Microsoft adds to health team with chief medical officer

Microsoft has increased its health team in the US with a new chief medical officer. 

David Rhew, who had the same position at Samsung Electronics, joins a growing health team at Microsoft which includes Google Cloud’s former health lead, Greg Moore.

Rhew will also serve as Microsoft’s vice president of healthcare.

He said: “Data is quickly becoming the new currency in healthcare. Organisations that create value through secure storage, clinical interpretation, and the seamless exchange of data between patients and providers are emerging as the new leaders.

“Microsoft is positioned to lead in this capacity. I am honoured to be a part of the team that builds and grows this business.”

Before joining Microsoft, Rhew spent six years as Samsung’s chief medical officer where he led the company’s healthcare efforts.

In a blog post, Deb Cupp, Microsoft’s corporate vice president, added: “David will provide executive-level support, engaging in business opportunities with our customers and partners.

“In addition, David will represent the company within the marketplace through industry events and engagements. With his cross-discipline expertise and his keen ability to engage, listen, and collaborate, David’s work with our customer and partners will ensure our commercial healthcare business delivers the right technologies and capabilities to reimagine the industry.”

Microsoft was one of six tech giants to recently renewed its commitment to supporting interoperability in healthcare.

Its software is used widely across the NHS, with Microsoft most recently having signed a £39m contract with NHS Wales for its Office 365 platform.