Sairohith Thummarakoti on Powering Patient Care Through Scalable Health Tech

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Sairohith Thummarakoti

Sairohith Thummarakoti is an author, innovator, and IT professional with over a decade of experience in healthcare tech. As a Consultant Application Engineer at HCA Healthcare, he’s driven impactful upgrades to key systems, including the Oncology app integrated with Grail and the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker.


1Please provide us a brief bio of yourself and your health industry background.

I am an author, innovator, and IT professional with over 10 years of experience in software development and healthcare technology solutions. Currently, I serve as a Consultant Application Engineer at HCA Healthcare, focusing on enhancing, supporting, and upgrading healthcare applications.

My contributions have significantly improved key systems like the Oncology application integrated with Grail, which enables early cancer detection, and the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker, a critical tool for public health and safety.

With expertise in modernizing healthcare technology, optimizing performance, and leveraging cloud infrastructure, I help ensure systems are scalable, reliable, and adaptable to evolving healthcare needs.

My deep understanding of both payer and provider aspects of health insurance has allowed me to drive impactful solutions that enhance operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes across the industry.

2What motivated you to pursue this particular health initiative, and what impact has it had on individuals or communities?

My passion for healthcare technology stems from a desire to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities by addressing critical challenges in patient care. Working at HCA Healthcare, I realized the profound role technology plays in enhancing lives, particularly in large-scale public health initiatives and critical care applications.

One such initiative I led is the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker. This application has been instrumental in streamlining vaccine administration and ensuring accurate record-keeping for over a million people.

By improving data verification processes and integrating scalable cloud infrastructure, we enabled healthcare providers to respond efficiently during peak demand, such as during COVID-19 and flu vaccination drives. The solution has significantly reduced errors, saved valuable time, and instilled confidence in the vaccination process.

Another project close to my heart is the Oncology application connected to Grail, which supports early cancer detection by analyzing changes in blood markers over time. Partnering with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, we developed a system to track patient data and annual screenings like mammograms and Pap smears. This initiative has the potential to save lives by identifying cancer at its earliest stages, giving patients a better chance at recovery.

3Tell us more about your business/company, your job profile, and the specific responsibilities you undertake.

I work as a Consultant Application Engineer at HCA Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States, operating 186 hospitals and over 2,400 ambulatory care sites. HCA Healthcare is dedicated to advancing patient care through innovative technology and data-driven solutions, and my role contributes to this mission by enhancing critical healthcare applications.

In my position, I focus on modernizing and optimizing applications that directly impact patient care and operational efficiency. I have led the enhancement of the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker, a system critical for tracking vaccination data for over a million users, ensuring accurate record-keeping and scalability during high-demand periods.

Additionally, I play a key role in developing the Oncology application integrated with Grail, designed to support early cancer detection through advanced data analytics. My responsibilities include migrating applications to cloud infrastructure, improving performance, and addressing complex challenges to ensure reliability and scalability.

4Can you share a specific story or testimonial that exemplifies the positive impact your project has had on an individual or community?

At HCA Healthcare, we recently heard the heartfelt story of a colleague who faced an unimaginable journey. A dedicated healthcare worker herself, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. What began as a diagnosis in one breast soon turned into a battle with cancer in both. Despite the overwhelming challenges, she courageously pursued treatment while continuing to contribute to her role within our organization.

During her treatment, she observed firsthand how the applications we developed were being used by nurses and other healthcare staff to streamline their workflows. She noticed that tools like the Oncology application connected to Grail, which aids in tracking and analyzing cancer markers, allowed nurses to focus on patient care rather than being consumed by tedious documentation.

The seamless integration of these applications reduced administrative burdens, enabling healthcare workers to provide more empathetic and personalized care to patients, including herself.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the far-reaching impact of our work. Knowing that the technology we build not only supports caregivers but also directly enhances the lives of patients inspires me every day.

It underscores the importance of innovation in healthcare, where even the smallest improvement in efficiency can create a ripple effect, fostering a better environment for healthcare workers and communities as a whole. Hearing how our efforts made her difficult journey a bit easier reaffirmed the profound purpose behind what we do.

5What inspired you to create this health-related creative project, and what message or impact were you aiming to convey?

The inspiration for this health-related project stemmed from a deep desire to enhance the lives of both patients and healthcare workers through the power of technology.

Observing the immense pressures faced by healthcare providers during critical situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or in managing chronic illnesses like cancer, I realized the urgent need for solutions that could alleviate administrative burdens and allow caregivers to focus on what truly matters—their patients.

This project was driven by a vision to create tools that are not only efficient and scalable but also compassionate in design. Applications like the Oncology system integrated with Grail and the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker were developed to streamline complex processes, reduce errors, and ensure accurate data handling.

By improving operational efficiency, these tools empower healthcare workers to spend more time providing personalized care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

6What unique artistic or creative elements did you utilize to communicate the health message or story?

To effectively communicate the health message and maximize the impact of the applications, we integrated thoughtful and innovative design elements tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals and patients. The applications were built with simplicity, usability, and scalability in mind, ensuring they seamlessly fit into the high-pressure environments of hospitals and clinics.

One unique element was the incorporation of intuitive user interfaces (UI), designed with feedback from nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers. These interfaces prioritized ease of navigation and minimized the time required for documentation, allowing caregivers to focus on patient care.

For example, the Oncology application integrated with Grail features clear workflows and automated data tracking to simplify the management of patient records and the analysis of cancer markers.

Another creative aspect was the use of real-time data visualization and automation to support decision-making. Tools like the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker incorporated visual dashboards that display vaccination statuses and trends, making it easier for healthcare teams to plan and act quickly. These elements were designed not just for functionality but to empower users with accessible, actionable insights at a glance.

Lastly, scalable cloud infrastructure and advanced analytics ensured the applications could handle surges in demand without compromising performance. This was especially critical during high-stakes situations, such as vaccination drives or cancer treatment planning, where reliability and efficiency are paramount.

These thoughtful design choices conveyed a message of trust and empowerment, reflecting our commitment to supporting healthcare workers and improving patient outcomes.

7How does your creative project contribute to raising awareness, promoting behavior change, or improving health outcomes?

The applications we developed, such as the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker and the Oncology system integrated with Grail, have significantly contributed to raising awareness, promoting positive behavioral changes, and improving health outcomes. These projects were designed not just as tools, but as enablers of better healthcare experiences for both patients and providers.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker, for instance, played a crucial role in raising awareness about vaccination status and schedules. By providing accurate and easily accessible information, the application encouraged timely vaccinations and boosted public confidence in the process.

Its intuitive interface and automated data verification reduced the administrative workload for healthcare workers, allowing them to focus more on patient care. This shift promoted a behavior change where healthcare providers could dedicate more time to direct patient interaction, leading to improved patient experiences and outcomes.

The Oncology application integrated with Grail exemplifies how technology can improve health outcomes by supporting early cancer detection. By tracking and analyzing patient data over time, the application empowers healthcare teams with actionable insights, enabling timely interventions. This not only raises awareness about the importance of regular screenings but also fosters a proactive approach to healthcare among patients and providers.

Overall, these applications contribute to a larger cultural shift in healthcare—one where technology acts as a bridge to better communication, more efficient care delivery, and healthier communities. They demonstrate how innovation can drive meaningful improvements in healthcare systems, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and society as a whole.

8What unique and compelling elements did you incorporate into your advertising materials to capture attention and deliver the health message effectively?

Our focus has never been on advertising but on creating applications that serve a greater purpose—empowering nurses, providers, and healthcare teams to deliver better patient care. The applications we build are thoughtfully designed to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burdens, allowing healthcare professionals to dedicate their time and energy to their patients.

By ensuring that our solutions, such as the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker and the Oncology application, are efficient and user-friendly, we indirectly convey the health message through action and outcomes. These applications help healthcare professionals focus on providing compassionate care rather than managing time-consuming documentation.

For example, the Vaccine Tracker automates data entry and verification, while the Oncology application enables early cancer detection through data-driven insights, directly impacting patient treatment and recovery.

Our work reflects our commitment to making healthcare systems more effective, fostering an environment where providers can focus on saving lives and improving patient outcomes. The true testament to our impact lies in the positive feedback from healthcare professionals who use our applications daily—not in advertisements, but in the real-world results they achieve for their patients.

9Congratulations! As a winner of the TITAN Health Awards, what does it mean to you, your company or team to receive this award distinction?

Winning a Platinum in the TITAN Health Awards is a tremendous honor that underscores the meaningful work we do as a team at HCA Healthcare. This recognition affirms our commitment to leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery and enhance patient outcomes.

It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of every team member who contributed to building applications that make a tangible difference in the lives of nurses, providers, and patients.

Personally, this award is a powerful reminder of the impact that innovation can have on healthcare. Knowing that the solutions we create help nurses focus more on their patients and less on administrative tasks inspires me to continue striving for excellence. It also validates the importance of designing efficient, user-friendly applications that empower healthcare professionals and support critical care.

As a team, this distinction fuels our motivation to keep innovating and solving real-world challenges in healthcare. It is not just a celebration of our achievements but also a call to action to continue creating scalable and compassionate solutions that benefit communities and improve the lives of those who rely on us. This award is not just ours—it belongs to every nurse, provider, and patient whose lives we aim to improve through our work.

10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the TITAN Health Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

The work we submitted for the TITAN Health Awards highlighted a combination of transformative healthcare applications, innovative research, and thought leadership in the healthcare technology space.

At the core of our entry were two groundbreaking applications: the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker and the Oncology application integrated with Grail. These projects exemplify our mission to create efficient, impactful solutions that empower healthcare providers and improve patient care.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker streamlined the vaccination process for over a million users by automating data entry and verification, allowing nurses to focus more on patient care than administrative tasks. Similarly, the Oncology application, integrated with Grail, supports early cancer detection by providing healthcare professionals with advanced tools for analyzing patient data, aiding in life-saving interventions.

Additionally, the entry showcased my contributions to healthcare research through published papers and articles on topics such as cloud computing in healthcare, Kubernetes' role in modernizing systems, and the impact of advanced technologies on improving healthcare delivery.

My active role in supporting the research community by reviewing scientific papers and contributing thought leadership further underscores my dedication to advancing healthcare through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

This combination of practical application development, research, and thought leadership reflects a holistic approach to improving healthcare. We chose to submit this work because it showcases not only the immediate impact of technology but also the long-term value of fostering innovation and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Receiving this award validates our efforts and motivates us to continue creating solutions that transform healthcare for the better.

11What was the biggest challenge with this project?

The biggest challenge with this project was upgrading the application infrastructure to ensure improved performance, scalability, and reliability, particularly during periods of high demand. Applications like the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker and the Oncology application integrated with Grail were critical to healthcare operations, requiring them to be robust and responsive at all times.

One of the primary challenges was making the applications scalable to accommodate a larger number of users on demand. For the Vaccine Tracker, this meant handling millions of users efficiently during vaccination drives without any performance degradation. Migrating the application to a modern cloud infrastructure was a key solution, but it required careful execution to ensure zero downtime, data integrity, and seamless operation throughout the migration process.

Similarly, improving the performance of the Oncology application involved optimizing data pipelines and analytical tools to handle sensitive patient data with speed and precision. Ensuring the application could process large volumes of data while maintaining strict compliance with healthcare regulations added to the complexity.

These challenges underscored the importance of forward-thinking design and collaboration. By upgrading the technology stack and leveraging scalable cloud infrastructure, we successfully transformed these applications into powerful tools that could adapt to the evolving demands of healthcare providers and patients alike. This achievement not only addressed immediate needs but also ensured the applications could support future growth and innovation.

12How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

Winning has been a pivotal moment in my career, affirming the impact of my work in healthcare IT and motivating me to reach new heights in innovation and leadership. This recognition highlights not only the technical solutions I’ve developed, such as the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker and the Oncology application integrated with Grail, but also my broader contributions to advancing healthcare technology.

This award has enhanced my professional visibility, opening doors to new opportunities for collaboration and allowing me to contribute more actively to global discussions in healthcare IT. It has strengthened my role as a thought leader, empowering me to share insights through my published articles, research papers, and books on healthcare IT and cloud computing.

Furthermore, it has deepened my commitment to mentoring the next generation of IT professionals, helping them address complex challenges in healthcare systems.

Most importantly, this recognition reinforces the importance of creating solutions that directly benefit healthcare providers and patients. It inspires me to continue pursuing innovative projects that improve accessibility, scalability, and efficiency in healthcare.

The award is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the value of technology in transforming lives and supporting the broader mission of modern healthcare.

13What are your top three (3) things you think is unique about the health industry?

1. Human-Centric Focus on Care and Well-Being.

The health industry is uniquely centered on improving and saving lives. Unlike many other sectors, its primary goal is not profitability but delivering compassionate, patient-centric care. This emphasis on well-being requires a delicate balance of clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and technology to meet the needs of diverse individuals and communities.

2. Rapid Adaptation to Innovation and Crises.

The health industry stands out for its ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and respond to global challenges, such as pandemics or breakthroughs in medical science. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry adopted innovative solutions like vaccine trackers, telemedicine platforms, and advanced analytics to address unprecedented demands, ensuring continued care under extraordinary circumstances.

3. Stringent Standards for Safety, Privacy, and Ethics.

The health industry operates under some of the most rigorous safety, privacy, and ethical standards, driven by the critical nature of its work. From complying with regulations like HIPAA to ensuring data security in digital health systems, the sector prioritizes protecting patient rights and maintaining trust. This commitment to ethical practices sets it apart, requiring a high level of accountability and integrity across all operations.

14What makes your country unique in the health industry?

1. Innovation and Cutting-Edge Technology.

The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most advanced healthcare technologies and research institutions. Breakthroughs in areas like cancer detection, gene therapy, robotics, and artificial intelligence are often pioneered here.

The adoption of cutting-edge solutions, such as cloud-based healthcare systems and data-driven applications, drives efficiency and improves patient outcomes. For example, projects like the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker and the Oncology application integrated with Grail are emblematic of the U.S.'s ability to lead in technology-driven healthcare solutions.

2. Scale and Diversity in Healthcare Delivery.

With a vast and diverse population, the U.S. health industry caters to a wide range of needs, from urban centers to rural communities. This diversity drives the development of scalable and adaptable systems capable of addressing varied challenges. The country’s extensive healthcare network, comprising hospitals, clinics, and specialized research centers, enables it to provide care at an unmatched scale.

3. Commitment to Research and Collaboration.

The U.S. invests heavily in healthcare research and development, fostering collaboration between academia, private companies, and healthcare providers. Organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and partnerships with global research entities ensure continuous progress in addressing complex health challenges.

The integration of research into practice, such as early cancer detection initiatives and vaccine distribution models, highlights the country’s commitment to improving global health outcomes.

15Where do you see the evolution of the health industry going over the next 5-10 years?

1. Expansion of Personalized and Predictive Medicine.

The health industry is moving toward highly personalized care, driven by advances in genomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics. Over the next decade, we will see a surge in predictive medicine, where AI algorithms analyze patient data to forecast potential health issues and recommend preventive measures.

Tools like early cancer detection systems, which leverage long-term health tracking and advanced analytics, will become more sophisticated and accessible, enabling earlier interventions and better outcomes.

2. Widespread Adoption of Digital and Cloud-Based Healthcare Solutions..

Digital transformation will accelerate, with cloud-based healthcare applications becoming the backbone of operations. Scalable and secure cloud platforms will enable real-time data sharing across providers, improving coordination and efficiency.

This shift will also enhance telemedicine services, making healthcare more accessible to underserved and remote populations. Innovations like the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker have demonstrated how cloud systems can handle large-scale public health demands, setting the stage for further advancements.

3. Increased Focus on Preventive Care and Population Health.

Healthcare systems will increasingly focus on prevention rather than treatment, driven by the need to reduce costs and improve quality of life. Population health management programs, supported by big data and AI, will analyze community health trends and help design targeted interventions.

For example, applications that monitor chronic diseases, manage vaccinations, and analyze population-level health metrics will play a crucial role in reducing the burden on acute care systems.

4. Integration of Robotics and Automation in Healthcare Delivery.

Robotics and automation will become central to healthcare, from surgical robots performing precise operations to automated systems managing administrative workflows. These technologies will reduce human error, enhance efficiency, and allow healthcare professionals to focus more on patient interaction.

5. Emphasis on Health Equity and Global Collaboration.

The next decade will witness a stronger push toward equitable healthcare access. Governments, NGOs, and private entities will collaborate to bridge gaps in healthcare availability, leveraging technology to deliver affordable and high-quality care globally. Cloud platforms, AI, and telemedicine will be key enablers in making healthcare more inclusive and accessible.

16What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the health industry?

To improve skills in the health industry, pursuing certifications such as CPHIMS or CCRP, along with online courses from platforms like Coursera and edX, is essential for gaining expertise in healthcare IT, management, and clinical research.

Joining organizations like HIMSS and IEEE provides valuable resources, certifications, and networking opportunities to stay current with industry trends. These tools help professionals build a strong foundation and contribute meaningfully to the evolving healthcare landscape.

17Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Throughout my life, I’ve been inspired by individuals who embody resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference. Among them, one figure stands out—my mother, whose dedication and compassion have shaped my values and outlook on life.

Growing up, I witnessed her selflessly care for our family while overcoming challenges with grace and determination. Her unwavering belief in the power of education and hard work inspired me to pursue my passions and strive for excellence in everything I do.

She taught me the importance of empathy and perseverance, values that have guided my career in healthcare IT, where the goal is to create solutions that improve lives and support those in need.

Professionally, I’ve also been deeply inspired by Dr. Atul Gawande, a surgeon, author, and public health researcher. His work emphasizes the human side of medicine, focusing on systems improvement and the ethics of care delivery. His ability to simplify complex healthcare challenges and drive actionable solutions resonates with my own mission to create scalable, impactful technology that empowers providers and improves patient outcomes.

These inspirations have shaped not only my career but also my perspective on the importance of contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities through innovation and compassion.

18What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

The key to my success has been a combination of continuous learning, resilience, and a genuine commitment to making a meaningful impact. In an ever-evolving industry like healthcare IT, staying curious and open to new ideas has been essential. Whether it’s learning about emerging technologies, understanding the challenges faced by healthcare providers, or collaborating with diverse teams, I’ve found that adaptability and a thirst for knowledge are invaluable.

Another critical element has been empathy. The work I do isn’t just about developing technology—it’s about understanding the real-world challenges of nurses, doctors, and patients and creating solutions that make their lives easier. This human-centered approach has guided my decisions and kept me focused on the ultimate goal: improving lives through innovation.

My parting advice is simple: “Never stop learning, and always strive to make a difference.” Success isn’t just about achieving personal milestones—it’s about contributing to something bigger than yourself. Be persistent, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and always remember the impact you can have on others through your work. When your efforts are rooted in purpose and passion, success becomes a natural outcome.

19Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for being recognized with a Platinum. This recognition is not only a reflection of my individual efforts but also a testament to the incredible teamwork, innovation, and dedication of my colleagues at HCA Healthcare.

Our shared mission has always been to develop solutions that empower healthcare providers, enhance patient care, and tackle critical challenges across the industry. Whether through building scalable applications, improving operational efficiency, or supporting groundbreaking research like early cancer detection, our work continues to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities alike.

I believe the healthcare industry is at a pivotal point of transformation, with technology playing an increasingly vital role in shaping its future. I’m excited to continue contributing to this evolution—exploring how cloud computing, AI, and data analytics can drive greater accessibility, efficiency, and equity in care delivery.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey. I look forward to the continued advancement of healthcare technology and the possibilities it holds.

Enhancing Patient Care with Scalable Healthcare Technology | 2025

Sairohith Thummarakoti | TITAN Health Awards

Sairohith Thummarakoti

Sairohith Thummarakoti is an author, innovator, and IT professional with over a decade of experience in healthcare tech. As a Consultant Application Engineer at HCA Healthcare, he’s driven impactful upgrades to key systems, including the Oncology app integrated with Grail and the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker.


Explore the journey of Surabhi Bhandari, the Gold Winner at the 2024 TITAN Health Awards. Her journey in healthcare started at McKinsey & Co., followed by a role as a venture investor at Sequoia Capital. After earning her MBA from Harvard, she led global commercialization at Lexington Medical, bringing innovative surgical devices to market. In 2022, she launched Soulside to harness AI in tackling key challenges in behavioral health.

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