Leading health care and patient advocacy experts gathered at the National Health Council (NHC) Science of Patient Engagement Symposium to discuss the rapid pace of medical innovation and its impact on patient diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. The two-day event, titled "Elevating Innovation: Medicine, MedTech, and AI," was held on May 7-8 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., bringing together over 150 policymakers, researchers, patients, and health care providers. The Symposium emphasized the importance of keeping patient needs at the forefront of technological advancements in health care. Randall L. Rutta, CEO of the NHC, stressed the critical focus of the Symposium: ensuring that the needs of patients remain central as medical technology progresses. He highlighted the growing complexity of the health care system and the necessity for patient-centric approaches in navigating it. Keynote speeches and panel discussions covered a range of topics, each aimed at integrating patient perspectives into the innovation process. Nicholas Webb, CEO of LeaderLogic, LLC, presented "The Science of Patient Engagement in an Era of Chaotic Change." Webb discussed how patient engagement can be enhanced through innovative practices, even amidst rapid technological advancements. His talk underscored the importance of empathetic and collaborative methods in health care innovation. Petrina Kamya, PhD, Head of AI Platforms and President of Insilico Medicine Canada, spoke about "Putting Patients First in Drug Discovery." Kamya shared several case studies demonstrating how artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate the drug discovery process while maintaining a focus on patient needs. Her presentation highlighted the potential of AI to personalize treatments and improve outcomes, but also addressed the ethical considerations involved in AI-driven research. Dr. Brian Anderson, CEO of the Coalition for Health AI, delivered a keynote titled "Human Flourishing in an Age of Health AI." He explored how AI can enhance the overall well-being of patients, not just treat diseases, by optimizing health care delivery and support systems. Dr. Anderson’s speech emphasized the ethical and humanistic dimensions of AI technology, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates patient values and preferences. Throughout the Symposium, panels and workshops provided practical insights and strategies for fostering patient engagement. In the opening session, Karl Cooper, Esq., Executive Director of the American Association on Health and Disability, moderated a discussion on "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Bridging the Gap Between MedTech and Patient Needs." This session explored innovative collaborations between tech companies and patient groups in the development of medical devices and wearable technologies. Dr. Raj Ratwani, Vice President of Scientific Affairs at the MedStar Health Research Institute and Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine, led a conversation on "IntegratingPrecision Medicine and Health Systems into AI Innovation." He discussed how AI is improving the efficiency and responsiveness of health care systems, particularly in the realm of precision medicine. Dr. Ratwani also addressed the ethical principles guiding these innovations to ensure they benefit patients and their families. A pre-conference workshop, "Empathy-First Innovation: How to Embed Patient Advocacy in the Design Process," offered actionable frameworks for integrating patient advocacy into the innovation journey. Led by experienced professionals, this session provided hands-on training on incorporating patient feedback and needs into product design and development, ensuring that solutions truly meet patient requirements. The NHC’s commitment to patient engagement is evident in the structure of the Symposium. Each panel session included a moderator or panelist from the patient community, highlighting the organization's dedication to involving patients in critical discussions about their care and the future of health technology. Dr. Devin Jopp, CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and Chair of the NHC’s Research and Programs Committee, reinforced the Symposium's role as a platform for developing new ideas and methods that prioritize patient involvement. He described it as a "laboratory for new ideas" that ensures patients receive the best care and have a genuine voice in their health care decisions. Other notable sessions included discussions on the integration of precision medicine and AI, the ethical implications of AI in health care, and strategies for embedding patient advocacy in the design process. These sessions collectively underscored the Symposium's goal of fostering a health care ecosystem where patients are active participants rather than passive recipients of care. The NHC Science of Patient Engagement Symposium is an Annual Event that brings together research leaders to share their experiences, accomplishments, best practices, and translational impacts on patient engagement. It serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to drive patient-centered health policy and innovation. Evaluation by Industry Insiders and Company Profiles Industry insiders praised the Symposium for its comprehensive approach to patient engagement and its emphasis on ethical and humanistic aspects of medical technology. They noted that the event successfully highlighted the importance of collaboration between tech developers, health care providers, and patients. Insilico Medicine, a leading AI-driven drug discovery company, played a significant role in demonstrating how AI can personalize treatments while addressing ethical concerns. The NHC, founded over 100 years ago, continues to be a vital advocate for patient-centered health care, convening diverse organizations to drive meaningful policy changes and innovative solutions.