In a world where digital transformation is reshaping healthcare, a bold conversation took place across the Atlantic. Researchers gathered to explore the human side of this revolution, asking: What does it mean for care when technology redefines our understanding of health and the human body?
The conference, titled "Reimagining Health and the Logics of Digital Care," brought together experts from diverse fields and nations. It delved into how emerging technologies impact reproductive health, ethical practices, and the very essence of care.
"This collaboration is a stepping stone to future research partnerships," stated Kirsten Ostherr, director of the Rice Medical Humanities Research Institute. "The potential for comparative research between France and the U.S. is immense, given our shared interest and expertise, yet vastly different healthcare scenarios."
Ostherr and her French colleagues emphasized the universality of ethical questions, despite varying healthcare systems and regulations. "Data-driven logics are transforming healthcare, but the human element is often overlooked in biomedical research," Ostherr pointed out. "Our institutes are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between healthcare, digital technologies, and quantitative practices, offering a fresh perspective."
A key focus was reproductive health, where genetic testing, embryo screening, and fertility prediction are reshaping future expectations. The conversation centered on ethics, particularly the cultural variations in bioethics. Participants highlighted the value of international collaboration in tackling the complex moral dilemmas of digital care.
"Many societal questions, faced by doctors, patients, nurses, and social workers, cannot be answered by science or medical textbooks alone," said Samuel Reis-Dennis, associate professor of philosophy and medical humanities at Rice. "A humanistic perspective is crucial for responsible progress."
Melissa Bailar, executive director of the MHRI, echoed this sentiment, adding, "This workshop has sparked numerous collaboration possibilities. One area is the comparison of ethics committees and the role of ethicists in medical settings, which vary significantly between the U.S. and France."
Bailar highlighted the influence of cultural and regulatory differences on innovation, using health-related apps as an example. French startups often launch in the U.S. due to more relaxed data privacy laws, raising important questions about technology regulation and patient protection.
For Bailar and Ostherr, the most exciting prospects lie in interdisciplinary, cross-border collaborations, generating innovative ideas and research questions. "We must extend collaborations beyond humanities and social sciences, into the realms of science, engineering, and professional practice," Bailar emphasized.
The conference also served as a foundation for student mentorship and long-term research exchange. Scholars aimed to create a shared space for inquiry, inspiring a new generation of thinkers willing to challenge established norms.
"It's beneficial for students to see alternative approaches and understand diverse patient populations from different cultural backgrounds," Bailar said.
Reis-Dennis agreed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the historical nature of assumed structures. "Students should keep in mind that change is possible, and they can be agents of that change."
For researchers on both sides of the Atlantic, this conference marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration, rooted in curiosity, respect, and a shared vision for the future of care. "We see immense opportunity to learn, share, and train our students collaboratively across the Atlantic," Ostherr concluded.
