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From implementation to impact: Connecting the dots at DevDays 2026

Rachel Dunscombe

When I was at DevDays last year, I spent my Monday at the Strategy Day (now Strategy Forum). I’ve worked closely with this ecosystem for a long time, but being in that room felt different. It was a unique space to actually collaborate and explore the emergent side of what we’re all building.

DevDays has always had a specific “vibe.” It’s where people show up with laptops, blue sky ideas, and a lot of curiosity. It’s the kind of place where I can wear my jeans and get straight to the point. No pretense, just progress. It’s where “take it home on Thursday, implement next Monday” isn’t just a slogan; it’s actually what happens.

Now, having been in the CEO role for just a few weeks, I’m looking at that energy through a new lens. My focus is on bridging the gap between technical excellence and the massive systemic challenges we’re facing globally.

The “right” way: ROI and the strategic horizon 

One of my top priorities right now is highlighting the actual value of our work. I’ve been following some soon-to-be-published research from the OECD that makes a compelling case: there is a true, massive Return on Investment (ROI) in interoperability, but only when it’s “done right.”

We are past the point of implementation for implementation’s sake. To unlock the gains the OECD is identifying, we have to move toward high-fidelity, strategic interoperability. When we get this right, we enable a system that is:

  • More cost-effective: reduces waste from fragmented data
  • More convenient: finally makes the patient journey seamless
  • Safer: gives clinicians the right data at the right time

Shaping the strategy: Connecting the dots 

In my first few weeks, I’ve sat in on a few of the planning meetings for the HL7 FHIR Strategy Forum (Monday, June 15). I’m already impressed by how we’re framing these global challenges.

The Forum is for the people leading the “Why”: government officials, executives, and innovation leads who need to step back from the code to focus on long-term impact.

We’re leaning into the vibrant, engaging format DevDays is known for. Think less “death by PowerPoint” and more facilitated table discussions and a chance to pressure-test roadmaps with the people actually shaping the future of the industry.

A community where we all matter 

Beyond the ROI, I’m truly looking forward to DevDays because of the people. Last year, one of my favorite moments was the Women for FHIR dinner. It was a great reminder that while the tech is complex, the community is human, diverse, and incredibly supportive.

I’m a big believer that the best insights happen away from the main stage. I love coffee and the candid conversations that happen over a fresh cup. DevDays is the perfect place for that.

Whether you’re asking your first question at the Foundations Bootcamp or you’ve been here since the beginning, you belong here. We’re a vibrant community, and every one of us matters.

See you there 

I am so excited for my first DevDays in this role. I’ll be there — jeans on, laptop in my bag, and looking forward to catching up with you over coffee in the hallways.

If that sounds like the room you need to be in, I’d love to see you there. And for more info on the HL7 FHIR Strategy Forum, read more here.