David Pollard is a distinguished leader in health innovation and education, with over a decade of experience enriching the healthcare sector through innovative programs and partnerships. As the current Head of Digital Learning, Education Platforms, and Scaling at EIT Health, he plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare education across Europe. His leadership as the Futurist and Innovation Committee Chairman at the Global Alliance for Medical Education underscores his commitment to fostering lifelong learning and collaboration for global healthcare improvement. Pollard’s academic pursuits include his ongoing PhD research in Inclusive Design and Creative Technology Innovation at SMARTlab UCD, emphasizing his dedication to inclusive and innovative healthcare solutions.
Pollard’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his co-founding of TeamOSV (Open-Source Volunteers – with over 5,000 volunteers globally) during the COVID-19 pandemic, a testament to his ability to mobilize a global community of professionals to tackle urgent healthcare challenges. This initiative not only produced over 40 open-source solutions to COVID-19 challenges but also facilitated the delivery of critical PPE to frontline staff, earning him nominations for prestigious awards and recognition in leading publications like Forbes and the New York Times. Furthermore, his founding of Sapien Innovation highlights his expertise in delivering custom innovation, creativity, and design thinking capabilities to organizations worldwide, showcasing his ability to blend entrepreneurial vigor with impactful healthcare solutions.
Pollard’s adeptness at engaging stakeholders and building successful partnerships is further demonstrated through his leadership in organizing Startup Week Dublin (with over 7,500 attendees over 2 years) and his role in community-building initiatives such as Learning Tech Labs. His experience in scaling events and fostering entrepreneurship within health and education technologies has significantly contributed to the innovation ecosystem in Ireland and beyond. His advisory role on European Commission-funded projects (E-Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) and his global contributions to health service design workshops, including as a royal delegate, speak volumes about his expertise and influence in the field.
In addition to his professional and entrepreneurial achievements, Pollard is a respected educator, lecturing at prestigious institutions like Trinity College Dublin. His contributions to the academic world, particularly in design thinking, innovation, and healthcare, have shaped the minds of future leaders and innovators. His work in digital learning and instructional design further underscores his commitment to enhancing educational methodologies and outcomes for healthcare professionals.
David Pollard’s blend of leadership in health innovation, entrepreneurship, community building, and education positions him as an invaluable asset to the Global Alliance for Medical Education board. His proven track record of fostering innovation, driving collaborative initiatives, and enhancing global healthcare education aligns perfectly with the goals of GAME. His vision for a more inclusive, innovative, and well-educated healthcare community is not only inspiring but also essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities in global healthcare education and practice.
