DMEA (Digital Medical Expertise & Applications) is Europe’s largest digital health event. It is where industry leaders, government bodies, healthcare professionals, and tech innovators converge to shape the future of healthcare.
Berlin hosted the groundbreaking edition of DMEA 2025 from April 8 to 10. The three-day event brought together 20,500 participants, 900 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries, and 470 speakers across 200 sessions. It reinforced DMEA’s status as the continent’s go-to platform for healthcare innovation.
This year’s event wasn’t just larger—it was smarter, bolder, and more forward-looking than ever. From high-level policy discussions to futuristic pitches by start-ups, DMEA 2025 proved to be a melting pot of ideas, breakthroughs, and collaborations.
Here are the highlights of DMEA 2025
Interoperability and structured data are the need of the hour
A key DMEA 2025 concern was fragmented data systems in hospitals. Without structured data and interoperability, patient safety and time are compromised.
Structured data, like standardised formats and coding, was highlighted as essential for improving workflows. This will also enable effortless information exchange across institutions, paving the way for a unified European Health Data Space.
We need more practical applications of AI in healthcare
AI is no longer theoretical—it’s already delivering results. At DMEA, German AI startups showcased tools that assist in stroke recovery, allergy diagnostics, and patient communications.
The focus was on simple, accessible solutions for smaller clinics with limited staff and resources. These tools showed how AI can enhance treatment speed, accuracy, and efficiency without overwhelming existing systems.
Human-centric design is essential
There was a major push toward user-friendly systems that support healthcare workers rather than complicate their jobs.
This means better interfaces, easy-to-use platforms, and thoughtful integration that fits naturally into clinical routines.
We need to focus on training and workforce support
Digital transformation depends on people, not just tools. DMEA 2025 focused heavily on equipping healthcare workers with digital skills to use new tech confidently.
This means leadership must invest in continuous learning and create support roles to ensure smooth adoption.
Electronic patient file progress
Experts discussed the ongoing roll-out of the electronic patient file (EPA) in Germany, with Hamburg leading the way.
While the system has made progress in model regions, more work is needed in hospitals, especially in integrating more service providers.
Need for a digitalization master plan
Healthcare professionals at DMEA 2025 called for a clear and cohesive digitalisation strategy. While government efforts like the electronic patient file are appreciated, experts emphasised the lack of a unified plan and the need for better IT financing and standardisation.
Ethics of AI in medicine
A panel of medical professionals discussed the role of AI in healthcare, agreeing that AI must be ethically trustworthy.
“AI can communicate facts, but it can’t respond to the shock a patient experiences in such a moment.”
-Dr. Irmgard Landgraf
The panel recommended binding developers to ethical guidelines, such as the Geneva Declaration, to prioritise patient well-being in AI applications.
Reducing the gender gap in medicine
Experts like Dr. Jana Schmidt and Prof. Dr. Gertraud Stadler discussed how gender medicine is paving the way for personalised healthcare.
While it’s known that men and women often need different treatments, women are still underrepresented in studies, which affects treatment outcomes.
Experts stressed the importance of recognising gender-related differences, like hormonal, psychological, and social factors, to improve care.
They argued that gender medicine is a crucial first step toward personalisation, ensuring healthcare is better suited to individuals’ unique needs.
In fact, many more parameters need to be taken into account in medical data, like social situations, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.
“Gender is just the beginning and relatively simple.”
-Prof. Dr. Gertraud Stadler.
This approach aims to enhance treatments for everyone, taking gender into account throughout the entire healthcare process.
Looking ahead: From buzzwords to action
The event ended on a high note with Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, highlighting DMEA’s evolving role.
“DMEA is supported by a dedicated digital health community working together on outstanding solutions for modern and digital healthcare.
We are delighted to be able to offer this ever-growing community a central platform for exchange, networking and innovation with DMEA in Berlin.”
While DMEA 2025 came to an end, the real challenge began: Implementing what was discussed, showcased, and envisioned.
Digital healthcare’s future is not just about innovation—it’s about execution. And for three days in Berlin, DMEA 2025 showed that Europe is not only ready for the challenge but leading the way.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team
