Dr. Jim Ritchie
CCIO NHS Greater Manchester
Jim is the CCIO for NHS Greater Manchester having previously worked with the regional Health Innovation Network and as CCIO for the Northern Care Alliance NHS FT. In addition to his roles in the NHS he has worked with consultancies and industry partners to help shape digital solutions and design delivery & evaluation plans. He continues to work as a renal physician and clinical researcher within the North West.
Prof. Rachel Dunscombe
CEO openEHR, Visiting Professor Imperial College London
Prof. Rachel Dunscombe (FBCS FEDIPLeadPract CHCIO) is currently CEO of OpenEHR International. Until August 2022 Rachel spent over five years as the CEO of the NHS Digital Academy . She has provided advisory services to the Secretary of State for Health, been a member of the UK AI council and through her academic work Rachel has received a Visiting Professorship at Imperial College, London. Rachel is formerly the Director of Digital/CIO for Salford/NCA Group which under her leadership was the NHS’s most digitally mature organisation 2017.
Doug Stewart
Nurse, CCIO, Director Digital Health
Doug has been a Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO) and held other senior digital leadership roles across the NHS for over a decade. During this time, he has become adept at identifying talent and building and sustaining high-performing teams across digital health, delivering a successful portfolio of innovation and transformation.
Doug has experienced success in the public sector with revolutionary approaches to optimising electronic health records as well as the practical application of artificial intelligence in day to day practice. He also holds a number of advisory roles for the private sector focussing primarily on health market access for digital innovation.
A keen advocate for clinicians leading the charge for digital transformation in health, Doug is also the founder of Digitalhealthprofessionals.co.uk, where subject matter clinical experts support private and public sector industry on their digital transformation journey.
Dr. Fari Ahmad
GP Partner and Trainer at Wilmslow Health centre, Clinical Director at CHAW Care Community, Appraiser & Media GP
Dr Fari is a GP Partner and Trainer at a nationally renowned practice celebrated for pioneering innovative solutions in primary care. As an Appraiser and the Clinical Director of the CHAW Neighbourhood Team, she plays a leading role in driving excellence across the healthcare landscape. She is regularly featured on BBC Breakfast and other prominent media platforms, providing a trusted voice on a wide range of medical and societal issues. Together with her partner, she co-hosts a popular vlog exploring the intersection of technology and primary care.
Dr. Stephen Coogan
Founder & CMO at myGP Clinic
Dr Stephen Coogan is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of myGP Clinic, a private healthcare provider committed to delivering personalised and patient-centred primary care. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) with Honours from the University of Liverpool, completing his training between 2006 and 2012. After gaining experience in an NHS practice, Dr Coogan recognised the need to offer patients more time and a more holistic approach to healthcare, which inspired him to transition into private medicine.
In 2019, Dr Coogan established the Harveyrhys Clinic, initially providing home visits from his car. His vision of patient-focused care quickly gained traction, leading to the establishment of a clinic in Lower Stretton. Since then, the clinic has expanded significantly, with the opening of a second clinic in Wilmslow. In late 2023, following a move to a larger site in Lower Stretton, the practice rebranded as myGP Clinic to reflect its growth and the vision for opening additional clinics across the Northwest, with new locations in Hale Barns and Northwich planned for 2025.
Dr Coogan has a particular interest in lifestyle medicine and is passionate about the application of its six pillars—nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connections, and the avoidance of harmful substances—to combat the "four horsemen of health": cancer, metabolic disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and cardiovascular disease. His approach integrates traditional medical expertise with evidence-based lifestyle interventions to empower patients to achieve lasting health and well-being.
Dr. David Triska
GP partner at Witley Surgery, Clinical Consultant at Accrux and TORTUS
Dr. Dave Triska is a GP partner at Witley Surgery, where he leads business development and IT initiatives. He specialises in skin cancer detection, as well as mental health and managing complex polymorbidity. Dr. Triska is also the medical officer at a local boarding school. A former Army medic with two tours in Afghanistan, he brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He is recognised for his work in digital consulting and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, contributing to advancements in patient care and operational efficiency.
Dr. Michelle Tempest
Partner at Candesic
Dr Michelle Tempest worked as a hospital doctor (psychiatrist) for over a decade. She is partner in a strategy consultancy company, Candesic, who deliver R&D level insight with CEO level clarity in specialist sectors – life sciences, healthcare, digital, medtech and education. She edited a book called ‘The Future of the NHS’ and is author of ‘Big Brain Revolution: Artificial Intelligence – Spy or Saviour’. She is a Cambridge Angel investor, mentors AI, behavioural health and drug discovery start-ups. She is on the digital council at the Royal Society of Medicine and is NED at Psyomics (mental health triage platform) and HNavigator (physical health triage).
Saduf Ali-Drakesmith
Director of Sales at Smart Reporting
Saduf Ali-Drakesmith is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of expertise in radiology and imaging IT. With a foundation as a consultant radiographer, she transitioned to focus on healthtech, becoming a recognized leader in Imaging IT systems and AI-driven solutions. Currently serving as Director of Sales at Smart Reporting, Saduf specializes in commercial strategy, client partnerships, and competitive analysis, particularly within the radiology market.
She is well regarded for her ability to bridge clinical expertise with technological innovation, she is a trusted voice in advancing imaging IT and AI solutions for improved healthcare delivery
Saduf is also passionate about women in healthtech, focussing on coaching & mentoring with her involvement in women’s leadership forums and working with Women’s Aid charities
Paige Ward
Clinical Solutions Consultant at Agfa HealthCare
Paige is a Clinical Solutions Consultant at AGFA HealthCare with a background as a radiographer, an MSc in Medical Imaging, and a recently awarded MBA. Originally from Australia, she relocated to the UK and transitioned into the healthcare industry, bringing together her clinical expertise with a passion for leadership and sustainability.
In her role at AGFA HealthCare, Paige works closely with clinicians, customer success teams, and product managers to bridge the gap between real-world clinical needs, technology, and innovation. She is committed to driving meaningful change that improves patient care while helping healthcare teams achieve a better work-life balance.