The EIT Health Morning Health Talks event was held on 3 September 2020 in Pécs in cooperation with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the Institute for Transdisciplinary Research of the University of Pécs (hereinafter ITD). The EIT Health sub-organization, EIT Health (https://www.eithealth.eu), attaches great importance to good professional relationships with health sector actors and to innovative health solutions launched jointly with them. The purpose of the Morning Health Talks business breakfast was to promote dialogue and cooperation between industry actors (health care providers, hospitals, specialist clinics, specialist institutions, medical universities and the manufacturing sector) invited by direct invitation only and to present them to the European Union. opportunities for financial and professional support provided.

The private event was opened by Dr. Attila Sík, Director of the ITD Institute , and briefly presented the work and mission of the institute established in 2018. He then gave the floor to Mónika Tóth, EIT Health InnoStars RIS Program Manager,who outlined the European Union's intention to set up the network, explaining to those present which countries and industry players are represented in the organization of more than two hundred members. Of course, it was not possible to fully present their portfolio of services and support over the years, so it presented relevant and important opportunities for the main pillars and actors in the region. He pointed out that the local representative of the organization is the Institute of Transdisciplinary Research (EIT Health RIS Hub) of the Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Pécs, who also support those interested with information and, if necessary, professional mentoring in connection with all programs and open applications.

Subsequently, dr. Miklós Szócska, head of the Health Management Training Center at Semmelweis University,who gave a presentation on innovations in healthcare, the importance of using them in practice, and the development of the necessary skills of a healthcare professional. The Dean provided insight into the extraordinary complexity of such projects and their role in diagnosing and treating patients by detailing the development and operation of several medical and diagnostic tools developed by their university. He also sincerely reported that, unfortunately, the process required for the start of such a health innovation development and the launch of an already validated market-ready product still takes much longer in Hungary. Dr. Miklós Szócska emphasized that we are at a great disadvantage compared to other countries, mainly due to the time factor.

The international lecturer of the series, traumatologist Maarten van der Elst, used the example of the Reiner de Graaf Clinic and the Delft University of Technology to show how technological innovation can be achieved with innovative spirit and appropriate support (eg EIT Health programs) by founding Living Labs. , which not only help the work of doctors, but also contribute to the development of health care in the long run (e.g., databases). He also stressed the importance of research work in clinics, which also requires technological efficiency, but equally important is the support of innovative ideas (eg startups, PhD student projects). To support the prominent role of the young generation, he has reported on several projects, such as the use of sensors on surgical devices to track which ones are in use. An exoskeleton that removes a significant portion of the physical exertion from doctors during often several hours of surgery. He also drew the audience’s attention to new technical possibilities, such as the application of artificial intelligence in the operating room or during a workflow analysis. The rapporteur concluded that industry and universities need to come together, seize the opportunities offered by EIT Health and learn from other Living Labs in operation.

The nearly 40 participating experts were able to listen to the presentation of Dr. Balázs Gasz, a cardiac surgeon from Pécs, who is currently working full-time on the professional management of the company, based on his own innovation – YourAnastomosis - and both the difficulties and the joys of the ongoing process. We were able to learn about all the organizational and professional barriers that all clinicians and doctors have to deal with when giving their heads to innovation. Furthermore, we were able to gain insight into how much professional and personal development a professional who does not give up at the beginning goes through, as well as what a joy it is to be a member of a determined and motivated team to accomplish jointly set goals. In addition, he shared his personal experiences of the opportunities offered by EIT Health's programs, bootcamps and applications, and sees the greatest benefit from the network of contacts he already has access to.

At the end of the event, the organizers handed over the gifts of the participating guests, and then the informal conversation continued on the sunny terrace of the Hotel Kikelet in Pécs with a delicious breakfast. Both the audience and the organizers stressed the need to organize similar events in the future. So it went on. next…

Képek a rendezvényről/Pictures about the event: