The Sparked Podcast

Australia’s journey toward interoperable digital health depends on how well states and territories can align their distinct approaches. In this episode, it focuses on the realities of FHIR adoption in complex state-based systems, the practical challenges of scaling standards, and what needs to change to truly benefit patients and clinicians at every level. Guests: Andrew Aho, Peter Sprivulis &...

Australia’s digital health standards are gaining global focus as Sparked’s FHIR Accelerator puts interoperability and productivity at the centre of reform. In this episode, it examines how national priorities connect with international frameworks, and explores why standards matter for practical data exchange, system efficiency, and the safe adoption of new technology. Guests: Rachel Fellner &...

In Season 1, we introduced Sparked and explored the big-picture challenges of digital health standards in Australia and around the world. Now, in Season 2, we’re diving deeper—spotlighting sectors like aged care, nursing, and allied health, and unpacking what interoperability beyond FHIR really means. Join us as we explore how better data standards can transform care, one connection at a time. FHI...

What does Sparked mean for private specialists and patients across every stage of life? From paediatrics to geriatrics, this episode explores how standards can break down silos and improve patient care across the full lifespan. Our guests reflect on why they champion Sparked and what success looks like from the clinic to the cloud. Guests: Michael Strachan, Dr Sanka Amadoru, Dr Kim Drever

Allied health professionals are critical to patient outcomes—but are they included in the interoperability conversation? This episode dives into the opportunities and challenges of bringing allied health into the fold, and why better data exchange could revolutionise shared care, treatment plans, and patient-centred outcomes. Guests: Bronwyn Morris-Donovan, Kath Feeley

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, yet digital systems haven’t always worked for them. In this episode, we hear how Sparked is helping the nursing workforce shape national standards that reflect real clinical needs. From SNOMED terminology to startup innovation, this is a conversation about equity, influence, and the future of nursing. Guests: Janette Gogler, Zara Lord, Karen Booth

How do we bring aged care into the digital health ecosystem? Our guests discuss the specific challenges of the sector—from legacy systems to data gaps—and why alignment with broader healthcare standards is critical. Hear about real-world implementation, upcoming reforms, and how Sparked is helping aged care take the next step forward. Guests: Annette Schmiede, Sarah Evans, Dr Adrian Gilliland

Two years on—what has Sparked achieved and where to from here? In this forward-looking finale, senior leaders reflect on the program’s success, how it aligns with national strategies like the Digital Health Blueprint, and what implementation means for systems, workforce, and the future of healthcare in Australia. Guests: Simon Cleverly, Amanda Cattermole, David Hansen, David Rowlands

Why Sparked, and why now? Brett Sutton kicks off the Sparked podcast with a bang, diving into the world of standards and Sparked’s place in it. He is joined by Daniel McCabe from the Department of Health and Aged Care, who describes his vision for an Australia where health standards have been adopted. They discuss why the Australian Government is investing in standards and how Sparked represents a...

The one and only ‘father of FHIR’, Graham Grieve, lights up Episode 2 of the Sparked podcast. He breaks down what makes FHIR unique amidst the range of global standards. Brett is also joined by the Australian Digital Health Agency’s Peter O’Halloran. They explore how the Sparked FHIR accelerator is blazing a trail in the international standards landscape and helping to position Australia as a glob...

This episode explores how increasing the adoption of health standards in Australia will improve patient outcomes. Experienced clinicians join Brett to discuss how improving interoperability benefits both patients and clinicians. They share their personal experiences with the Sparked program and give their perspective on how clinicians can add fuel to the Sparked fire. This episode features Dr Chri...

Sparked is gaining huge momentum in industry and Brett is joined by interoperability experts to find out why. The guests provide an industry perspective on the challenges and benefits of implementing an accelerator and adopting standards. This episode features Elizabeth Koff, Managing Director of Telstra Health, Danielle Bancroft, Chief Product Officer at Best Practice Software, Non-Executive Dire...

Key members of the Sparked community explain what’s involved in being part of the community, why Connectathon events are key to the success of Sparked, and how the standards development process works. What comes next in the development of standards? Listen in to find out. This episode features Danielle Tavares-Rixon, CSIRO’s FHIR Lead for Sparked, Reuben Daniels, Board Director and Deputy FHIR Pro...

Guests from CSIRO’s Australian e-Health Research Centre have plenty of ideas. They discuss how FHIR is enabling research and will play a key role in future science. Think internationally accessible health records for a globally transient population and an evolved healthcare system fit for the modern world. The experts also delve into a hot topic – artificial intelligence and how FHIR can ignite in...