Artificial intelligence is transforming the health technology sector, changing the way chronic illnesses are treated, and empowering medical professionals to give more data-powered, and individualized treatment decisions. Health tech pioneer Eesha Ambike is at the forefront of this revolutionary movement. Eesha, a seasoned product leader and the proud recipient of the prestigious 2024 Stevie Award for Technology and 2024 Stevie Award Women in Business, has played a key role in bringing technology and healthcare together to provide innovative solutions to patients as well as care providers.
In this exclusive interview, Eesha discusses her path, her innovative work, and her predictions about how artificial intelligence will influence healthcare.
Q: We appreciate you being here, Eesha. Could you tell us what initially inspired you to pursue a career in health technology?
Ambike Eesha: Thank you for the invitation. I come from a family of doctors so I was exposed to the medical world quite early on. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in a profession where I can use technology to solve real problems and improve people’s lives. My fascination grew while studying for my masters degree in biomedical engineering when I saw up close how technology and data could greatly enhance patient outcomes.
Q: You brought up data-backed tools that assist patients in taking charge of their long-term health. Could you elaborate on the operation of these tools?
Ambike Eesha: Definitely. I will use the example of diabetes management from my experience working at Abbott Diabetes Care. Take continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes as an example. Instead of patients having to prick their fingers multiple times a day, the wearable glucose sensor can track their glucose continuously. This powerful data that can be used for tracking and managing their blood sugar levels. Now integrate this sensor with an automated insulin delivery pump which provides precise and timely insulin delivery, significantly improving blood sugar control and reducing the need for manual interventions. Such innovative technology not only enhances the quality of life for people with diabetes but is also safer. To add to this, AI can offer insights on glucose patterns by evaluating data in real time, enabling patients to make proactive lifestyle and prescription adjustments.
Q: That is fascinating. Where else in healthcare do you think AI will have a significant influence, besides managing chronic diseases?
Eesha Ambike: AI has several uses. Nature Digital Medicine, for example, highlighted AI solutions that help physicians make faster, more accurate diagnoses by evaluating imaging data and patient histories. In the above examples, by gaining access to a user’s continuous glucose data and medication data, healthcare providers can create customized treatment plans for individuals. Another interesting use case for AI is preventive health by integrating with wearable fitness trackers. We are also starting to see AI being leveraged for mental health support platforms where users can find help using chatbots that offer immediate emotional support.
AI can also help cut down on administrative duties, resulting in more efficient workflows for physicians. AI basically frees up experts to spend more time on patient care by reducing inefficiencies.
Q: What are some important factors you take into account while creating health tech solutions from the perspective of product management?
Eesha Ambike: Designing with the user in mind is crucial. Workflows for patients and professionals must be easily integrated with the solutions. Regulatory compliance is another important consideration; in order to guarantee safety and efficacy, health tech solutions must adhere to regulatory bodies such as the FDA. Additionally, privacy and data security cannot be compromised. Lastly, to stay effective in the constantly changing healthcare environment, a product must be continuously monitored and updated iteratively after launch.
Q: You have worked with prominent companies in the business, including Abbott, BrightInsight and Roche. What impact have those encounters had on the way you oversee digital health initiatives?
Eesha Ambike: Each role has taught me new things and I consider myself fortunate to have been exposed to a wide range of health tech products. For instance, I oversaw the development and delivery of an asthma management initiative while at BrightInsight in collaboration with a top pharmaceutical company. The first wave of Covid hit in the middle of that project and we had to quickly pivot to account for the new challenges that it brought. I learned from that experience how crucial it is to strike a balance between user experience design, regulatory processes, and market needs.
The development of digital platforms to support the continuous glucose sensor integrations at Abbott has taught me the value of AI and real-time data in enhancing patient outcomes. I learned how to prioritize ethical innovation and keep the end user—whether a patient or a healthcare professional—at the center of every choice from my combined experience in these jobs.
Q: How do you envision artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology influencing healthcare in the future?
Eesha Ambike: The use of AI in patient triage, diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring is already evident. The next stage is more thorough incorporation of these tools into routine care, ranging from AI-enabled customized meal planning to operating room equipment. Additionally, there is a lot of promise in telehealth, where sophisticated algorithms can improve the efficacy of remote consultations. I think smart technology will play a major role in creating more accurate and inclusive healthcare systems in the future. Having said that, we need to keep in mind patient safety and privacy comes first.
Q: Among your many accomplishments to date is the 2024 Stevie Award for Women in Business, Healthcare. Do you have any recommendations for prospective health technology professionals?
Ambike Eesha: First, maintain your curiosity. The healthcare industry is broad and changing quickly. Second, always start with empathy. Making meaningful products requires an awareness of the needs of both patients and healthcare providers. Finally, don’t be afraid of complicated regulatory environments. A solution becomes truly transformational when it embraces these obstacles.
Eesha Ambike’s career successfully combines product management acumen with a strong foundation in technology. Eesha exemplifies how health technology can improve patient experience and bridge gaps in care by utilizing AI-driven chronic disease solutions, user-centric app development, and a dedication to continuous innovation. Her observations provide a window into a more proactive, individualized, and practical future healthcare system, demonstrating that everyone gains when knowledge and compassion drive technical innovation.
To learn more about Eesha Ambike and her contributions to health tech innovation, visit her LinkedIn profile page.
