CIO Podcast – Episode 95: Private 5G Networks with Christian Lindmark

For the 95th episode of the CIO podcast hosted by Healthcare IT Today, we are joined by Christian Lindmark, CTO at Stanford Health Care and Stanford School of Medicine, to talk about private 5G networks! We kick this episode off by discussing the importance of connectivity in Lindmark’s hospital and some of the challenges he faced. Then, Lindmark shares with us what led him to implement a private 5G network at his organizations. 5G in healthcare has been discussed before, but to make sure we’re all on the same page, Lindmark goes over the differences between the public 5G networks and his private 5G network. Next, we talk about whether Stanford Health Care and Stanford School of Medicine had the necessary workforce in place to handle the move to a 5G network in-house or if they worked with a partner. Then we take a look at some of the outcomes and impacts Lindmark has seen from having his own 5G network.

We then expand our focus outside of connectivity to discuss the other big IT projects Lindmark is working on. Next, we take a look at AI to see what goes into the decision on whether you should build or buy AI. Then, we talk about an area of IT that Lindmark doesn’t think is getting the attention it needs. Lindmark then also shares an area of IT that he’s been keeping his eye on but hasn’t yet implemented. Finally, we conclude this episode with Lindmark passing along the best piece of advice he’s been given in his career.

Here’s a look at the questions and topics we discuss in this episode:

• Talk about the importance of connectivity in your hospital and some of the challenges you faced.
• What led you to implement a private 5G network?
• For those that aren’t familiar, what’s the difference in the 5G public network vs your private 5G network?
• Did you have the workforce in place to handle the move to a 5G network or did you work with a partner?
• What have been some of the outcomes and impacts of having your own 5G network?
• Outside of connectivity, what are some of the other big IT projects you’re working on (or have completed), and how are they going?
• How do you decide to build or buy AI?
• What area of IT isn’t getting enough attention and should be? Is there something you’re keeping your eye on but haven’t yet implemented?
• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career?

Now, without further ado, we’re excited to share with you the next episode of the CIO Podcast by Healthcare IT Today.