As part of reinventing how health care is delivered and focusing on digitally driven initiatives, a group of physician leaders is rebuilding primary care from the ground up. We’re incorporating new virtual care tools to optimize health care delivery and produce innovative approaches that motivate patients toward a healthier lifestyle. We call it the Primary Care 2.0 initiative.

Now, instead of merely accessing medical care when their health is poor, getting treated, and hopefully getting better, the dynamic is shifting. More and more people are engaged in their health and wellness; they understand the behaviors that lead to chronic illness.

Part of that shift is a change in the way people access medical care. A key takeaway from Primary Care 2.0 is that the patients taking advantage of virtual access to lifestyle coaches and nutritionists are young men—a population that is traditionally disengaged from health care. This is a good sign.

Technology has become ingrained into our everyday life. It can be a key driver of change in the practice of health care, an industry that has been historically resistant to change. Think how smartphones have transformed our lives and the ways we communicate and consume entertainment. Now think how smartphones and other technology will revolutionize health care in the years to come.

Stanford Medicine is at the forefront of this revolution, focused on discovering advanced health care solutions that are safe, effective, and, above all else, always human-centered. From desktop tools to innovative apps, wearables, and more, we’re studying health, improving access and convenience.