Tobias Schulz: Health Data
Pfizer Germany Senior Manager, Policy and Public Affairs, built a career on making sure that health data is used in the best ways it can be for patients and society
Few people understand systems better than those who grew up with them. Tobias grew up in the early times of the digital revolution. He remembers being fascinated by all the new digital tools, systems, and devices that were emerging.
“Data can play an essential role, both in prevention and treatment.”
Today, Tobias has turned that childhood interest into a career spent maximizing the benefits of health data for patients. A population with a better understanding of their own data offers many advantages, such as encouraging healthier and preventative lifestyle habits. On the policy level, he works with a variety of stakeholders on initiatives like the European Health Data Space (EHDS), all with the goal of improving the use of health data both for individuals and R&D.
“A harmonized health data system gives people more accessibility to their clinical history and improves the quality of scientific research.”
At Pfizer, he knows very well the potential of the EHDS for creating and reinforcing these advantages. People’s clinical history could be easily and securely accessible to them (and health providers of their choice) anywhere in Europe. Such a system could be more efficient while boosting treatment outcomes for patients.
“Common standards will create better data sets and could optimize current and create new treatments.”
Tobias will continue his work towards making sure we use health data as efficiently and effectively as we can. Using his own words, this could be a crucial step towards a European Health Union.