CES Provides JHF with Transformative Ideas and Unforgettable Connections
Type: News
Focus Area: Patient Safety
Left to right: Steve Ewell, Carolyn Byrnes, Karen Feinstein, and Ariana Longley at the Patient Safety Technology Challenge booth at CES.
Taking engagement to its highest level yet, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) and Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (PRHI) went into CES – the world’s premiere tech event – to elevate the patient safety conversation and engage with leaders in medicine, technology, and philanthropy. Hosting an on-stage showcase, a booth, a reception, and high-level meetings, JHF was able to foster collaboration and explore cutting edge innovation that will help to inform the Foundation’s efforts and programming into 2025.
At the core of this year’s CES experience was JHF and PRHI’s Patient Safety Technology Challenge Grand Awards Showcase on January 9 on the Start-Up Stage. The successful program drew over 100 attendees to hear the finalists pitch six powerful solutions to improve patient safety. Directly next to the Start-Up Stage was the Patient Safety Technology Challenge’s booth. This week-long presence was staffed by Carolyn Byrnes, MPH, CPH, JHF policy director and Ariana Longley, MPH, PRHI patient safety consultant, and the finalists were all given opportunities to staff the booth throughout CES.
JHF and PRHI also hosted a cocktail reception with the Grand Award finalists, other competitors from Patient Safety Technology Challenge competitions, patient safety leaders, Pittsburghers, PRHI Board members, and friends of the Foundation, to provide an informal opportunity to discuss opportunities for collaboration and the future of patient safety technology.
Karen Wolk Feinstein, PhD, president and chief executive officer of PRHI and JHF, and Nancy Zionts, MBA, chief program and strategy officer, had meetings with Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Technology Association, and Dr. Susan Malinowski which led to strategic discussions about integrating top exhibits into potential future healthcare transformation projects. Longtime friend of JHF and advisory committee member for the Patient Safety Technology Challenge, Stephen Ewell, executive director of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, played an invaluable role in helping bring the Challenge to CES and made himself available throughout the week to attend JHF’s events.
The CES Digital Health program was a highlight, sparking conversations about the healthcare system's inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Panels brought together leaders from Eli Lilly, Google, and health systems, who emphasized the need for industry collaboration, preventive medicine, and the integration of AI tools to enhance patient care and clinical trials. The discussions were a clarion call for breaking down silos and embracing new technologies, with a consensus that consumers are driving a long-overdue tipping point for change.
Beyond the panels, CES showcased a global vision for innovation. Conversations on AARP’s Longevity Hubs, the Digital Twin pavilion, and women’s health tech investments highlighted diverse approaches to improving health and well-being. The event’s sheer scale and variety reinforced its reputation as a hub for groundbreaking ideas.
Pittsburgh was well represented at this year’s CES, and JHF partners, the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC), helped to organize a panel on robotics and hosted a reception for Pittsburghers at CES. Jonathan Kersting from PTC interviewed Dr. Feinstein as part of his CES coverage.
JHF at CES
Organizers estimate that approximately 150,000 attend CES and that there are over 4,500 exhibits.
Digital twin technologies were on display throughout CES.
Highly advanced exoskeleton technology on display at CES.
Karen Feinstein, far left, and Nancy Zionts, far right, pose for a photo with CTA CEO Gary Shapiro and his wife Dr. Susan Malinowski.
Attendees at JHF’s cocktail reception for Grand Award finalists.