MedTech Terms
    The authoritative reference
    All terms

    Federated Learning

    Training paradigm where model updates are computed on local data and aggregated centrally - raw data never leaves the site.

    Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed May 5, 2026

    Definition

    Federated learning enables multi-institution model training without centralizing PHI. Aggregated weights or gradients are shared, often with differential-privacy or secure aggregation safeguards.

    What this means in practice

    Increasingly common for medical imaging and EHR-based models; introduces new validation, governance, and IP questions.

    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 3 verified· last checked 2026-05-09
    NIH·1MDCG·1FDA·1
    1. 1
      NIH MIDRC
      Verified
      NIHmidrc.org
    2. 2
      MDCG Software Guidance
      Verified
      MDCGhealth.ec.europa.eu
    3. 3
      FDA - Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)
      Verified
      FDAfda.gov

    Inline markers like [1] jump to the matching reference above.