Apple has reportedly hired Toronto doctor Mike Evans to expand its digital healthcare footprint.
A former staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, Evans was also known for his YouTube channel, “DocMikeEvans,” which has amassed over 70 thousand subscribers.
His YouTube videos apparently caught the eye of the tech giant, which feature Evans as a cartoon doctor explaining common medical problems while using a whiteboard.
CBC reports that Evans began this series about five years ago beginning with the question “What is the single best thing we can do for our health?”
This video has been up since the launch of the site, and has received over 5 million views. His last video was uploaded one month ago and is entitled “The Science of making us happy.”
His Evans has said in the past that the future of health will be a combination of face time with physicians and advanced technology. He turned down Apple’s first job offer, though he and the company kept in touch.
Evans has already started his new role with Apple and commutes between Toronto and Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino while his oldest son finishes high school. His new job revolves around global healthcare innovation.
You know him from Youtube and @cbcfreshair, hear about @docmikeevans new gig with Apple. See clip I talked about:https://t.co/U58CSZj8X9
— Ontario Morning (@CBCOntMorning) September 19, 2016
In addition to his role at St. Michael’s Hospital, Evans is the lead of digital preventative medicine at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute as well as an associate professor of family and community medicine at the University of Toronto. Evans launched his “YouTube Med School for the Public” in 2011, which has garnered over 70 thousand subscribers and 14 million views.
This announcement makes sense alongside Apple’s recent focus on healthcare initiatives, which can be even be seen through the fitness-focused direction of the Apple Watch Series 2. Currently, Apple’s main investment in healthcare comes through its HealthKit platform, though there’s been talk of the company expanding their services.
Related: Sun life Financial launches new division to expand digital health coverage
[source]CBC[/source]
