December has been a big month for Apple’s health efforts as its long-awaited ECG (electrocardiogram) app for Apple Watch Series 4 recently landed. Now a new CNBC report looks at how serious Apple is taking its health focus moving forward. It now has as many as 50 doctors on staff across a variety of teams and projects to help users do more than just track exercise and fitness.

Apple has been ramping up its staff with medical professionals since before the original Apple Watch launched in 2015. That trend is continuing and expanding with hiring medical experts from a variety of fields.

The CNBC report notes that while some of the doctors share on their LinkedIn profiles about being on staff at Apple, many keep it a secret. Up to 50 doctors are potentially employed by the company.

Beyond software and hardware development, the report notes that having a strong roster of doctors means Apple could be more successful in overcoming doubts and concerns from the medical professional community as it launches new health features and services. Further, it may signal that Apple wants to solve “serious medical problems.”

One example is Apple hiring an orthopedic surgeon to help manage its relationship with medical device giant Zimmer Biomet.

Notably, even though Apple Watch receives the majority of attention around Apple’s health features, the company’s medical professional staff is spread out across many teams and projects. One example is Apple’s Health Records which could transform another important aspect of healthcare.

Another point that CNBC brings up that reinforces the idea that hiring doctors isn’t just for show, many of them are in regular contact with Apple executives.

Finally, the report says that many of Apple’s doctors are still practicing while working at the company, providing the advantage of having medical professionals who are aware of current trends in healthcare.

  • How to take an ECG (electrocardiogram) on Apple Watch [Gallery]
  • How to improve Apple Watch heart rate readings
  • How to share ECG results with your doctor
  • How to set up Apple Watch irregular heart rate notifications
  • How to get the best exercise and movement tracking with Apple Watch