New News from Berci Mesko

Berci Mesko and I keep in touch regularly through many Social Media channels and even via old-fashioned email to discuss Doctors 2.0 & You, Webicina, and how all of this can or cannot improve...life for patients...You'll see Berci in Paris next June :-).

Perhaps you know through Facebook that Berci recently celebrated his birthday. Well, there is an even bigger bit of news tonight : Webicina has just won 2nd prize in Luxemburg's Social Media Tournament, run by the European Investment Bank. I thought that Berci Mesko's many Social Media fans would love to hear more from him. So, read on.

1. Denise: So, Berci, what was it like growing up in Hungary? Were you a great student from your earliest years?

Berci Mesko:  I always loved living in Hungary even when I started traveling 30-40 times a year and saw many cultures and countries. The one thing I really admire about Hungary is the educational system in which I always felt very comfortable. I was a very good student from the first years and as I decided to become a scientist instead of a football player (because I realized I wouldn't have a chance to play in FC Barcelona) at the age of 6 I focused on my studies in my entire life.

2. DS: When did you decide to go towards medicine and also genetics? Is there a fun story behind this?

BM: Science was clear from the early years, medicine became the target at the age of 12-14 and at the same time genetics got into my full focus. I was amazed by the tools and discoveries of genetics and I feel lucky to get involved with research just after the Human Genome Project was completed therefore I eye-witnessed all the modern changes around the concept of genomic medicine.

3. DS: How old were you when you started using computers?  What did you first use them for?

BM: I remember having an Amiga 500 at the age of 7 and of course I used it for playing video games but I was fascinated by computers and I knew even back then that I would have a personal computer soon.

4.DS:  When did you realize that there was another side to medicine, ie, the Web 2.0 and Social Media side, where the human factor, facilitated by technology, brings  better conditions for patients?

BM: My social media "career" started with becoming active in Wikipedia in 2005, but I only realized the potential of social media in the future of medicine, when I came across the presentation of Dr. Ves Dimov who was kind enough to send it to me privately as well. I was blown away and I knew that would be my way, combining two great fields, medicine and digital technologies. After that I started giving presentations at local clinics and departments talking about how they could facilitate their workflows with social media.

5  DS: When did you first realize that there were issues in the relationship between the patient and the health system and within the health system?

BM: It was a perfect decision to launch a medical blog in 2006 because as I came up with my posts and thoughts, I received plenty of comments as feedback therefore I always got a good picture about what patients think of healthcare and the internet. I became a huge supporter of the e-patient movement and I had a chance to see all the important moves and changes in this area. Again, I feel lucky to live through those years.

6.  DS: You've been to two Doctors 2.0 & You conferences. Did they change something for you? And for the future?

BM: Absolutely! I made an amazing number of new contacts and friends; I gave two keynotes with incredible feedback and it changed the way I think about the future of medicine 2.0 as it managed to bring together all stakeholders of healthcare with a clear mission in mind: to improve healthcare with digital technologies together.

7 DS: And on the personal side, I believe you got engaged in Paris right after Doctors 2.0 & You... Do you see the two as related?

BM: A night you can never forget. And of course I owe you one, Denise, for helping me organize that very special night in Paris.

8. DS: You also joined Mensa this year. Have you met other Mensa people? How is that?

BM: I feel grateful for belonging to such a vibrant community. Yes, I met many of them at recent meetings and became even more addicted to puzzles and logical games.

9. DS: And now, you are preparing to be a Futurist?  I love it. Tell us more. And will you tell us even more at Doctors 2.0 & You 2013?

BM: Yes, this is the topic I plan to discuss in details as I'm making a shift in my academic career from genomics to being a medical futurist. This is not a simple career path but I've been enjoying every moment of it so far. Let me reveal the fascinating details in Paris next June! See you there!