Dr. Miguel Fenech Highlights the Strategic Role of AI in Healthcare at Mater Dei Symposium 

Dr. Miguel Fenech has joined the MedTech World team as Sales and Partnership Manager. A medical doctor with clinical experience in Malta and the UK, Dr. Fenech is also a certified Digital Clinical Safety Officer with NHS England. His background blends clinical practice with digital health advocacy — a perspective he brought to the forefront during a recent panel at Mater Dei Hospital. 

Dr. Fenech was a featured speaker at the symposium “The Power of Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Innovations and Impact” on 3 April, organised by the Faculty of ICT and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta. The event gathered students, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore the role of digital tools and AI in healthcare. 

Sharing the stage with Euchar Sultana, Chief Information Officer at the Ministry of Health and Active Ageing, and Jackie Grech, Senior FDI Specialist for Life Sciences at Malta Enterprise, Dr. Fenech addressed how AI is already helping clinical teams work more effectively — especially when it comes to time-intensive administrative tasks.

“Healthcare is changing, and in many ways, it already has,” he said. “We’re seeing increasing demand on services, an aging population, and a workforce that at times struggles to meet these growing pressures. AI is helping address these gaps — not by replacing clinicians, but by augmenting their capabilities and freeing them to focus more on patient care.” 

Building Trust in AI Through Real-World Experience 

Dr. Fenech drew on examples from his time as a practicing doctor working in psychiatry in the UK to illustrate the practical impact of AI. He described tools that have shown to be able to detect early signs of deterioration, enabling earlier interventions that can prevent hospital admissions. These kinds of innovations, he explained, are especially relevant in mental health, where early community-based support can change outcomes. 

Addressing common concerns about automation in clinical decision-making, he stressed the importance of positioning AI as a supportive tool. “It’s a common question — will AI replace doctors? What we’re seeing, particularly in radiology and diagnostics, is not replacement, but enhancement. The technology can interpret scans in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago, but clinical judgment remains central.” 

He also highlighted the barriers that healthcare professionals face when trying to adopt new tools — from limited time to insufficient training. “If we want AI to be embraced safely and confidently, we need to give healthcare workers time, space, and support to understand how these systems work — and critically, how to trust them.” 

The Clinician’s Voice in MedTech Innovation 

Now at MedTech World, Dr. Fenech works closely with startups building next-generation tools for healthcare. He emphasised the need for continuous dialogue between clinicians and innovators. “Trust is fundamental — and to build it, we need to bring these conversations to the shop floor. Speak to the emergency room staff, the nurses, the junior doctors. They know where the pain points are, and they should be part of building the solutions.” 

His contributions to the symposium underscored the value of clinical insight in digital transformation — and the importance of embedding that insight into the MedTech World’s approach to partnerships and innovation. 

MedTech Malta 2025 

Taking place from 12 to 14 November in the historic city of Valletta, MedTech Malta 2025 is the go-to event for innovators, investors, and industry leaders making an impact in healthcare. Whether you’re a startup founder looking to raise funds, a MedTech professional eager to connect with global decision-makers, or simply keen to stay updated on the latest developments in the field, this is where meaningful opportunities meet real momentum. With speaker slots, sponsorship packages, and the highly anticipated MedTech Startup Pitch Competition on offer, there are countless ways to get involved. For more information, reach out to us at hello@med-tech.world—and don’t miss your chance to be part of it all. Book your ticket today at the lowest available price and secure your place.