Dr. Feby Abraham: Driving Innovation and Expanding Healthcare Access

Dr. Feby Abraham has built a career at the intersection of healthcare, strategy, and innovation, redefining how hospitals improve patient access and integrate technology. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Innovations Officer at Memorial Hermann Health System, he plays a key role in shaping the system’s future by making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Born in India, Dr. Abraham spent much of his childhood moving due to his father’s career in the Indian Air Force. “I did my schooling in different parts of India, from south to north, east to west,” he recalled. Growing up around fighter jets and aerodynamics, he developed a fascination with airplanes, fast cars, and mathematics, which fueled his decision to pursue mechanical engineering. He later earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics from Rice University, focusing on computational modeling and AI-driven solutions.

Though he began his career in engineering and AI-driven research, Dr. Abraham found himself drawn to business strategy and decision-making. His time at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) exposed him to high-level strategy discussions on drug development, investment priorities, and company acquisitions. “I saw myself at the cusp of providing insights into a lot of those questions,” he explained. “But I was fascinated by those questions, and I said, well, I'd love to be in a career that helps shape the solution to some of those bigger problems.”

His desire to drive strategic decision-making led him to McKinsey & Company, where he spent nearly 12 years advising healthcare companies, private equity firms, and Fortune 500 organizations. In 2020, he transitioned to Memorial Hermann, where he now leads the system’s corporate strategy, digital transformation, and innovation initiatives.

A major focus of his work has been expanding patient access and ensuring people can get care when and where they need it. “One of the core things that we're trying to do is think about sending the right patient to the right site of care,” he said. Under his leadership, Memorial Hermann has expanded virtual care services, partnered with Zocdoc for same-day doctor appointments, and launched over 30 urgent care clinics across Houston.

Dr. Abraham has also been instrumental in Memorial Hermann’s adoption of AI-driven tools. “We now have a tool that allows doctors to have conversations with patients without having to manually enter everything into a computer,” he said. AI listens to doctor-patient interactions and automatically generates structured notes, significantly reducing administrative work. His team has also invested in precision medicine and hospital-at-home models, using data analytics to personalize treatments and reduce unnecessary hospital visits.

Despite the success of these innovations, challenges remain. “Whenever you introduce new technology, you have to ensure buy-in from doctors, nurses, and staff,” Dr. Abraham noted. “You also have to make sure it actually enhances patient care and creates financial value.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Abraham envisions a future where healthcare is proactive rather than reactive. “The next wave of innovation will be about preventing disease before it happens,” he explained, highlighting how AI and data analytics will play a key role in early detection and treatment.

For young professionals, his advice is simple: dream big, learn from every experience, take care of yourself, and enjoy the journey. His leadership at Memorial Hermann continues to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation, ensuring that technology, data, and patient needs remain at the forefront of modern medicine.

The 6 Degrees team extends its gratitude to Dr. Feby Abraham for sharing his journey. His leadership in healthcare strategy and innovation is shaping the future of patient care and making a lasting impact on the industry.