Artificial intelligence and innovation in healthcare discussed, alongside opportunities for closer collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Malta’s health service
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Dr Ian Borg visited Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, one of the world’s most advanced hospitals. Mayo Clinic is known for the specialised care it provides to patients, as well as its work in research, medical training and the development of new healthcare technologies. During the visit, Dr Borg also met Mayo Clinic President and CEO Professor Gianrico Farrugia, a Maltese doctor who graduated from the University of Malta.
During a day of meetings with the institution’s leadership and experts, the Maltese delegation delved into how Mayo Clinic organises its services, develops its infrastructure and integrates advanced technologies into patient care. Discussions also covered artificial intelligence in clinical practice, digital health and the opportunities these developments could create for Malta’s health services. The Ministry for Health is pursuing plans to strengthen these services meeting not only today’s needs but also those of the future, while offering patients the best and most advanced care possible.
As part of the visit, the Maltese delegation toured several facilities, including those at the Saint Marys campus. Discussions also covered Mayo Clinic’s plans for the future, including the development of its facilities and new models of care.
“Today’s meetings gave us a close look at how artificial intelligence, technology and innovation are changing healthcare. We also learned about plans for the future, including infrastructure developments, and discussed how similar advances could be implemented to benefit health services in Malta. Our aim is to continue offering the best possible care in the most efficient way,” said Dr Borg.
The discussions also explored potential collaboration in the care of complex cases, training for Maltese professionals and research. They considered opportunities for closer cooperation through the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network, which includes healthcare institutions in other major US cities.
Mayo Clinic also has strong ties with Malta through a number of Maltese doctors and other professionals who have built careers and now work there. Alongside Professor Farrugia, they include specialists in oncology, gastroenterology, rheumatology and other fields. Dr Borg met some of these professionals to discuss how their experience could help strengthen collaboration with Malta.
“We discussed how Malta’s health services and this highly respected institution can work more closely together. We look forward to further collaboration that benefits our professionals and patients in Malta and Gozo,” Dr Borg concluded.
