Are We Solving the Right Problems in Healthcare Tech? With: Dr. Nigam Shah
In this conversation, Dr. Nigam Shah, Co-founder of Atropos Health and Chief Data Scientist at Stanford Healthcare, challenges how the healthcare industry applies AI. He warns against the 'Turing trap'—using AI to replicate tasks clinicians already perform—instead of leveraging it to reimagine workflows. Shah shares examples of AI applications that could meaningfully expand patient access, like triage tools that reduce unnecessary visits. He also highlights how misaligned incentives block data sharing, which limits innovation despite having the necessary technology. This discussion addresses both healthcare tech trends and the urgent need for better AI integration strategies.
Episode Contents:
About the Guest
Dr. Nigam Shah is the Co-founder of Atropos Health and Chief Data Scientist at Stanford Healthcare. Learn more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigam/
Key Takeaways
- AI should create new workflows, not just replace old ones
- Efficiency gains must lead to increased patient access
- Incentive alignment is key to data sharing in healthcare
Transcript Summary
Are we in healthcare tech solving the right problems?
Often, we focus on easy tasks rather than impactful ones. For example, many use AI to respond to patient messages, which doesn't save time. Instead, we should design new ways to deliver care, like AI triage systems that increase patient capacity.
How should AI improve efficiency?
Removing unnecessary visits can boost capacity. AI should remove repetitive, non-clinical tasks, not just mimic human work.
What's blocking innovation?
Technology exists, but misaligned incentives prevent data sharing that could accelerate improvements.
More Topics
- AI in Patient Care
- AI in the Healthcare Industry
- AI and Medical Innovation
- Healthcare Ethics and Policy
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About the Series
AI and Healthcare—with Mika Newton and Dr. Sanjay Juneja is an engaging interview series featuring world-renowned leaders shaping the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine.
Dr. Sanjay Juneja, a hematologist and medical oncologist widely recognized as “TheOncDoc,” is a trailblazer in healthcare innovation and a rising authority on the transformative role of AI in medicine.
Mika Newton is an expert in healthcare data management, with a focus on data completeness and universality. Mika is on the editorial board of AI in Precision Oncology and is no stranger to bringing transformative technologies to market and fostering innovation.