Title: “Reimagining Cross-Border Healthcare: Innovation, Trust & Patient Centricity in Medical Tourism”

Abstract:

Globalization, digital connectivity, and rising consumer expectations are reshaping how patients view healthcare access. In this talk, Lindy Andrews will explore the evolving landscape of medical tourism — from facilitation models and accreditation to patient trust pathways, risk management, and destination competitiveness. She will highlight key success factors for medical facilitators, the role of digital platforms and data transparency, and strategies to build partnerships between healthcare providers and tourism stakeholders. Drawing on her work in establishing Meditrav and Pure Health Travel, Lindy will present case studies from Australia, Southeast Asia, and beyond, illustrating how to deliver safe, ethical, and patient-focused cross-border care.

Attendees will gain:

1. A framework for designing trustworthy facilitation models

2. Insights into marketing and patient acquisition in a highly regulated environment

3. Best practices for quality assurance, accreditation, and patient follow-up

4. Approaches to aligning wellness, preventive care, and post-treatment services in medical tourism ecosystems

Biography:

Lindy Andrews is a globally recognized entrepreneur and thought leader in tourism and health travel. As Founder & CEO of Meditrav, headquartered in Australia, she connects patients with leading medical practitioners and facilities across borders. Her career spans launching and scaling startups in travel management, digital media, and conference industries; she notably transformed a modest travel agency in Sydney from AUD 0.75 million in annual turnover to AUD 10 million under her leadership.

Title: “Bridging Nephrology & Global Health: Patient-Centered Kidney Care in the Era of Medical Tourism”

Abstract:

In an era of increasing cross-border mobility for specialized medical care, kidney diseases and associated comorbidities present unique challenges and opportunities for medical tourism. This talk explores how a patient-centered nephrology model—integrating digital tools, therapeutic education, and evidence-based care—can be adapted to serve international patients seeking renal consultation, dialysis, and transplant evaluation. Through case studies and program frameworks from France and collaborations abroad, Dr. Isnard Bagnis will outline strategies for quality assurance, continuity of care across borders, cultural competency, and sustainable patient follow-up. She will also address regulatory, logistical, and ethical considerations when coordinating kidney care for medical travellers, and suggest a roadmap for designing renal care hubs in medical-tourism destinations with global standards of excellence.

Biography:

Corinne Isnard Bagnis is Professor in Nephrology (2006) at Pitié Salpetrière Hospital, the largest hospital in Europe, were she is in charge of the ambulatory renal care. She recently created the first research group in OncoNephrology in France to promote better care for renal patients with cancer. She introduced patient's empowerment at Sorbonne Medical University by creating the first diploma for patients in the field of patient's education in 2010 (Special Prize IDS from the French Academy of Medicine). In 2015, she implemented the first CME course for clinicians on Mindfulness training to improve quality of care, decrease burnout and promote compassion (over 300 HCP's in 7 years). Since 2017, she has actively been promoting e Health in the field of Nephrology with the first MOOC on renal diseases (EIT Health grant) and is conducting research projects using the AP-HP data lake. She acts as scientific partner at the Digital Medical Hub at AP-HP.

Title: Integrating Wellness and Medical Tourism: A Holistic Approach to Cross-Border Healthcare

Abstract:

The evolution of medical tourism has expanded beyond surgical and elective procedures to encompass a broader spectrum of wellness-oriented care. This presentation explores the integration of traditional medical services with holistic wellness programs to create a comprehensive healthcare travel experience. It highlights how countries can leverage their healthcare infrastructure, cultural assets, and hospitality industry to provide patients with personalized, safe, and affordable treatment options abroad. Special emphasis will be placed on patient experience management, cross-border healthcare regulations, and the economic potential of medical tourism in enhancing a nation's global health reputation. The session also discusses innovative models of collaboration between hospitals, wellness resorts, and travel facilitators to promote sustainable medical tourism ecosystems.

Biography:

Anna Kaczmarska is CEO/Health Innovation/Patient Experience/Health Tech/Medical Tourism/International business development United Arab Emirates. Anna helps healthcare and wellness providers worldwide to open new business opportunities and develop their innovations. Her vision is to enable healthcare anytime, anywhere and empower people when it comes to their own health decisions, through health tech.

Title: Integrating Wellness and Healthcare: Redefining the Future of Global Medical Tourism

Abstract:

Medical tourism is rapidly evolving from a travel-based healthcare solution into a holistic wellness experience that blends preventive care, personalized medicine, and cultural immersion. This presentation explores the strategic frameworks that connect international healthcare providers, tourism facilitators, and policy regulators to enhance patient outcomes and cross-border healthcare accessibility. Through case studies from Europe and Asia, Mr. Paulsen highlights innovations in patient-centric care models, digital health integration, and accreditation systems that ensure safety, transparency, and quality assurance in medical travel. The discussion will also emphasize the growing demand for integrated wellness tourism — combining clinical excellence with lifestyle medicine, rehabilitation, and post-treatment support.

Biography:

Mr. Christoffer Paulsen is a renowned healthcare strategist and global consultant specializing in medical tourism development and international hospital partnerships. With over 15 years of experience, he has advised leading healthcare institutions, wellness resorts, and government agencies on establishing sustainable medical tourism ecosystems. His expertise lies in cross-border healthcare management, digital patient engagement, and health tourism marketing strategies.
Mr. Paulsen has contributed to several international forums on health travel innovation and serves as an advocate for ethical medical tourism practices. His passion for combining wellness, travel, and advanced healthcare solutions has positioned him as a thought leader in redefining the global medical tourism landscape.

Title: Navigating Global Health Markets: Demand, Drivers and Dynamics in Medical Tourism

Abstract:

Medical tourism represents an evolving and complex intersection of healthcare delivery, cross-border patient mobility, economic incentives, and regulatory frameworks. In this talk, Prof. Lydia Gan will explore the demand structure and cost drivers of medical tourism, compare modalities of medical travel across countries and regions, and examine the strategic roles played by intermediaries, healthcare providers, insurers, and governments. Drawing on empirical research, she will highlight key determinants of patient decisions—such as quality, cost, access, and perceptions of safety—as well as barriers such as regulatory uncertainties, liability, and ethical concerns. Case comparisons and policy implications will be discussed to offer insight into how destination countries and origin (sending) countries might optimize health system design, cross-border partnerships, and sustainable growth in medical travel.

Biography:

Lindy is Founder & Director of Meditrav, Australia. Lindy’s reputation as an innovative achiever was recognised by a nomination for Telstra’s Business Woman of the Year and UK’s CEO Today’s CEO of the Year, Healthcare 2018. Her global business networks are formidable as is her ability to identify opportunities in export markets.

Title: Enhancing Global Access to Healthcare Through Medical Tourism: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations

Abstract:

Medical tourism has emerged as a dynamic sector bridging global healthcare disparities by offering patients access to affordable, high-quality medical services across borders. This presentation explores how medical tourism contributes to improving global health equity, while also examining the challenges related to regulation, ethical standards, and patient safety. It highlights best practices for developing sustainable medical tourism frameworks that benefit both host nations and visiting patients. The session will also discuss strategies for fostering trust through transparent pricing, accreditation of healthcare facilities, and the integration of post-treatment continuity of care. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and tourism stakeholders to ensure ethical and patient-centered medical travel experiences.

Biography:

John Obiazor is an accomplished healthcare management professional and global health strategist with extensive experience in international patient services and cross-border healthcare collaboration. Over the past decade, he has worked with hospitals, health ministries, and tourism boards to develop policies and partnerships that promote safe, efficient, and ethical medical tourism practices. His work focuses on improving access to specialized medical care in developing regions while supporting the economic growth of healthcare destinations. John is passionate about fostering innovation and sustainability in the global healthcare ecosystem and has delivered numerous talks at international conferences on healthcare quality, patient mobility, and medical travel ethics.

Title: Bridging Borders: The Role of Medical Tourism in Enhancing Global Healthcare Access

Abstract:

Medical tourism has emerged as a transformative force in global healthcare, providing patients access to affordable, high-quality medical treatments beyond their home countries. This presentation explores the evolving landscape of medical tourism, examining key factors driving international patient mobility — including cost efficiency, advanced technologies, and specialized expertise. It also highlights the challenges related to ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and continuity of care. By analyzing successful models from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, this session provides insights into how collaboration between governments, hospitals, and travel facilitators can strengthen global healthcare integration and improve patient outcomes.

Biography:

Ms. Anu Rai is a seasoned healthcare management professional with extensive experience in international patient coordination and hospital administration. Over the past decade, she has worked closely with leading medical tourism facilitators, helping patients from around the world access advanced treatments in accredited hospitals. Her expertise spans healthcare marketing, cross-border patient care, and international healthcare policy development. Ms. Rai is passionate about promoting ethical and sustainable medical tourism practices that ensure transparency, safety, and patient satisfaction. She has contributed to several initiatives aimed at fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and tourism boards to promote global wellness and medical travel.

Title: Enhancing Cross-Border Patient Care: Integrating Wellness, Technology, and Hospitality in Modern Medical Tourism

Abstract:

The global healthcare landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, with medical tourism emerging as a key driver of international collaboration and innovation. This presentation explores how patient-centered strategies, digital health tools, and wellness integration are reshaping cross-border medical experiences. Dr. Aleksandra Leonova highlights the importance of combining advanced medical services with personalized hospitality to ensure safe, high-quality, and culturally sensitive care. Drawing on global case studies, the session will discuss quality assurance frameworks, accreditation standards, and the role of technology in building patient trust and streamlining the medical travel journey. Emphasis will also be placed on post-treatment follow-up and telehealth as critical elements of long-term patient satisfaction and destination reputation.

Biography:

Dr. Aleksandra Leonova is an experienced healthcare management professional and international consultant specializing in medical tourism development and global patient experience. With over a decade of expertise in healthcare marketing, wellness integration, and cross-border healthcare coordination, she has collaborated with hospitals, wellness resorts, and health ministries across Europe and Asia. Dr. Leonova’s work focuses on designing sustainable frameworks for patient-centered medical travel and fostering partnerships that bridge healthcare excellence with tourism innovation. A passionate advocate for ethical practices and transparency in medical tourism, she has been featured as a speaker and advisor at several global healthcare summits.

Title: Transforming Global Healthcare Access through Education, Technology, and Ethical Medical Tourism

Abstract:

The rise of medical tourism has created new pathways for patients seeking affordable, high-quality care beyond national borders. However, achieving sustainable and ethical growth in this sector requires collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and educational institutions. This presentation explores how interdisciplinary education, technology integration, and international policy frameworks can enhance transparency, patient safety, and quality assurance in medical tourism. Drawing from global case studies and research, Dr. Pittman discusses strategies for aligning medical tourism initiatives with sustainable healthcare development goals, while ensuring ethical practices, equitable access, and cross-border collaboration. The session emphasizes how innovation and education can shape the future of patient-centered global healthcare.

Biography:

Dr. Joyce Pittman is an internationally recognized scholar, consultant, and educator with extensive experience in global leadership, educational innovation, and sustainable development. She currently serves as a Clinical Professor and Program Director at Drexel University, USA, where her work focuses on integrating technology and leadership for transformational learning. Dr. Pittman has been a visiting professor and advisor to various international universities and global organizations, contributing to initiatives that enhance healthcare education, workforce development, and ethical governance. Her research and advocacy emphasize inclusivity, innovation, and integrity in global systems—including the evolving landscape of medical tourism.

Title: Bridging Borders: Innovation, Quality & Equity in the Future of Medical Tourism

Abstract:

Medical tourism is evolving rapidly—driven by shifting patient expectations, regulatory harmonization, and the pressure for cost-effectiveness in global healthcare. In this talk, Dr. Vequist will examine emerging models of cross-border care, highlight the role of accreditation and outcome transparency in building trust, and explore how collaboration between public and private sectors can ensure both quality and accessibility. He will also discuss strategies for emerging medical tourism hubs (especially in Asia, Latin America, and Africa) to compete sustainably while maintaining ethical standards and patient safety.

Biography:

Dr. David G. Vequist IV, Ph.D. is a tenured Full Professor of Management in the H-E-B School of Business & Administration at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio, Texas, USA, where he also founded and directs the Center for Medical Tourism Research—a pioneering academic institution for cross-border health care studies. 

Earlier in his career, Dr. Vequist served as an executive in the Methodist Healthcare System (a joint venture with HCA) and worked as a consultant for Ernst & Young, bringing industry and consulting experience to his academic work. He also cofounded a training business which was later sold to Bloomberg.