Philipp Müller Appointed Head of Digital Transformation at German Health Ministry

The German Federal Ministry of Health has announced that Philipp Müller will assume leadership of the department for Digitalization and Innovation. Müller will be responsible for steering significant digital health initiatives and advancing ongoing modernization efforts within the national healthcare system.

In his new role, Müller will oversee the further development and wider adoption of the electronic patient record (ePA). This system is a cornerstone of Germany's digital health infrastructure, designed to improve the accessibility and security of patient data while streamlining medical care delivery. One of his primary objectives will be to expand ePA usage across the country and ensure more healthcare providers and patients benefit from digital access to medical records.

Additionally, Müller is expected to address the stabilization and enhancement of the telematics infrastructure, which forms the backbone of Germany's e-health ecosystem. Strengthening this digital framework is seen as vital for the secure transfer of medical information and the integration of various digital health services nationwide.

Another focal point of his tenure will be the advancement of digital tools aimed at optimizing patient management in primary care settings. By leveraging innovative technologies, the Ministry seeks to improve patient navigation through the healthcare system, reduce administrative burdens on providers, and enhance the overall quality of care.

Philipp Müller brings a diverse background to his new position. He holds a degree in Arabic studies and political science and began his professional career at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in 2012. He later held several key roles within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), including serving as federal managing director of the Junge Union and as managing director for the CDU in Baden-Württemberg. Müller also led a major division at the CDU's federal headquarters, where he was involved in strategic planning and policy coordination at the national level.

In the private sector, Müller acted as European director for think tank and educational policy strategies at the Vodafone Foundation, focusing on innovation, digital education, and future-oriented policy development. Most recently, he was managing director of a broadband association, concentrating on advancing Germany's fiber-optic infrastructure and digital connectivity across the country.

With his appointment, Müller succeeds Susanne Ozegowski, who left the position at the beginning of December. His broad expertise in digital strategy, public administration, and infrastructure development is expected to contribute significantly to the Ministry's efforts in strengthening Germany's digital health landscape.

The Ministry, under the leadership of Health Minister Nina Warken, continues to prioritize digital innovation as a means to address challenges in healthcare delivery and to modernize the health system. The leadership change comes at a time when Germany is intensifying efforts to harness technology for better patient outcomes, streamlined processes, and enhanced data security.

Müller's experience in both public policy and digital transformation is anticipated to play a key role in achieving these goals. The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital health solutions and supporting reforms that will benefit patients, healthcare providers, and the broader health sector.