ambassadors advocate for specialised innovation in maternal health and female-specific chronic conditions.

• Nicole Althaus (US): Nicole is a digital health product innovation leader and marketing strategist. As the founder of ALTHAUS Digital, she advocates passionately for improving patient care pathways specifically within women’s health and digital health interfaces.
• Tobias Silberzahn (Germany): A trained biochemist and immunologist, Tobias brings his expertise to the area of pregnancy and birth. His work involves navigating healthcare innovation to ensure better outcomes for both mother and child during the perinatal period.
• Esther Ruiter (Kenya): A registered midwife in Belgium and Kenya, Esther brings over 15 years of experience in strengthening healthcare systems. As the Head of Midwifery and Systems Strengthening at Malaica, she works on integrating clinical excellence with management to improve maternal health outcomes.
• Amy Silberzahn (Germany): A fashion entrepreneur, creative director, and advocate dedicated to advancing women’s health, empowerment, and community development, Amy brings over 25 years of international experience in creating platforms that support women and foster meaningful connections and growth.

Cancer

The fight against cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach — combining immunology, early detection, and long-term management strategies.

• Tobias Silberzahn (Germany): Tobias’s background in immunology and his role on the supervisory board of Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions allow him to contribute significantly to how we approach complex diseases. His work with the Patient Ambassador for FH Europe Foundation highlights his commitment to lipid disorders and cardiovascular health, which are often critical comorbidities in cancer survivorship.
• Nicole Althaus (US): By focusing on patient care strategy and digital product innovation, Nicole helps develop the tools that cancer patients use to track symptoms, communicate with oncology teams, and navigate the complexities of long-term treatment.

Connecting Dots Globally

Our Global Health Connector Ambassadors are more than just experts; they are the catalysts for a healthier, more connected world. 

By leveraging their daily experience as CEOs, doctors, and engineers, Global Health Connector continues to break down silos and drive innovation where it matters most and enable CollaborAction across borders.