Data-Driven Telehealth: A Conversation with Francois van Heerden

In this episode of Keeping Up With Data, host Sean Gray sits down with François van Heerdan, the Head of Data and Analytics at Alternaleaf, to explore the pivotal role of data in transforming telehealth experiences. As one of the largest direct-to-patient telehealth service providers in Australia, Alternaleaf, under its parent company Montu, is revolutionizing how patients access healthcare services.

François shares insights from his extensive career in business intelligence, data science, and analytics, discussing how he is leading efforts to democratize data and research within the Alternaleaf ecosystem. With a commitment to improving patient outcomes through optimized digital health capabilities, François's work is paving the way for data-driven advancements in telehealth.

Key Highlights:

• François's background and journey into the world of data and analytics
• The importance of data in enhancing telehealth services
• Strategies for building an effective data team
• Challenges and successes in implementing data-driven solutions at Alternaleaf
• Insights from François's previous roles at The Iconic and Silvertree Brands

About François van Heerdan:
Francois van Heerdan is the Head of Data and Analytics at Alternaleaf, one of the largest direct-to-patient telehealth service providers in Australia under Montu and its suite of brands. In his role, Francois is responsible for democratising data and research for Alternaleaf, Montu and Leafio, its wholesale distribution arm for pharmacies.  

Francois has over 10 years of experience in business intelligence, data science and analytics; joining Montu in June 2023 to build a top-notch data team and develop industry leading data, machine learning and analytics platforms. He is responsible for facilitating and optimising the digital health capabilities at Alternaleaf to improve telehealth experiences and patient outcomes.

Previously, Francois drove the data strategy as the Head of Data Analytics at The Iconic in Australia and was the Tech Advisor and Chief Data Officer for lifestyle and ecommerce company, Silvertree Brands in Cape Town, South Africa. 

He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Business/Managerial Economics and Master’s Degree (World Trade Organisation Award) in International Business/BTrade/Commerce from North-West University. He lives in Adelaide, Australia. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francois-van-heerden

This podcast is in partnership with The Black Dog Institute who aim to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. To honour each individual that passed due to suicide, we recently took part in a charity challenge where we cycled and rowed 3249km in 48 hours.

If you're interested in getting involved and playing your part in achieving our goal of raising funds for mental health, please donate today! https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/precisionsourcingrideforlives

Hosts: Seán Gray

Guest: François van Heerdan