Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Healthcare Training and Patient Outcomes
The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital healthcare on healthcare training and patient outcomes was the focal point of an engaging discussion at a meeting held at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s home at No. 6 Kildare Street on 14 June 2024.
The event gathered over 150 attendees, both in person and online, featuring a fantastic lineup of experts from various sectors. Keynote speakers included Tom Lawry, Sally Ann Frank and Dr Michael Suk.
Tom Lawry, the former Microsoft Head of AI in Health and Life Sciences and a best-selling author of "Hacking Healthcare," delivered a compelling keynote address titled "The Future of Healthcare: AI and Digital Transformation." Tom's insights shed light on the crucial roles AI can play and emphasised the necessity of understanding the symbiotic relationship between AI capabilities and human expertise.
Tom Lawry presenting "The Future of Healthcare: AI and Digital Transformation"
Tom stressed that AI should be used to complement human abilities, enhancing what healthcare professionals are already good at and enabling them to focus on more meaningful aspects of patient care. He also discussed the need for responsible AI practice, advocating for the use of intelligence that serves all and ensures ethical and inclusive benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike. He urged the audience to consider how AI could help healthcare professionals reconnect with the intrinsic values and motivations that drew them to the field in the first place.
Sally Ann Frank, Worldwide Lead for Health & Life Sciences at Microsoft for Startups, delivered an interesting talk titled "Artificial Intelligence – An Enabler or Disrupter in Healthcare."
Sally Ann Frank presenting "Artificial Intelligence – An Enabler or Disrupter in Healthcare"
Drawing from her newly published book, "The Startup Protocol," Sally shared invaluable insights into how AI can streamline healthcare processes and improve patient outcomes while also presenting potential disruptions. Sally also highlighted innovative projects to illustrate AI's power to enhance patient care and make healthcare more accessible. Through use cases, she emphasised AI's transformative capabilities in healthcare, highlighting its role in driving significant advancements while also challenging traditional models.
Dr Michael Suk, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Chair of the American Medical Association, and Chief Physician Officer at Geisinger Health, captivated the audience with his presentation on "New Horizons in SLAINTE Care." Offering a unique perspective on the practical applications of AI in healthcare, Dr Suk highlighted the myriad challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Dr Michael Suk presenting "New Horizons in SLAINTE Care"
He discussed how AI can revolutionise diagnostics and streamline workflow efficiencies while also addressing vital concerns about patient-physician relationships and privacy. He emphasised that AI should augment, not replace, the nuanced judgment and thought physicians bring to their practice and also explored the promising advancements in personalised medicine and the improved prediction and management of health conditions.
The event featured an engaging fireside chat with Matthew Foran from Enable Health, Jasmine Smith, CEO of Rejuve.AI, and Shavini Fernando, founder and CEO of OxiWear. These industry leaders shared their journeys in building and scaling innovative healthcare ventures, offering insights into the practical applications of AI in their respective fields. Their personal experiences and success stories illustrated the transformative capabilities of AI in healthcare, providing the audience with tangible examples of cutting-edge solutions in action.
Dr John Sheehan, Matthew Foran, Jasmine Smith and Shavini Fernando
The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion featuring the keynote speakers and Dr Frank O’Donnell, Microsoft Ireland Public Sector Lead. Moderated by Dr Diarmuid O'Shea, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dr Suzanne Crowe, President of the Irish Medical Council and Dr John Sheehan, Clinical Director of Radiology, Blackrock Health, this session offered a platform for robust dialogue and interaction. Attendees had the chance to pose questions and delve deeper into the future of AI in healthcare.
Dr Frank O'Donnell, Dr Suzanne Crowe, Tom Lawry, Sally Ann Frank and Dr John Sheehan
This event underscored the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking mindset necessary to harness AI's full potential in transforming healthcare.