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How healthcare data saves lives

Pioneering healthcare solutions with Annarosa Farina of the European Institute for Oncology

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César Cernuda
César Cernuda
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One of the most rewarding parts of my role as president of NetApp is the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people who are driving real change with data. At this year’s NetApp INSIGHT® event, I had the privilege of sitting down with Annarosa Farina, CIO and Chief Data Officer at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) and the Monzino Cardiology Center. We talked about how data, technology, and healthcare come together to create better patient outcomes. Many aspects of this conversation had an impact on me; here are some of the highlights.

A flood of healthcare data

I started the interview by asking Annarosa about the types of data her institutions manage. She highlighted the immense volume and variety of information that passes through both the IEO and Monzino Cardiology Center. The healthcare industry generates about 30% of all data in the world, meaning that nearly one-third of the world’s data flows through healthcare institutions like hers. And all of it is crucial to saving lives.

At the European Institute of Oncology, data isn’t just about medical records—it includes everything from digital imaging to clinical trial results and patient histories. The challenge isn’t just managing this massive flow of information, but also making sure that it remains secure, accessible, and useful at all times.

Healthcare under attack

We also discussed the alarming surge in cyberattacks targeting healthcare organizations during the pandemic, with over 40% of these attacks specifically targeting hospitals. Annarosa shared that her institutions were no exception to these attacks, but that they have managed to stay ahead by partnering with NetApp to protect their data.

Annarosa highlighted how telehealth became an integral part of their operations during the pandemic, which heightened the importance of keeping patient data secure. She said, “Digital healthcare can only happen if people trust that their personal safety and privacy are guaranteed.” I couldn’t agree more, and I’m proud that IEO chooses to collaborate with NetApp as a trusted partner. Intelligent data infrastructures are crucial for defending healthcare institutions from the constant threat of cyberattacks.

Keeping data hot

In healthcare, “hot data” (data that needs to be immediately accessible) is a necessity. According to Annarosa, patient care can span decades, and medical professionals rely on past records to make informed decisions about current treatment. Data, whether it’s a 5-year-old MRI or a current diagnosis, needs to be available at the click of a button.

Annarosa shared a challenge that her team faces: “Having all those digital records readily available adds an additional pressure to how we architect and manage our numerous systems.” However, it’s also what drives the continuous innovation in data management at institutions like hers. With NetApp’s help, her team is able to store, protect, and analyze massive datasets, so that this critical information remains both secure and accessible.

Managing disparate health records

Annarosa and I also touched on a topic that has become increasingly complex as medical technologies have evolved: managing disparate health record formats. As she explained, the transition from 2D X-rays to more advanced imaging technologies like 3D CT scans has revolutionized how doctors diagnose and treat patients. However, it also requires healthcare organizations to manage an array of file formats, many of which are not immediately compatible with one another.

Here, Annarosa discussed DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), a global standard that enables the interoperability of medical assets across different platforms and systems. But even with this standard, it’s a challenge to migrate legacy data into this new format. This is where AI comes into play, helping to automate tagging and organizing medical images, making the process more efficient and less vulnerable to human error.

A visionary founder and a new era in healthcare

In an inspiring part of our conversation, Annarosa spoke about the visionary founder of the European Institute of Oncology, Umberto Veronesi. He revolutionized cancer treatment with minimally invasive surgical interventions, and his philosophy continues to guide the institution today. What struck me was how much of Veronesi’s vision aligns with NetApp’s approach to data management: the importance of technology as an enabler.

Annarosa explained how AI is now used to help doctors and patients explore treatment options. Whether it’s rapid and aggressive treatment for a young person or a more comfort-focused approach for an elderly patient, data-driven insights are giving both healthcare providers and patients the tools they need to make informed, personalized decisions. It’s a beautiful example of how technology can lead to better outcomes for patients.

A partnership built on trust

As our conversation drew to a close, I reflected on the importance of partnerships in driving these innovations forward. Annarosa and I agreed that the work we’re doing together transcends business and technology—it’s about saving lives and giving doctors and patients the support they need to navigate some of their most challenging decisions.

This conversation reinforced why I’m so proud of the work we do at NetApp to help organizations like the European Institute of Oncology ensure that their critical data remains secure, accessible, and actionable. The future of healthcare depends on how we manage and protect data, and I’m honored to play a part in that mission. Working with leaders like Annarosa reminds me that our innovations aren’t just changing industries—they’re changing lives.

César Cernuda

César Cernuda is the President of NetApp, Inc, the world’s leading intelligent data infrastructure company. As President of NetApp, Cesar leads the global integrated go-to-market organization spanning all sales, marketing, services, and support. With almost 30 years of experience in the technology industry, César is well regarded for his customer centric approach to leadership and has a proven record for delivering customer success.

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