On October 31, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bern held the event entitled ‘Shaping the Healthcare of Tomorrow’. Experts from clinical practice, research, administration, and patient organizations jointly discussed how digitalization, AI, and data science will shape tomorrow’s medicine. At the same time, the new Department of Digital Medicine was inaugurated – the first institution of its kind in Switzerland to bring together clinical, technological and social aspects of digital medicine under one roof.
How are artificial intelligence, big data, and digital diagnostics transforming the medicine of the future? What opportunities do data-driven technologies offer for prevention, therapy and care – and where do they reach their limits? These questions were at the heart of the symposium ‘Shaping the Healthcare of Tomorrow’ that took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital. Representatives from clinical practice, research, administration and patient organizations explored the opportunities and challenges of digitalization in the Swiss healthcare system, focusing on concrete visions for the future.
Interdisciplinary exchange
In addition to the use of AI and data science in diagnostics and therapy, the diverse program addressed issues such as the assurance of high data quality, ‘algorithmic fairness’ and questions around the responsible use and handling of health data.
“Our aim is to explore how digital innovations can enhance healthcare while considering the ethical and social implications, with a particular focus on patients and people,” said Prof. Dr. Inti Zlobec, Director of the Department of Digital Medicine and organizer of the event.
Opening of the Department of Digital Medicine
The symposium also marked the inauguration of the new Department of Digital Medicine (DDM) at the University of Bern, which replaced the previous strategic “Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine” (CAIM), further expanding its thematic scope.
“Digitalization in medical teaching and research, as well as in healthcare, is a strategic priority for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bern. Since 2020, we have created, among other things, 12 new professorships in digital medicine,” said Prof. Dr. Claudio Bassetti, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of Teaching and Research at the Insel Group.
He added:
“The DDM not only unites these professorships, but also brings together clinical, technological and social aspects of digital medicine under one roof, thus promoting research, teaching, and technology transfer.”
The DDM will collaborate closely with the Inselspital, the University Psychiatric Services (UPD), and other partner institutions. Prof. Dr. Roland Wiest, Vice Director of the DDM and Deputy Director of the University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology at Inselspital, is convinced:
“The strong interprofessionalism and interdisciplinary environment at the DDM offer optimal conditions for developing improved approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment options. In doing so, we align closely with the University of Bern’s digitalization strategy and the Insel Group’s strategic areas of action.”
Various outreach activities were planned to inform the local population about digital medicine and facilitate an ongoing dialogue.
Future-oriented training for medical students
Finally, the DDM embedded digital transformation into medical education. In the future, students will acquire competencies in data analysis, digital diagnostics, and virtual care – subjects that will define tomorrow’s medicine. Students from technical disciplines will also benefit. They will gain insights into biomedical practice and work closely with clinical staff.
“With its interdisciplinary focus, the DDM is unique in Switzerland. It will become a central location where researchers, clinical experts, and society work together to shape the digital future of medicine,” concludes Zlobec.
No audio available for this article yet.
No quiz available for this article yet.
