Community Council Spotlight: Gerhard Wendt
January 30, 2025.
When it comes to navigating the complexities of health care, Gerhard Wendt brings a wealth of experience, global insights, and a passion for making care more accessible and connected. Gerhard has more than 35 years of experience overseeing the implementation of health-care products and services across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He has seen hospitals and health-care systems all over the world, and worked alongside teams from primary to long-term care and everything in between. After retiring, Gerhard decided to share his expertise and knowledge to help shape and improve local health-care systems.
One of the ways he’s doing this is as a volunteer with the Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Ontario Health Team (FLA OHT). Gerhard first got involved in the FLA OHT five years ago as a member of the Community Council, driven by a clear purpose: to help ensure that health care in the region meets the evolving needs of the community. In 2021, he also became one of the earliest members of the FLA OHT’s Digital Support Structure, playing a key role in advancing digital health initiatives aimed at creating a more seamless, user-friendly health-care experience for people. In both roles, Gerhard champions the representation of community voices in the design and delivery of local health care.
A passion for digital health
Gerhard’s interest in digital health was sparked by observing how health systems in other countries leveraged technology to deliver integrated and efficient care. A strong advocate for a unified digital health system, he believes technology empowers people to take an active role in managing their care. He believes that digital tools, such as Online Appointment Booking and access to electronic health records, can make navigating the health-care system more intuitive and less frustrating. “I would love to see the creation of a single digital health portal where people can access their health information and find out exactly where to go for the care they need,” Gerhard explains. “Digital health initiatives have the potential to reduce the fragmentation that so many people experience with our health-care system.”
While acknowledging the complexities and challenges of creating a fully integrated system, Gerhard remains optimistic. He sees ongoing collaboration and trust-building as key to achieving a system that works for everyone. “We’ve made significant progress. The more we collaborate, the closer we get to a system that meets the needs of our community,” he adds.
Empowering the community
For Gerhard, digital health isn’t just about technology—it’s about empowering people. He believes that digital tools can enhance the relationship between people and their health-care providers by improving communication and making health information more accessible. “Digital health tools allow people to be active participants in their own care,” he noted. “Instead of waiting for information, they can receive updates, communicate with providers, and make informed decisions faster.”
However, Gerhard is also mindful of potential barriers, such as varying levels of digital literacy. He advocates for digital tools that are simple, intuitive, and supplemented by traditional options for those who prefer paper-based or phone communication. “Not everyone will be comfortable with digital tools, and that’s okay,” Gerhard emphasizes. “We need to make sure that everyone — regardless of their comfort level with technology — has the support they need to access and navigate the health-care system.”
Looking to the future
As part of the Digital Support Structure, Gerhard is excited about advancements in digital health, particularly the potential for tools like Lumeo - an online health information system that enables faster information sharing between six health-care organizations in our region. “When care teams have access to the same health information, they can provide better, more coordinated care,” Gerhard underscores.
Why get involved?
Gerhard views health care as a partnership. “Our health-care system includes everyone — you, me, providers, community members,” he explains. “The more we work together, the better outcomes we’ll achieve.”
With dedicated community members like Gerhard generously contributing their time and expertise, the FLA OHT is well-positioned to achieve our vision of a healthier community where everyone has equitable access to high-quality care, services and supports that empower us to achieve our best health.
Learn more about the Community Council and how you can get involved here.