About Marta González
A prominent figure in the firm, Marta González is a partner in the Litigation and Health Sciences Department based in the Madrid office and also the head of the Pharma Unit. With extensive experience, she specializes in advising companies within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. Her expertise lies particularly in litigation arising from patent infringement, defective drugs, and unfair competition. Before joining Eversheds Sutherland, she served as in-house counsel for renowned pharmaceutical companies like Glaxosmithkline (Spain) and Celgene International Sarl (Switzerland). This diverse background, combining pharmaceutical litigation (product liability and patents) with in-house work in commercial and regulatory matters, has equipped her with remarkable insights and expertise in the sector.Her Work and Impact
Marta González's contributions are far-reaching. Her in-depth knowledge and experience have been instrumental in guiding companies through complex legal challenges in the healthcare industry. Her ability to handle patent infringement cases and navigate the intricacies of defective drug litigation has earned her a reputation for excellence. Her leadership within the Pharma Unit has also played a crucial role in shaping the firm's approach to serving clients in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.Joining Forces with Elizabeth Graves
González will be joined by Elizabeth Graves, a partner in Eversheds Sutherland's UK Labor and Employment practice, who will take on the role of head of the International Health Group. Graves brings a strong background in managing the employment aspects of cross-border M&A transactions and complex litigation. Her work spans multiple sectors, including health sciences, financial services, and technology. This collaboration between González and Graves is expected to create a powerful synergy, enabling the firm to provide comprehensive services to clients across different domains.New Healthcare Steering Committee Head
González has also been appointed as the new head of Eversheds Sutherland Spain's Healthcare Steering Committee, effective January 1, 2025. This appointment showcases the firm's dedication to growth and innovation in the healthcare sector within their Spanish office. As Marta González states, “Our aim is to offer top-quality solutions to our clients at a time when the industry is grappling with an increasingly complex regulatory environment.” Her leadership in this new role will be crucial in driving the firm's efforts in the healthcare space.Pope Francis Inspires Medical Community with Timeless Principles
Do No Harm
In emphasizing the first principle of "do no harm," Pope Francis highlighted its practical importance. He pointed out that it requires a realistic approach, acknowledging the pain and suffering that patients already endure. Doctors, he said, must always act in a way that alleviates pain rather than exacerbating it. This calls for a deep sense of responsibility and empathy. For example, when treating a patient with a chronic illness, a doctor must be careful not to prescribe treatments that may cause additional harm. Instead, they should focus on finding the most appropriate and gentle approach to manage the condition.Take Care
Reflecting on the second principle of "take care," the Pope emphasized that it is a divine call. He shared a personal story from his early twenties when part of his lung had to be removed. He recounted how the touch of the nurses, who held his hand after giving injections, gave him strength. This human tenderness, he explained, goes beyond treating symptoms. It means caring for the whole person - their body, mind, and spirit. In a medical setting, this could involve taking the time to listen to a patient's concerns, providing emotional support, and ensuring their overall well-being.Heal
Finally, Pope Francis called on medical professionals to emulate Christ, who healed every kind of illness and infirmity. He emphasized that healing is not just a profession but a sacred act. Doctors should find joy in the good they bring to those who suffer and draw on the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which describes the Church's mission as "healing every wound and reconciling humanity." For instance, in a surgical setting, a doctor not only performs the physical act of healing but also provides comfort and hope to the patient and their family.Pope Francis expressed gratitude to those present for their dedication and perseverance. He reminded them of their role as educators and healers, stating that a doctor exists to heal from harm and always care. Even if a patient's condition seems dire, he urged them to accompany the patient to the end. This shows the importance of compassion and care in the medical field, not just in treating the illness but in supporting the patient throughout their journey.Unleashing the Potential of AI in Construction
The Benefits of AI in Construction
Contrary to popular belief, the construction industry has been slow to embrace digitalization. However, the potential applications of AI in this sector are vast and transformative. Predictive analytics powered by AI can assist construction companies in optimizing project management, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing costs. Computer vision technology enables large-scale data collection, allowing for the early detection of safety hazards and the prevention of workplace injuries. Moreover, AI-enabled autonomous construction machinery holds the promise of supercharging efficiency while keeping human workers out of harm's way.
Construction companies must recognize the significance of investing in AI. The following matrix highlights the key areas where construction companies should focus their time and resources. GlobalData recommends that companies invest in technologies shaded green, explore the potential of technologies shaded yellow, and avoid technologies shaded red.
Decision-Making AI Capabilities
All construction companies, regardless of their value chain segment, should invest in decision-making AI capabilities. These capabilities encompass calculating, forecasting, and planning. From the initial conceptual design phase to project financing and construction, AI-driven decision-making empowers construction companies to make data-driven choices. In every stage of the construction process, except procurement, AI-enabled computer vision provides detailed and up-to-date data to enhance decision-making.
The Motion Capability of Advanced AI in Construction
The motion capability of advanced AI is particularly valuable in certain segments of the construction value chain. In construction, design, and engineering, investing in AI-enabled autonomous construction equipment not only mitigates health and safety hazards but also improves the efficiency of construction projects and alleviates some of the industry's recruitment challenges. Generative AI, another advanced AI capability, uses machine learning algorithms to create various forms of content such as text, images, video, audio, and software code. In the design stages of the construction value chain, AI's creative capabilities can expedite processes by generating building designs. Natural language processing-enabled AI chatbots can assist construction workers in answering their queries in segments like construction, operation, and maintenance.
The State of AI in Construction
A 2024 GlobalData World Construction Network survey reveals that nearly two-thirds of construction workers globally believe AI is already making a significant impact on their industry or will do so within the next five years. Conversely, almost one in five construction workers think AI will never have an impact. Another survey shows that 23% of construction workers consider the cost of technology as the main barrier to investing in AI, followed by the need for more proven technology (20%) and a lack of necessary skills (20) for successful implementation. While cost may be a limiting factor for smaller construction companies, the productivity gains offered by AI solutions make it a necessary investment for those with the means. Technology transformation teams within construction companies must effectively communicate the tangible benefits and reliability of AI solutions, addressing employees' concerns about job displacement and emphasizing how AI tools can work in collaboration with workers.