Dear clients and friends: Given your interest in health and medicine, we would like to share with you our collection of the most interesting perspectives on our industry's trends and developments. We are happy to share them with you — and hope you share your thoughts with us.

1. Healthcare Hiding

Just a few years after COVID dominated Davos, this year’s formal agenda put healthcare on the backburner. But while healthcare didn’t take center stage, it was very much alive in hallway discussions. The obvious difference: less on COVID, more about chronic health challenges, access, workforce shortages, and, though we’re biased here, Alzheimer’s and brain health. 

2. Geopolitics Rising

In 2024, more than 64 countries, plus the EU, will hold elections. A triumph for democracy – or a threat? The Forum’s annual Global Risks Report shows worry: “as polarization grows and technological risks remain unchecked, ‘truth’ will come under pressure.” 

3. We Demand Climate Chatter Now!

Climate conversations blanketed Davos like a fresh snowfall. Yet for the blizzard of talk, and cameos by Jane Goodall, doubts remained about action. The NYT’s wry assessment overstates the case, but has merit: “The issues at the top of the agenda are a) the ones that powerful people are most afraid of, and b) the ones they think they can make money from.” 

4. AI, of Course

 Like every conversation you had last year, there was no avoiding AI. And like every conversation you had about AI, Davos-goers were excited by the opportunities – and worried about the possibilities. Here’s an AI roundup from Stanford’s Vice Director of the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. 

5. Seen Only at Davos

And, finally, a few of our more memorable observations…

 Helicopters everywhere. Probably ridden by the climate skeptics. 

The “Ukraine House” had a line out the door. Zelenskyy’s motorcade caused two-hour traffic delays.  

The formal Davos wardrobe: suits with snow boots. 

The informal Davos wardrobe: flamboyant getup that would make Elton John jealous. Our favorite was a woman wearing angel wings and dark sunglasses. “You look fun. What are you doing tonight?” we inquired around 8 p.m. “Me?” she answered, seeming surprised by the question. “Long day. I’m going to dinner with my mates, and then headed to bed.”