Hello, Tech Leaders: Unn Hellberg, Doctrin

AI is rapidly changing the landscape for both the healthcare sector and the tech companies operating within it. Unn Hellberg, CEO of Doctrin, sees great opportunities—but also a need for clear rules and a market that allows room for innovation. In our interview series “Hello, Tech Leaders,” Unn Hellberg shares more about tech leadership, AI in healthcare, and what it will take for Sweden to remain at the forefront.

What made you accept the role of CEO at Doctrin this spring?

– I had been working at Doctrin for almost eight years, most of that time as part of the management team working closely with our former CEO, Anna-Karin. Taking the company forward and bringing to life the plans we’d built together felt like the natural thing to do, and it’s an honor to lead such a talented team. There was also the fact that there’s a lack of female CEOs, especially in the tech world. So I also felt a certain responsibility to actually accept the offer and show that there’s room for women to take on these kinds of roles.”

What do you see as Doctrine's top priority right now?

– We have two main focuses right now. The first is AI: we’re transforming our own work processes and building AI tools so that our customers can benefit from the technology safely, even while handling sensitive patient data. The second is Region Sörmland, our first regional procurement project. Since 2016, we’ve been developing the platform in collaboration with major healthcare providers such as Capio and Praktikertjänst. Now we need to demonstrate that it creates just as much value in regional healthcare, and that means a truly successful implementation is our top priority!

Where do you see the greatest potential for AI to transform healthcare?

– AI will be used to an ever-greater extent to replace and streamline administrative and repetitive processes, both for patients and healthcare staff. In addition, I believe that AI can leverage all the available data to make healthcare more precise and patient-centered, and the tools more tailored and effective. AI should empower and assist people, rather than replace them—especially in healthcare.

What does it take for the healthcare sector to trust AI?

– I believe that the healthcare sector and patients already have a high level of trust in AI, and we can see this in the fact that AI use is growing rapidly among both patients and healthcare professionals. However, I believe it is crucial for maintaining that trust that regulations and legislation catch up and clarify the rules governing the use of AI in healthcare. 

What would you like to see from policymakers to ensure that Sweden remains at the forefront of digital healthcare and AI?

– I would like to see a real focus on creating a market and fostering competition where there is room for innovation, and on harnessing the value of the innovative potential that exists today in health tech. There is an incredible range of solutions that, in various ways, support the healthcare system in reducing administrative burdens, increasing time spent with patients, and making the most of the system’s scarce resources. These solutions exist today because there is—and has always been—a market for developing them. Don’t stifle that market! Continue to procure solutions instead of building them yourselves; this benefits healthcare staff, patients, and taxpayers alike. 

Why is Doctrin a member of TechSverige?

– The health tech market in Sweden is subject to strict regulatory requirements, where policymakers and government agencies play a key role in establishing the framework that determines how and what we, as suppliers, can develop and sell. TechSverige plays a vital role in gathering the needs of tech providers—both small and large—and engaging in constructive dialogue with government agencies and policymakers, which enables us to maintain a strong market that delivers important innovations to Sweden’s healthcare professionals and patients.