The possibilities of modern healthcare stretch the imagination: examples include diagnosis using artificial intelligence, personalised medicine, 3D-printed organs, robotic surgery, gene-edited babies, and ingestible sensors in medications to monitor intake. Simultaneously, new data-driven technologies promise a shift from a ‘ vertical ’ patient – doctor relationship to increased patient participation and empowerment. The Internet has been central to this transformation, enabling patients to research their health conditions, and to connect with others to share experiences and look for novel solutions, when the healthcare system falls short. Through mobile apps and wearable devices, patients can, furthermore, track their health, while sharing real-time information with healthcare practitioners.