Last week, our team had the privilege of attending the OntarioMD Digital Health Conference on September 18-19, 2025, at the Toronto Congress Centre. As a hub for innovation in healthcare, this event brought together a diverse crowd of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative staff, and even health system decision-makers. The focus? Sharing practical tips from experts and peers on leveraging Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and cutting-edge health technologies to streamline workflows, prioritize patient care, and unlock real value for practices. It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted what front-line clinicians truly need—and how decision-makers can bridge those gaps. Here’s a recap of our key takeaways, including actionable tips we gathered from sessions, workshops, and networking.
The Digital Health Conference is tailored for busy professionals who want to optimize their tech without adding more burden. It featured interactive sessions, thought-provoking keynote speakers, and EMR-specific workshops led by clinician peer leaders who use the same systems as attendees. There was also a vibrant Vendor Showcase and Start-up Zone, where innovative solutions were on display.
For us, it was an ideal platform to connect with EMR providers, exchange ideas with industry pros, and showcase our own solutions and our Medical Second Opinion platform. We walked away with fresh perspectives on how technology can reduce administrative hurdles and let clinicians focus on what matters most: patients.
Top Tips for Maximizing EMR and Health Tech
Drawing from expert panels, peer-led workshops, and conversations with colleagues, here are some standout tips to enhance patient care and practice efficiency. These are grounded in real-world applications discussed at the event:
1. Streamline Workflows with AI Integration
Many sessions emphasized AI’s role in cutting down paperwork. For instance, use AI-powered tools within your EMR to automate note-taking, summarize patient histories, or flag potential issues during consultations. Tip: Start small by integrating AI for appointment scheduling or reminder systems—this can reduce no-shows by up to 20% and free up time for more personalized care. Experts shared how this not only boosts efficiency but also helps practices realize cost savings through better resource allocation.
2. Customize EMR Dashboards for Quick Insights
Peer leaders in the workshops demonstrated how tailoring your EMR interface can transform daily routines. Tip: Prioritize key metrics like patient vitals, medication alerts, and follow-up trackers on your dashboard. This minimizes clicks and errors, allowing for faster decision-making. This simple tweak improved team’s response time to urgent cases, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
3. Leverage Interoperability for Seamless Data Sharing
A big theme was connecting systems across providers. Tip: Explore APIs and integrations with EMR vendors to enable secure data exchange between clinics, hospitals, and specialists. This reduces duplication and ensures comprehensive patient records. At the conference, we heard from organizations that implemented these, leading to fewer referral delays and more collaborative care—key for value-based models.
4. Incorporate Patient-Facing Tech for Engagement
Sessions on innovative tools highlighted apps and portals that empower patients. Tip: Integrate patient portals with your EMR for secure messaging, virtual visits, and self-scheduling. This not only improves access but also gathers real-time feedback to refine services. Decision-makers noted how this aligns with clinician needs, fostering a more responsive health system.
These tips aren’t just buzzwords; they’re proven strategies from front-line users who’ve seen the impact firsthand.
Building Connections and Promoting Innovation
One of the highlights was the networking—chatting with EMR providers opened doors for potential integrations that could amplify our solutions. We promoted our own health tech offerings, which focus on seamless EMR compatibility and AI-driven tools to help practices thrive. It was rewarding to hear from clinicians about their pain points and explore how collaborations could address them. The Start-up Zone was buzzing with fresh ideas, from AI diagnostics to telehealth enhancements, reinforcing the conference’s role as a catalyst for partnerships.
A Worthwhile Investment in Digital Health The OntarioMD Digital Health Conference exceeded expectations, providing a collaborative space where clinicians’ voices drive tech evolution. If you’re looking to elevate your practice or influence system-wide changes, schedule a call with our team. We left inspired and equipped with tools to better support healthcare pros in delivering exceptional care.