What happens when a pioneer in digital health embraces a transformative technology at just the right moment?

In this article, we follow the journey of Denise Silber, one of the most passionate and impactful contributors to Frontiers Health. A recognized leader in digital health communication and patient inclusion, Denise is the founder of Basil Strategies, a communications consultancy dedicated to the support of digital health innovation across the healthcare ecosystem and publishers of VRforHealth.com.
From her first encounter with therapeutic virtual reality (VR) at a 2015 conference in Utrecht to her ongoing advocacy for its clinical adoption, Denise has been a driving force in bringing VR into the healthcare spotlight.
Her deep understanding of digital transformation positioned her to recognize early on that VR, while still underutilized, could become a powerful tool for improving prevention, care, and the patient experience. Her commitment culminated in the creation of VRforHealth, an initiative powered by Basil Strategies. This knowledge platform is dedicated to providing high-quality information and raising awareness about the wellness and clinical benefits of therapeutic virtual reality.

Therapeutic VR: A Promising Yet Underutilized Tool

Over the years, therapeutic VR has demonstrated powerful results in areas such as pain management, mental health, and physical rehabilitation.
Despite these successes, adoption remains limited. Structural barriers—such as lack of awareness, inconsistent terminology, and underdeveloped economic models—continue to slow progress. Denise Silber has remained steadfast in her mission to overcome these challenges and ensure that VR’s transformative potential reaches the patients who need it most.

A Shared Journey with Frontiers Health

Since 2015, Denise’s path in digital health has evolved alongside the growth of Frontiers Health. Her “10x10” story—ten years of contributions to a tenacious vision—reflects a shared commitment to innovation, patient-centered care, and digital transformation.
From championing patient-first approaches to curating immersive experiences, Denise has helped shape both the conversation and the community around therapeutic VR. Her work has consistently brought the voice of the French healthcare innovation ecosystem into the global dialogue.

Highlights from a Decade of Impact

Here are some of Denise’s standout contributions to Frontiers Health, in chronological order:

• 2019: Moderated “Patient Centricity and Digital Innovation,” a session featuring testimonials from patients, pharma professionals, and startups—including Frontiers Health’s own Elena Pirofalo.
   
• 2020: Led a virtual panel on the benefits and use cases of therapeutic VR for patients dealing with pain and anxiety. WATCH THE SESSION
   
• 2021: Joined us in Milan for the first in-person Frontiers Health conference after COVID, participating in the panel “DTx and National Health Systems,” moderated by Fredrik Debong, Steering Committee member and co-founder of hi.health. WATCH THE SESSION
   
• 2023: At the Auditorium della Tecnica in Rome, she curated and moderated a thematic session on how AR and VR can foster new learning and connection opportunities across healthcare stakeholders. WATCH THE SESSION
   
• 2024: During our return to Berlin, Denise moderated the “Accelerators and Incubators: Catalysts for Startup Growth and Innovation” panel at the Innovation Ecosystem Gathering, focusing on the transformative role of startup support programs. WATCH THE SESSION
   

Looking Ahead

As therapeutic VR continues to evolve, leaders like Denise Silber remind us that innovation thrives where passion meets purpose. Her journey—spanning Basil Strategies, VRforHealth, and global collaborations—is a testament to the power of persistence, communication, and vision in shaping the future of healthcare.

Read the full article to explore her story and discover what’s next for Therapeutic VR.