Dr. Jonathan Gregory: Part 2, AI and groundbreaking research

Problems Worth Solving

In this two part episode, we talk to Dr. Jonathan Gregory, a former NHS cancer surgeon turned healthcare innovator, to explore the intersection of data, digital tools, AI, and patient-centred design in transforming cancer pathways.

With over 20 years in frontline surgery and leadership roles, Jonathan now works. as clinical advisor for Macmillan Cancer Support, and in roles at Imperial College, and NHS innovation programmes to rethink how healthcare is delivered—from AI-powered end-of-treatment communication to understanding the lived experiences of cancer survivors. He also runs his own consultancy Pivotal Health working with the NHS, academia, startups, and third-sector organisations to develop and implement digital, AI, and data-driven tools.

In part one we explore:

• What it's like working as a surgeon
• Redesigning cancer pathways and why the NHS struggles, despite simple solutions being within reach
• Health inequalities in cancer care and how systems can be re-engineered to work for everyone

In part two we explore:

• Where the real power of AI lies—not in replacing doctors but to challenge bias and support better decisions
• AI's role in better patient communication
• A groundbreaking national research trial, which is rapidly becoming the largest of its kind

Jonathan’s insights will challenge how you think about healthcare transformation, showing how human-centred design, behavioural science, and digital innovation can unlock real improvements—if we let them.

If you’re interested in the future of healthcare, cancer treatment, health inequalities, or AI’s role in medicine, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Problems Worth Solving is brought to you by Healthia, the collaborative service design consultancy for health, care and public services.
Find out more about our work at healthia.services.