Why Access, Not Innovation, Holds Healthcare Back with Mike Druhan

Welcome to this episode of Ditch the Lab Coat, hosted by Dr. Mark Bonta—a show where curiosity meets science and skepticism, all in the name of practical healthcare innovation.

This week, we tackle a problem plaguing healthcare systems across Canada (and beyond): the painfully long wait times to see a dermatologist, especially when it comes to skin cancer. Our guest is Mike Druhan, President of Dermatology Services at MedX Health. Mike is on a mission to save lives by closing the gap between a suspicious mole and a potentially life-saving diagnosis.

Together, Dr. Bonta and Mike explore the bottlenecks of Canadian healthcare, the trust required for new technologies to be accepted, and the real-world journey of bringing evidence-based digital solutions—like secure skin imaging and teledermatology—to market. You'll hear the candid realities behind innovation in medicine, the hurdles of building clinician confidence, and why access—not just technology—can be the biggest lifesaver of all.

Plus, Mike shares eye-opening stories from the field, including how a routine golf outing and a sharp eye led to an early melanoma diagnosis that made all the difference for a patient. If you’ve ever wondered why game-changing ideas in medicine can take so long to become reality—or how technology can help us fight diseases hiding in plain sight—this conversation is for you.

Plug in, enjoy, and get ready for a deep dive into the art and science of making innovation practical, trustworthy, and patient-centered.

Episode Highlights

1. Trust Drives Healthcare Adoption — Healthcare innovation only moves as fast as stakeholders trust new systems and tech, making trust central to successful adoption.
2. Early Detection Saves Lives — Catching skin cancer at the earliest stage dramatically improves outcomes and reduces treatment costs and patient suffering.
3. Access Is a Critical Barrier — Long wait times to see specialists like dermatologists can be deadly; smart solutions must address these systemic access issues.
4. Tech Complements, Not Replaces — Innovative tools are designed to support, not substitute, specialists—helping prioritize urgent cases and manage the patient queue.
5. Design for Clinical Reality — Successful tools require clinician input, regulatory compliance, and clear workflow integration to earn real-world adoption.
6. Iterate with Frontline Feedback — Regular collaboration with diverse healthcare professionals refines questions, workflows, and builds essential clinical buy-in.
7. Evidence First, Hype Later — Robust evidence and pilot programs—rather than flashy promises—pave the path for credible healthcare innovation.
8. AI Is an Assistant, Not Judge — AI is best used as a double-check for clinicians, enhancing accuracy but not replacing expert human decision-making.
9. Economic Incentives Matter — Insurers and employers increasingly see the financial sense in proactive screening and early intervention for high-risk groups.
10. Human Factor Still Critical — Even with tech, “right place, right time” expert intervention can make the difference between early cure and late-stage tragedy.

Episode Timestamp

03:59 – Canadian Healthcare Access Challenges
09:40 – Dermatology Digital Patient Platform Development
13:25 – Trust Barriers in Healthcare Innovation
15:57 – Dermatology Investment Collaboration Insights
19:05 – Prioritizing Urgent Pathology Reports
22:54 – Dermatology: Ownership and Patient Insights
24:19 – Dynamic Approach to Skin Cancer Tracking
28:38 – Early Detection through Stool Testing
32:56 – Canada's Dermatology Shortage and Insurance Solutions
33:38 – Predictive Analytics in Workplace Safety
37:07 – AI-Assisted Skin Cancer Detection
42:15 – Human Error vs. AI Expectations
45:47 – AI Enhancing Medical Diagnostics
46:46 – Trusting Emerging Healthcare Technologies 

DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for an