Within3 Sponsors Inaugural "The Future of Healthcare Professionals Collaboration Leadership Forum": Panel Discussion Between Physicians and Industry Professionals

CLEVELAND, OH, December 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) Within3, the market leader providing digital collaboration environments for life sciences and healthcare institutions, partnered with the Business Development Institute to host the "Future of HCP Collaboration Leadership Luncheon." Medical affairs and digital communication leaders from major pharmaceutical and medical device companies convened to discuss how social technologies can improve communication and collaboration in healthcare. The private, invitation-only gathering is the first in a series of leadership events, bringing industry and physicians together to discuss the challenges they face in a highly regulated industry, and raise awareness about the ways social technologies can positively impact how they communicate.

Attendees spent an afternoon networking, sharing ideas, and hearing from industry thought leaders. Within3 CEO, Lance Hill, moderated the four-physician panel, chosen for their interest in social media and diverse experience using social technologies. The panel included: Wen Dombrowski, MD, Physician Executive; Dr. Elliot Goodman, Chief of Bariatric Surgery, The Beth Israel Medical Center; Dr. Howard Luks, Chief of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, University Orthopedics, PC and Westchester Medical Center; and Dr. Erika Schwartz, Chief Medical Officer, Age Management Institute.

The interactive panel discussed how social technologies are transforming communication and how enhanced communication in healthcare ultimately improves patient outcomes. Dr. Luks described how he regularly uses technology to communicate with colleagues and patients, stressing the importance of establishing a digital footprint to enhance the efficiency of interactions. Referencing the communications triangle of healthcare professionals, patients and pharmaceutical/medical device companies, he emphasized the strong physician-to-physician and physician-to-patient communication. The need for richer communication between physicians and pharma/device companies still remains. "One missing key link is the ability to communicate and interact with you, and your industry, in the communications triangle," Luks stated, pointing to the audience. All agreed better communication is needed, but recognized the limitations brought about due to government regulations.

Within3 will sponsor one event quarterly as an opportunity for industry stakeholders to come together to discuss how to use social technologies to positively impact a changing industry. "We have a wonderful opportunity here," said CEO Lance Hill, "Advances in communications technology are changing the face of healthcare and by coming together in thoughtful dialogue, we help to shape a more collaborative, sustainable future. Private, digital collaboration environments such as those built by Within3 enhance peer-to-peer connections, transcending time zones and geographies. Work is being done in different ways, often much more effectively. It's important for organizations to know their options. Today's technologies allow us to see large networks of healthcare professionals enter into very interesting and exciting relationships with pharmaceutical and medical device companies. They can help us gain more robust clinical insights in settings such as advisory boards and steering committees or improve the effectiveness of clinical trial communication coordination. Whatever the application, they provide us the options to gain the necessary collaboration, advice and education to improve health outcomes, clinical efficiency, and patients' quality of life."

ABOUT WITHIN3
Within3 provides social business solutions to address the challenges of pharmaceutical companies, medical associations and other life sciences institutions. Ten of the Top 20 global pharmaceutical manufacturers leverage Within3 digital environments to enhance healthcare professional collaboration within key programs such as advisory boards, steering committees, clinical trials and other HCP engagement programs. A combined high tech / high touch approach maximizes seamless participation and value. Built exclusively to meet the needs of busy healthcare professionals, the Within3 platform is easy to use, highly intuitive, and available through web and mobile devices. Launched and fully supported by a team of Community Experience and Management experts, Within3 digital collaboration environments address business challenges, foster robust clinical discussions and provide operational efficiencies and scalability. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.within3.com or call 855-WITHIN3.

ABOUT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Business Development Institute (BDI), founded in New York City by Steve Etzler in 2001 and managed by Maria Feola-Magro, produces conferences and educational programs for marketing, communications and media professionals. Over 11,000 attendees have participated in our programs. We specialize in how technology and the internet impacts marketing, communications and media. Our programs educate while providing valuable networking opportunities to our attendees. The quality of our speakers, program topics, 1/2 day format, network, and value are what differentiates BDI from its competitors. For additional information, please visit us at http://www.bdionline.com and follow us on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/bdionline.