Prof. Sally Lewis
A senior clinical leader in healthcare policy and organisational delivery with special expertise in value-based healthcare, systems and digital transformation.
Sally Lewis, the founder of Kintsugi International, is a distinguished leader in the field of value-based healthcare (VBHC). With a remarkable career spanning 30 years as a general practitioner, medical leader and policy advisor, Sally has dedicated her career to transforming healthcare systems worldwide.
As the former National Clinical Director for Value-Based and Prudent Healthcare in NHS Wales and the founder of the internationally recognised Welsh Value in Health Centre, she has pioneered the implementation of VBHC, making substantial contributions to global healthcare improvements. Her work has been recognised by many institutions including the World Economic Forum, Harvard Business School, Bertelsmann-Stiftung, OECD, HTAi and the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association. She teaches internationally on the principles of value-based healthcare, from undergraduates to executive education.
Key topics and Insights
Drawing on real-world experience, Prof. Lewis captivates audiences with transformative insights on healthcare transformation, exploring practical approaches to revolutionise and sustain healthcare systems globally. Key topics include:
Embracing Digital Transformation
Prof. Lewis emphasises the critical role of digital technologies and triangulation of health data in reshaping healthcare delivery. She explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are not just enhancing diagnostic accuracy but also personalising patient care.
“AI has the potential to fundamentally transform the practice of medicine,” she notes, underscoring its impact on clinical decision-making and operational efficiencies. Furthermore, she highlights the growing importance of patient-facing technology, stating, “Innovative patient-facing technologies empower patients and improve engagement, leading to better health outcomes.”
Supported Self-Management
Highlighting the importance of empowering patients, Prof. Lewis delves into supported self-management strategies.
She explains how digital tools and resources can help patients manage their conditions more effectively. “Supported self-management is essential for chronic disease management, allowing patients to take control of their health with the right tools and guidance,” says Prof. Lewis.
This approach not only improves patient autonomy but can fundamentally change the way we think about chronic disease management.
Patient-Reported Outcomes
Prof. Lewis discusses the value of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in enhancing care quality. She emphasises that PROs provide crucial insights into the patient’s perspective, enabling more tailored and effective treatments. “Integrating patient-reported outcomes into clinical practice ensures that care is aligned with what truly matters to patients,” she asserts. This patient-centred approach leads to more meaningful and impactful healthcare interventions.
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Lewis discusses the importance of adaptive leadership in crisis situations. Her research highlights the necessity for healthcare leaders to be flexible, decisive, and innovative. “The pandemic has underscored the need for leaders who can manage the unexpected and guide their teams through uncertainty,” she asserts.
Boundary Spanning Leadership
Prof. Lewis emphasises the importance of boundary spanning leadership in healthcare. This involves breaking down silos and fostering collaboration across different sectors and disciplines. “Boundary spanning leadership enables the integration of diverse perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and improved healthcare outcomes,” she explains. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, leaders can effectively address complex healthcare challenges.
Leadership in Healthcare
Prof. Lewis also shares her experiences as a female leader in the medical field, emphasising the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership. “Diverse leadership teams bring a wealth of perspectives and solutions, which is crucial in navigating complex healthcare challenges,” she explains. Her journey as a female medical leader has provided her with unique insights into overcoming barriers and fostering inclusive environments.
Sustainable Healthcare Practices
Addressing the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems, Prof. Lewis advocates for practices that balance innovation with cost-efficiency. She explores strategies to reduce waste, optimally allocate resources, and implement green healthcare initiatives.
“Sustainability in healthcare is about creating systems that are viable in every sense – finance, workforce and carbon,” she explains. Prof. Lewis further stresses the need to frame sustainable healthcare within whole pathways of care, from prevention through to end-of-life care. “A sustainable healthcare system must consider the entire care continuum, ensuring that preventive measures, acute care, and palliative services are all optimised and in balance with each other”, she elaborates.
Keynote Speech Style
Dr. Sally Lewis’s keynote speeches are known for their engaging and informative nature. Here are some key characteristics of her speaking style:
Insightful and Evidence-Based
Dr. Lewis grounds her speeches in rigorous research and evidence, often referencing her own publications and studies.
Narrative and Storytelling
She effectively uses storytelling to illustrate complex healthcare concepts and challenges. By sharing real-world examples and patient stories, her talks are both relatable and memorable.
Inspirational and Motivational
Dr. Lewis has a knack for inspiring her audience. Her speeches are not just informative but also motivating, encouraging healthcare professionals to embrace change and strive for excellence in their practices.
Interactive and Engaging
She often engages with her audience through interactive discussions, making sessions dynamic and participatory.
Practical and Actionable
Dr. Lewis emphasises practical solutions and actionable strategies. She provides her audience with clear takeaways that can be implemented in their own practices or organisations.
Leadership style
Dr. Sally Lewis’s leadership style can be described as visionary, inclusive, and innovative. Here are some key elements of her leadership approach:
Visionary Leadership
Dr. Lewis has a clear vision for the future of healthcare, one that embraces digital transformation, patient-centred care, and sustainable practices. She is adept at communicating this vision and inspiring others to follow suit.
Inclusive and Collaborative
She places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, recognising the value of diverse perspectives in solving complex healthcare challenges. Her leadership style fosters collaboration across different sectors and disciplines, embodying the principles of boundary-spanning leadership.
Empowerment and Mentorship
Dr. Lewis is committed to empowering others, particularly emerging leaders in the healthcare field. She actively mentors and supports women and underrepresented groups, promoting an inclusive leadership culture.
Innovative and Forward-Thinking
Dr. Lewis is a proponent of innovation in healthcare. She encourages the adoption of new technologies and methodologies, always looking for ways to improve efficiency and patient outcomes through innovative solutions.
Resilient and Adaptive
Her leadership is marked by resilience and adaptability, particularly evident in her response to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. She advocates for leadership that can navigate uncertainty and manage unexpected challenges effectively.
