CORALVILLE, Iowa—Digital Diagnostics, creator of LumineticsCore, an FDA De Novo-cleared, fully autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) system for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, has announced the appointment of health care industry veteran Kurt Blasena as its chief commercial officer. The newly created position on the executive team will be focused on improving health equity and care quality through technology in the medical diagnosis and treatment process that is free of racial and ethnic bias, the company stated. Prior to joining Digital Diagnostics, Blasena served as chief revenue officer of Viz.ai.

“I’m excited to join Digital Diagnostics at this pivotal time of growth in the healthcare AI industry,” said Blasena. “What attracted me to the company is its focus on providing access to equitable care, fostering a strong corporate culture and prioritizing bringing AI to market in a way that positively impacts patient outcomes and the healthcare organizations they serve. Digital Diagnostics has a proven track record in the diabetes market and a strong vision for what is to come in the industry.”

“I am pleased to welcome Kurt to Digital Diagnostics,” said John Bertrand, Digital Diagnostics chief executive officer. "In this newly formed role, his more than 20 years of healthtech experience will help propel and strengthen our position in the market. His expertise, creativity and leadership in digital health will continue to drive the work we are doing to transform the affordability, accessibility, equity and quality of patient care. I look forward to working alongside him as we continue advancing AI in healthcare.”

Digital Diagnostics continues to work with patient advocacy groups, provider organizations, regulators and other stakeholders to enable the adoption of health care AI, the company stated, and to contribute to democratizing health care and closing care gaps.

“Kurt brings extensive knowledge and leadership to the company, and I’m confident he will help launch Digital Diagnostics into the next frontier of growth,” said Sarah Tibesar, chief operating officer. “Our foundational principles of groundbreaking innovation rooted in health equity and access to care have been proven in the past several years, and now is an excellent time for someone of Kurt’s caliber to join Digital Diagnostics, bringing a new perspective that will continue to enhance the company’s commercial position in the market.”