Using Empathy to Strengthen Cyber Resilience in Healthcare with Dr Sergio Sanchez

Guest Introduction

 

Sergio Sanchez serves as Chief Information Officer at Coleman Health Services, a nonprofit behavioral health organization based in Ohio that supports more than 30,000 clients annually across multiple counties. With a background as a general surgeon in Mexico before moving into IT leadership, Sergio brings a rare dual perspective that blends clinical understanding with technological expertise. His leadership focuses on bridging the gap between patient care and cybersecurity while building scalable systems for a resource-constrained environment.

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Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn

 

• How Sergio transitioned from practicing medicine to leading IT in healthcare

• Why empathy and communication are vital for cybersecurity success

• How Coleman Health Services balances security with accessibility for clinicians

• The unique challenges of protecting data in a nonprofit healthcare setting

• How AI is transforming mental health care, both positively and dangerously

• The role of leadership in educating staff on digital hygiene and phishing awareness

• Why resilience and preparation are more critical than prevention alone

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In This Episode

 

Sergio shares how his medical background continues to shape his approach to technology leadership. As a former surgeon, he understands the operational pressures clinicians face and the need for IT systems that simplify rather than obstruct care. That empathy guides how his team implements cybersecurity policies and workflow automation at Coleman Health Services, ensuring that technology supports, rather than slows, the mission of care.

He discusses the daily challenges of securing patient data in a nonprofit environment where resources are limited. With fewer tools and smaller budgets than large hospital systems, success relies on people, especially through education and awareness training. Sergio’s approach to cybersecurity focuses on equipping staff to make better decisions, recognizing that many breaches stem from human error rather than technical failure.

The episode also explores how Coleman Health Services is adopting artificial intelligence. Sergio emphasizes the potential for AI to improve efficiency, triage cases, and expand mental health access, but he warns of the risks when such technology is used without proper oversight. In his view, AI is a double-edged tool that must be guided by human ethics, clinical judgment, and strong governance.

Finally, Sergio reflects on the leadership principles that drive his success: humility, transparency, and continuous learning. His advice for IT and security professionals in healthcare is simple, build trust, teach constantly, and remember that technology exists to serve people first.