Positioning Data as a Critical Asset Is Vital for Adaptability — McKesson SVP for Data Commercialization and Advanced Analytics

(US & Canada) Kirby Forlin, SVP, Data Commercialization & Advanced Analytics at McKesson, speaks with Traci Gusher, EY Americas AI and Data Leader, in a video interview about the role of data in staying flexible and adaptable as an organization and possibilities that can be unlocked with integrated data capabilities.

Speaking about the role of data in helping an organization stay fluid, Forlin emphasizes that McKesson Compile has identified the critical role of positioning data as a critical asset for driving AI. This recognition is key to maintaining flexibility and adaptability within their systems, products, and customer service.

The focus is on organizing data in a way that ensures it remains flexible. According to Forlin, analytics-ready data forms the foundation for AI, and the next step is to connect currently siloed data sets. Doing so enables deeper insights and more comprehensive problem-solving, ensuring that McKesson stays prepared for future changes.

Speaking of future data capabilities based on the integration of data from different sources, Forlin envisions a future where integrating diverse datasets becomes essential for solving complex healthcare challenges that individual organizations cannot address alone. She highlights the significant advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, genomics, and personalized medicine as key drivers of healthcare's future. Wearable technologies, like Apple Watches and Oura Rings, are generating vast amounts of data, which could be harnessed to provide a comprehensive health profile for individuals.

However, Forlin emphasizes that the integration of various data sets, including electronic health records, genomic data, and real-time patient monitoring from IoT devices, remains critical. She sees the development of feedback loops, where AI models continuously learn from incoming data and patient outcomes, as the next step in improving healthcare outcomes for everyone.

Three rapid-fire questions:

1. What is the number one thing that keeps you up at night?

Cybersecurity is something that I think we always need to be vigilant against. Our cybersecurity readiness is probably the number one thing that I think about.

2. What are you most excited about for the future?

I am extremely motivated by McKesson's mission of advancing health outcomes for all and I am excited about the value of connecting all the data sources and what we can do for that mission.

There are so many things we could learn and so many better treatment plans that we could come up with to advance patient outcomes.

So, having an opportunity to work in that space and an opportunity to work with an incredibly talented team thinking about this day in and day out is what I'm most excited about.

3. What's the best advice you've been given ever?

There are about 40 battles you could fight every day, three of them really matter. In business, there are about 50 to 100,000 things we could focus on every single day — you need to focus on what matters most and hone in on those three to four things. That should be your top priority.

CDO Magazine appreciates Kirby Forlin for sharing her insights with our global community.