Alex Hernandez

OHT Fellow

What inspired you to pursue a career in HealthTech?

The tech industry - and the digital health industry, in particular, is highly unequal in diverse ways.

Space may not be sufficient for a comprehensive list, but some examples include the existing evidence indicating there are less women in leadership roles in both the private and public sector. Less women with an informatics roles at all levels in the NHS (75% junior, 40% senior, 25% Board). Less women founders of health tech companies (15% university spinouts are female-founded; 8.3% patents are files by women; 10% health tech companies are female founded). Less women being recruited in clinical trials. Imposter Syndrome challenges are normally greater among women than among male counterparts….

If I think about what needs to improve, I would say we need to keep raising awareness about the situation and the potential impact- which is ultimately on population’s health and well being. Tech and digital inequalities contribute to health and social inequalities. Citing the work of The Health Foundation, health inequalities is a matter of life and death, and we need to say this as clearly as possible.  

Once we raise more awareness about what is at stake, diversity and inclusion in health tech will start being in the radar of everyone, then (hopefully!) specific action plans may follow.

What's your favourite way to de-stress after a busy day at work?

Play with my 3 year old one. It reminds me that coming back to basics in life is amazing...laughing, exploring, learning, and hugging.

What's your favourite hobby or activity that has nothing to do with your job?

Dance....salsa and merengue are the good ones for me :)

Who are your heroes?

Viktor Frankl. I love the quote: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way"