Top 10 Healthcare Technology Trends for 2025 - The Medical Futurist

Every year, The Medical Futurist shares insights on key technological trends in healthcare. This year, we're looking ahead to 2025, highlighting the advancements that truly matter and will shape the future of medicine. We've sifted through countless announcements and studies to bring you the top 10 trends to watch.

The Rise of Practical Longevity

2025 is set to be the year when longevity becomes practical. While we might hope for a miracle drug to reverse aging, there's so much we can do right now to maximize our lifespan. This includes understanding the role of medical screenings and using data-driven tools like AI and digital health to change lifestyle habits. Movements like Brian Johnson's "Don't Die" and upcoming books on longevity show this is becoming a worldwide focus.

AI Scribes: A Game Changer for Clinicians

AI scribes are a big step forward from simple voice-to-text applications. These advanced AI tools don't just transcribe physician-patient interactions; they understand the context and can even turn these interactions into medical records. This means doctors can spend more quality time with patients and less time on administrative tasks.

Digital Health and Weight Management

There's been a lot of talk about GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes management. However, these medications are approved with the understanding that they're used alongside a calorie-reduced diet and exercise. This is where digital health tools come in. They are essential for helping patients stick to their weight loss or diabetes management plans. We hope pharmaceutical companies making these drugs will team up with digital health companies to offer complete care packages.

Continuous Glucose Monitors for Everyone

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) aren't just for people with diabetes anymore. Using a CGM for even a couple of weeks can teach you a lot about how your body reacts to different foods and how blood sugar spikes affect your mental health and productivity. This technology offers valuable insights for anyone looking to better understand their health.

Generative AI Across Healthcare

While the FDA has approved over 1,000 AI-based medical technologies, none are based on generative AI yet. However, companies are starting to create generative AI marketplaces. This means medical practices and hospitals won't need to develop their own large language models. They can simply choose an app from a marketplace and start using it right away, making generative AI more accessible.

Small Language Models for Global Access

Large language models like ChatGPT are great, but they require significant computing power and internet access, which isn't an option for everyone. Small language models (SLMs) offer a solution. These models can run on a phone without an internet connection, giving billions of people access to generative AI capabilities without the need for powerful hardware.

Futures Methods Go Mainstream

The time for just sharing opinions about the future of medicine is over. We need to use established futures methods. This year, we expect futures thinking to become an everyday tool for many, helping us to better plan and prepare for what's next in healthcare.

Wearables Face New Challenges

Wearable technology is hitting a roadblock. It's no longer enough to just track vital signs. Companies are now transforming wearables into digital therapeutic devices. For example, some companies are developing AI-powered cough detection tools that, with evidence, can become certified digital therapeutics.

A New Medical Team Member: AI

The medical team is evolving. Traditionally, it's been patients and medical professionals. Now, a new member is joining the table: artificial intelligence. Imagine a dermatologist working with a patient who also uses an AI-based skin checking application. The AI can monitor suspicious lesions between annual in-person visits, creating a more continuous and collaborative care model.

The High Cost of Hardware

Hardware-based solutions in healthcare are proving to be very expensive. Our recent list of top digital health and AI companies saw several companies removed that focused on 3D printing, robotic exoskeletons, and virtual reality. This suggests that companies relying on costly hardware face greater challenges in achieving widespread success.

Key Takeaways

• Practical longevity is becoming a reality, focusing on actionable steps to extend lifespan.

• AI scribes will free up clinicians, allowing more patient interaction.

• Digital health is crucial for the success of weight management programs.

• CGMs offer valuable health insights beyond diabetes management.

• Generative AI will become more accessible through marketplaces.

• Small language models will bring AI to a wider global audience.

• Futures methods are essential for strategic planning in healthcare.

• Wearables are evolving into digital therapeutic devices.

• AI is becoming an integral part of the medical team.

• High-cost hardware solutions face significant market challenges.