That moment, when the T-800, a machine built for destruction, understands human emotion, is among the most powerful in action cinema. It is the climax of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, but also a beginning: the start of the android’s transformation, not into a human, but into something more self-conscious that recognizes the worth of organic life, even if it can outthink people, it can appreciate the human experience.

The metaphor feels timely as we stand at the edge of an AI-driven health future. Today’s GenAI tools are evolving rapidly, but are we, their creators and coders, evolving with equal intentionality? Are we teaching the owners of these systems why we heal, or just how?

We often speak of artificial intelligence as if it were separate from us. But AI is not alien. It is us—our ideas, data, values—encoded and amplified. It mirrors back what we feed it. In the realm of health, that reflection must be carefully considered. Unlike a Hollywood villain, GenAI doesn’t turn against us with malicious intent. But it can misalign from its purpose if we forget that behind every innovation must be a human-centered goal.

From the first recorded prayer for healing in the Bible—“G-d, please heal her now”—health has always been rooted in empathy, intuition, and relationships. The clinician’s pause before giving a diagnosis, the nurse’s touch when comforting a patient, and the community health worker navigating skepticism in underserved areas are not functions you can replicate with an algorithm. They are acts of presence, of judgment shaped by experience and emotion. Yet, technology now surrounds these moments, offering powerful new support.

Even Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, captured this imperative clearly: “Empathy must be embedded in artificial intelligence from the moment it is created to ensure it becomes a positive force in people’s lives.” It’s not just about what technology can do—it’s about how it’s directed, and who it serves.

GenAI is already beginning to assist clinical teams by synthesizing medical records, supporting drug discovery, and interpreting diagnostic images faster than human eyes. It scales knowledge, translates complex science for patients, and identifies early signals of population health risks. These are welcome advancements—but only when guided by a human compass.

Let’s not look at a future of “us vs. them”—patients and providers versus machines. The more accurate framing is “us and them”: a coalition of human and machine intelligence, working together in the service of healing. Patients, payers, providers, product developers, and policymakers are the “us.” GenAI, LLMs, machine learning, and chatbots form the “them.” Power lies not in one side dominating the other, but in how we integrate these efforts.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has often said, “At Apple, we believe technology should lift humanity.” In a world driven by rapid innovation, his words are a steady reminder that progress without purpose is not progress—it’s motion without meaning. Cook also noted at MIT, “Technology is capable of doing great things, but it doesn’t want to do great things. It doesn’t want anything … That part takes all of us.”

To do that, we must resist the urge to see AI as an all-knowing oracle. AI is not autonomous in values, does not possess a conscience, and lacks intuition unless we teach it patterns. Those patterns, if drawn from biased data, can replicate systemic inequities. In health, where trust is everything, we cannot afford such blind spots. Human oversight is not just necessary, it’s irreplaceable.

There’s also a danger in assuming technology alone can fix what’s broken. We already know the limits of scale without empathy. We’ve seen systems become more efficient but less personal. We’ve witnessed patients lost in data flows, their lived experience reduced to metrics. If GenAI becomes another layer of distance rather than connection, we will have failed to grasp its most powerful potential: to bring clarity, not complexity; to extend human capacity, not replace it.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledges the promise and the peril: “This will be the greatest technology humanity has yet developed… We’ve got to be careful here … people should be happy that we are a little bit scared of this.” Fear, in this case, signals responsibility. Responsibility requires centering AI in the service of people, not pushing people to conform to the logic of machines.

There are lessons in Terminator beyond the thrill of a dystopian chase. Sarah Connor learns to trust the very machine that once tried to kill her. John Connor, the future leader of humanity, becomes the teacher. And the T-800—a symbol of cold efficiency—becomes the student. This reversal reflects what we need now: machines that learn how to act and why their actions matter, not just how to optimize workflows but why saving time matters when time is the difference between life and death.

We cannot forget how this transformation from killer machine to protector occurs. In “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” the T-800 model evolves into humanity’s hero because John Connor reprograms it from the future to protect his younger self and his mother, Sarah Connor. The human is the creator—the coder.

Somewhere in this cinematic science fiction lies a guiding truth for our future reality: technology learns from humanity. Just as this version of the Terminator changed by being close to people, our AI systems will evolve based on what—and who—they are near. If surrounded by empathy, equity, and ethical standards, they can amplify what’s best in us. If left untethered from human purpose, they risk scaling our worst habits.

We often frame digital health progress in terms of speed and scale. But what if we reframed it through the lens of dignity? What if the measure of innovation wasn’t just how fast a model can generate results, but how well it supports the human healing experience?

In the end, the T-800 sacrifices itself to protect a better future. It understands that some decisions aren’t logical; they are meaningful. It doesn’t cry—but it finally sees why we do.

Let’s not wait for machines to catch up with our humanity. Let’s lead with it.

The post It’s Not Us vs. Them: What the Terminator Teaches Us About AI and the Future of Health appeared first on Medika Life.

These 20 people are not just theorizing about the whizzbang of hot technology but rolling up their sleeves and demonstrating its value in real-world settings—to improve diagnostic care, access information that can inform treatment, address health inequities, and ensure the financial sustainability of health provider systems that operate on razor-thin margins. Their collective work offers a blueprint for leveraging AI responsibly and (hopefully) ethically, from streamlining hospital operations and enhancing clinical decision-making to revolutionizing drug discovery.

The current AI evolution presents both opportunities and challenges. Health systems face increasing demands, including rising patient expectations and staffing shortages. Implementing AI and large language models (LLMs) can address these concerns by enabling faster and more accurate treatment plans, automating administrative burdens, and personalizing patient care. However, realizing AI’s full potential requires thoughtful application, ethical considerations, and a commitment to addressing disparities.

These 20 champion AI’s practical application, guiding health systems toward innovation without losing sight of humankind’s well-being. They exemplify how AI can enhance rather than replace human expertise—an essential message as we continue to adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape. By following their work, health-sector leaders and innovators can gain invaluable insights into deploying AI for meaningful impact.

Trailblazers Redefining Health Innovation

While many thinkers will wow you with the future possibilities of these technologies, the 20 on this roster demonstrate transformative influence on the future of diagnostics, operational efficiency, and personalized care while emphasizing responsible, ethical implementation. From academia to industry, they provide vital insights and direction into leveraging AI for better health outcomes. Their work underscores AI’s ability to augment human expertise, providing a roadmap for health systems to innovate without losing sight of patient-centric care. Thanks to them and the others appearing on our Medika Life 2023 and 2024 list, we define AI as “augmented implementation” and not artificial intelligence.

How were they selected? They are public-facing, sharing their thoughts in articles, books, keynotes, classroom talks, research papers, and conferences. They willingly share their knowledge with others on their social media platforms. They spark ideas and challenge our current thinking, and these behaviors make them invaluable to the future application of information and its human health impact. Each person appears in hyperlinks so that readers can explore the depth of their contributions and, whenever possible, follow them on their social media platforms.

20 Voices of Influence Shaping AI in Health

Regina Barzilay, PhD

Dr. Barzilay, an MIT professor and MacArthur Fellow, is revolutionizing oncology and drug discovery through AI. Her pioneering work in machine learning has led to breakthroughs in early cancer detection, particularly in breast cancer screening. As co-founder and AI faculty lead of the MIT Jameel Clinic and the AI Cures initiative, she’s spearheading efforts to deploy AI models for cancer risk prediction in hospitals around the globe and accelerate drug development for infectious diseases. Dr. Barzilay’s work in oncology and drug discovery is paving the way for screening policies and new treatments.

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Anthony Chang, MD, MBA, MPH, MS

Dr. Anthony Chang, a pediatric cardiologist and founder of AIMed, is a driving force in AI education for health professionals. His book Intelligence-Based Medicine has become a cornerstone text. Dr. Chang’s recent work focuses on developing AI-powered predictive models for pediatric cardiac care and implementing AI solutions to enhance hospital operational efficiency. His annual AIMed conference has become a global platform for sharing cutting-edge AI health innovation.

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Karen DeSalvo, MD, MPH

Google Chief Health Officer DeSalvo leads initiatives that leverage AI and big data to address critical public health challenges and promote health equity. Her work includes developing AI-driven tools for early disease detection in underserved communities and creating platforms that provide real-time health data analytics for policymakers. Dr. DeSalvo’s leadership in responsible AI use ensures that Google’s health technologies prioritize patient privacy and ethical considerations.

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Pamela Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Davis is a distinguished researcher at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine specializing in AI-driven diagnostics and clinical applications. After 13 years as the Dean of the School of Medicine, she returned to the faculty. Her work centers on predictive algorithms for early disease detection and improved treatment planning. But Dr. Davis is an anomaly to this roster. She has no social media handles and her many published works are not curated carefully. Yet, tracking her contributions shows her depth and national influence on the future of AI in practice. With numerous published studies on AI’s transformative role in health, Dr. Davis continues to shape the future of diagnostic pathways.

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David Feinberg, MD, MBA

As Chair of Oracle Health, Feinberg champions using AI and cloud-based technologies to improve health outcomes. He focuses on predictive analytics and data-driven tools that enhance clinical decision-making and streamline hospital operations. His leadership drives innovation in health technology integration. Dr. Feinberg is widely recognized for his transformative leadership as CEO of Geisinger Health, where he pioneered initiatives in population health, precision medicine, and value-based care. His expertise in integrating technology with health-care delivery continues to drive innovation, making digital tools more accessible and impactful for providers and patients.

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John Halamka, MD, MS

John Halamka, President of the Mayo Clinic Platform, is a trailblazer in AI-driven health solutions, leveraging data and technology to transform patient care. Co-author of The Digital Reconstruction of Healthcare, Halamka is a leading voice on digital transformation, interoperability, and the ethical use of AI in medicine. His work at the Mayo Clinic focuses on developing scalable digital platforms and AI models to advance diagnostics, remote monitoring, and personalized medicine. With a background spanning emergency medicine, informatics, and policy, Halamka’s insights continue to guide health systems toward a more connected, efficient, and data-driven future.

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Taha Kass-Hout, MD, MS

Dr. Taha Kass-Hout, General Manager of Amazon Health AI, is a pioneer in leveraging artificial intelligence to drive advancements in healthcare delivery. With a background in clinical practice, public health, and digital innovation, he leads initiatives that harness AI for improved diagnostics, care management, and population health outcomes. Previously, as the first FDA Chief Health Informatics Officer, he championed data-driven approaches to public health. His leadership at Amazon drives scalable, data-driven health models that integrate machine learning with real-world applications, positioning him as a key influencer in the future of AI in health.

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Isaac Kohane, MD, PhD

Dr. Kohane, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School and co-author of The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond, is a leading authority on the intersection of AI and clinical care. His research focuses on using machine learning for precision medicine and improving electronic health records. Dr. Kohane has been instrumental in developing AI models that enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. His recent work explores the potential of LLMs, such as ChatGPT, in clinical decision-making and patient engagement.

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Daniel Kraft, MD

Dr. Daniel Kraft is the founder of Exponential Medicine and a visionary in personalized medicine approaches. He’s an inventor, a former F-16 flight surgeon, and always ready to champion others’ bold ideas. Dr. Kraft explores how AI can transform health delivery and disease prevention. Dr. Kraft’s recent initiatives focus on AI-powered tools for early diagnosis and patient engagement. His next chapter includes the very successful NextMed Health and the evolution of Exponential Medicine. NextMed Health 2025 will be held in San Diego on March 30 and April 2, 2025.

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Tom Lawry

Tom Lawry, soon to be the author of his highly anticipated new book Health Care Nation: The Future Is Calling, and It’s Better Than You Think, may redefine the intersection of technology and patient care. Already renowned as the author of Hacking Healthcare, Lawry has built a reputation as a leading AI strategist who advises organizations on integrating cutting-edge AI solutions to boost operational efficiency. His former role at Microsoft as Director for AI for Health and Life Sciences, Director of Worldwide Health, and Director of Organizational Performance for the company’s first health incubator cements his standing as a trailblazer in health innovation. He’s almost always a keynote favorite at conferences such as HLTH and HIMSS.

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Fei-Fei Li, PhD

Dr. Fei-Fei Li is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in AI, emphasizing ethical considerations and societal impact. She co-founded AI4ALL, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity in artificial intelligence, and has played a pivotal role in shaping policies for responsible AI development. Her leadership continues to influence the global AI landscape, bridging technology with human values.

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Vivian Lee, MD, PhD, MBA

Dr. Lee, author of The Long Fix, is a pioneering health tech executive driving data-driven health transformation. Her recent work includes developing AI-powered platforms for value-based care models and implementing predictive analytics to reduce hospital readmissions. Dr. Lee’s initiatives as former president at Verily Life Sciences focused on leveraging AI to optimize care delivery across diverse populations.

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Peter Lee, PhD

As Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Health, Dr. Peter Lee spearheads initiatives that apply AI to solve complex health-sector challenges. His recent projects include developing AI models for precision medicine and creating cloud-based solutions for health data interoperability. In his role, Dr. Lee seeks to solve complex health-sector challenges by integrating cutting-edge technology with practical healthcare applications.

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John Nosta

John Nosta has earned his place as a top influence in the AI landscape—particularly in discussions surrounding ChatGPT and large language models—due to his visionary insights and ability to demystify complex technological innovations. His thought leadership bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical, real-world applications, making the transformative potential of these tools accessible to a broad audience. By articulating AI’s promise and ethical challenges, Nosta fosters a balanced dialogue that drives the industry forward. His forward-thinking perspective and engaging commentary not only illuminate the evolving impact of AI on various sectors but also inspire both startups and established companies to reimagine the future of technology. Nosta has an upcoming book that is expected to drop sometime in fall 2025.

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Ziad Obermeyer, MD

Ziad Obermeyer, MD, is the Blue Cross of California Distinguished Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, researching the intersection of machine learning, medicine and health policy. His work has exposed biases in clinical algorithms and highlighted disparities in care delivery. As a co-founder of Nightingale Open Science, he promotes data transparency and collaboration to advance medical AI. His contributions are reshaping predictive analytics and decision-making in healthcare. Before his full-time career in emergency medicine, he consulted pharmaceutical and global health clients at McKinsey & Co. in New Jersey, Geneva, and Tokyo.

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Neal Patel, MD, MPH

As the Chief Information Officer for Health IT at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Dr. Patel leads the integration of advanced technologies into health delivery. With more than two decades of experience in HIT, Patel has been instrumental in computerized physician order entry systems and electronic health records to enhance clinical and quality processes. He focuses on translating VUMC goals into informatics strategies, optimizing patient care, and improving safety and services across the care continuum. Dr. Patel’s work underscores the transformative potential of AI and LLMs in the provider system.

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Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP

As Senior Vice President at CVS Health, Rhee leads initiatives that leverage AI for health equity and personalized care. His recent projects include implementing AI-driven health risk assessments in underserved communities and developing machine learning models to predict medication adherence. Through his leadership, CVS has deployed AI-powered virtual care solutions expanding access to preventive services and helping to close care gaps while improving outcomes for diverse patient populations.

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Nigam Shah, MBBS, PhD

Dr. Shah, a professor at Stanford University, specializes in applying AI to clinical workflows and electronic health records. His recent work includes developing AI models for real-time clinical decision support and creating algorithms to identify patients for clinical trials. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on machine learning applications in healthcare and co-authored chapters in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. Shah also leads Stanford’s Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, advancing research on AI’s role in population health and precision medicine.

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Eric Topol, MD

Dr. Eric Topol is not just “a” trailblazer in digital medicine. He will likely be among those acknowledged singular voices bridging the possible with the practical. His groundbreaking work has consistently pushed the boundaries of health innovation. Dr. Topol redefined patient empowerment with his seminal book The Patient Will See You Now. He transformed the traditional healthcare model, advocating for a future where technology facilitates personalized, proactive care. As the author of Deep Medicine, he continues to champion the integration of AI in health, exploring its potential to revolutionize patient care. Dr. Topol’s visionary contributions and commitment to merging clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology have established him as a guiding voice at the intersection of care and innovation, making him a standout influencer in AI applications.

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Hal Wolf, III, FHIMSS

Harold (Hal) Wolf is the president and CEO of HIMSS, a global advisor and thought leader supporting the transformation of the health ecosystem through information and technology. If health-related smart technologies such as AI, ChatGPT, GenAI, and LLMs have a central home to discuss policies and implementation, it is HIMSS. Hal shepherds the world’s health information management community. While his staff advance science and policy, championing implementation throughout the ecosystem. Wolf and HIMSS are where theory meets action. Wolf is far more than a leader of a global society of import; he is the community’s ambassador to NGOs, governments, and industry.

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The Rise of Generative AI in Digital Health: Key Insights from Galen Growth

Beyond tracking the 20 listed in the year’s people to watch and the previous two years, following the Galen Growth executive briefing Generative AI in Digital Health – Hype or Reality? The report is a must-read for AI, ChatGPT, and LLM professionals. It reveals how nearly 4,000 digital health ventures leverage AI, with 2% focused on generative AI. Notably, 27% of these applications enhance health management, and over 330 AI-driven ventures have partnered with health systems in the past five years. This report offers critical insights into AI’s growing impact on digital health innovation.

Acknowledgments

I thank my Medika Life colleagues, including Drs. Robert Turner, Jeff Livingston, Hesham A. Hassaballa, Patricia Farrell, and Michael Hunter, whose commitment to public health information inspire. I am also grateful to the many sector professionals I engage at events such as CNS Summit, DHAI, HIMSS, HITLAB, HLTH, and ViVE—people who generously share perspectives and contribute invaluable recommendations. A shout-out to Christina Raish, our new associate editor at Medika Life, for her support in making this feature possible.

Special recognition goes to those who have appeared on past Medika Life lists and remain engaged in advancing health and well-being. Their commitment to meaningful change is commendable to individuals and the planet. These trailblazers continue to push boundaries, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to improving lives.

Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has been awed and challenged by technological progress—from the mastery of fire to artificial intelligence. Each era, from the Stone Age to the Iron Age and now the Information and Cognitive Age, has demanded careful consideration of how best to harness innovation. Today, as we navigate the era of “thinking” technologies, one truth remains unchanged: the power of human insight, courage, and empathy must guide progress.

—Gil Bashe, Editor-in-Chief, Medika.Life

Remember to Follow the Voices of Influence from our 2023 and 2024 Rosters:

Spot a broken link, typo, forgotten degree, or name misspelled?

Oops! Apologies! While care has been taken in compiling this list and adding social media links, things go wrong: a name is misspelled, a link is broken, or an incorrect social media handle is listed. Please do get in touch to address typos, amendments, or omissions by reaching gil.bashe@medika.life.

Thanks in advance and be healthy!

The post 20 People Who are Transforming the Health Ecosystem Through Practical Paths to Apply AI – 2025 Roster appeared first on Medika Life.

Along with the presence of the CHIME community, ViVE offers an opportunity for more than 8,000 health leaders—including a sizable number of C-suite executives—to engage in operational and “from the heart” exchanges shaping a long-awaited sector transformation – from fragmented to fluid.

Nashville, celebrated nationally as Music City and an epicenter of health innovation, may play a Swiss-like role in the much-needed shift that must happen sooner rather than later. It is a city of possibilities and a health community built around purpose, entrepreneurial energy, and a collaborative mindset.  If changes in the health system are remotely possible, it is because the town’s ” vibe ” is inclusive and built on realizing dreams and hopes.

At ViVE, the conversation around Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved dramatically during the past four meetings. What was once speculative hocus-pocus is now embraced as essential and operational. AI is often mischaracterized as “artificial intelligence.” The correct term that should be applied to the reality of its integration in the workflow is “augmented implementation,” a tool that amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them. This distinction is key to understanding that AI fits into the health ecosystem’s future, where precision, trust, and efficiency converge.

A recent report from MarketsandMarkets states that the AI in healthcare market size is estimated to surge from USD 20.9 billion in 2024 to USD 148.4 billion by 2029.

The Evolution from Theory to Practice

Reflecting on previous ViVE conferences, the discussion around AI was theoretical and focused on potential applications, ethical considerations, and integration challenges. At ViVE 2025, that narrative continues to head in a focused endpoint direction. AI advancements through ChatGPT and large language models (LLMs) are a given asset embedded in health workflow.

Sessions now showcase real-world applications, from AI-driven clinical decision support to streamlined administrative processes and enhanced patient engagement. The focus is no longer on possibility but on action—how organizations can effectively harness AI to improve outcomes and efficiency in care and cost.

Addressing Cost Inefficiencies and Workflow Optimization

The buzz on the stage and exhibit hall is a common message. One of the most critical aspects of AI integration into health is its potential to address repetitive actions and overcome systemic challenges. Leveraging AI and data analytics, health professionals can identify disease and diagnostic possibilities that escape their training eye and imagination, reduce cost inefficiencies, and optimize health system workflows – from procedure and patient scheduling to finding correct billing codes.

AI-driven insights enable a more equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that underserved populations receive the care they need when needed. Moreover, automating administrative tasks should free up time for clinicians, reducing burnout and allowing them to focus on patient-centered care.

Major Players Accelerate AI Adoption

Industry giants like Amazon, Epic, Microsoft, and Oracle are propelling the rapid integration of AI into health care. These companies are not just developing AI tools that others use as platforms but fostering collaborations to ensure seamless integration within existing health infrastructures.

Amazon: With a strategic investment of up to $4 billion in Anthropic, Amazon is expanding its generative AI capabilities within Amazon Web Services (AWS). Its initiative aims to equip health organizations with advanced AI-driven tools to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Epic: Beyond its Microsoft partnership, Epic continues to lead in AI integration, ensuring providers can access cutting-edge tools to improve clinical decision-making and patient engagement.

Microsoft: To deepen collaboration with Epic, Microsoft has embedded its Azure OpenAI Service into the Epic electronic health record (EHR) software. This integration enables generative AI tools to optimize clinical workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance decision-making.

Oracle: Recognizing AI transformative potential, Oracle has introduced generative AI tools within its EHR systems. These tools automate routine tasks, allowing health professionals to devote more time to patient care.

Entrepreneurial Companies Driving Change

ViVE is not only about the industry’s most prominent health IT players coming together under one roof but also a platform where entrepreneurial companies push the industry forward. Smaller AI-driven start-ups and health tech service providers function as a pipeline for innovation, capturing media attention and influencing companies’ mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment strategies.

Here are three companies that started small and have become sector change agents:  

Abridge: In February 2025, Abridge raised a $250 million Series D investment that now has the company valued at $2.5 billion. This funding supports deploying their AI-driven clinical documentation platform across more than 100 health systems, including prominent institutions like Duke Health, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and UNC Health. The investment also fuels the development of its new Contextual Reasoning Engine, designed to produce billable clinical notes at the point of care, streamlining workflows and reducing administrative burdens.

Cohere Health: Cohere Health is a clinical intelligence company transforming the prior authorization process. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Cohere streamlines administrative paperwork, expediting patient access to necessary care. Their mission is to simplify health by fostering collaboration among patients, physicians, and health plans, ensuring the proper care is delivered promptly and effectively.

Qventus: In January 2024, Qventus announced a $105 million Series D investment led by powerhouse KKR, with participation from Bessemer Venture Partners and investors such as Northwestern Medicine, HonorHealth and Allina Health. This funding aims to enhance Qventus AI-based care automation software, optimizing hospital operations by predicting patient flow and reducing inefficiencies that impact revenues.

These entrepreneurial players—now operating at scale and resourced—challenge industry norms and encourage the mega information players to rethink how their platforms can be the “Intel-inside” service provider systems.

Collaboration is the Catalyst for Innovation

The true power of AI in health emerges from collaboration. Collaboration among technology leaders and health institutions drives innovation, ensuring AI solutions address real-world challenges. That has been a clear message during ViVE 2025.

The Microsoft-Epic collaboration is a driver in integrating AI within EHRs to analyze vast datasets, providing clinicians with actionable insights that improve patient care. Similarly, the Amazon investment in Anthropic is advancing generative AI to enhance health operations. These alliances demonstrate how combining technological expertise with health knowledge leads to breakthrough solutions.

ViVE has become a welcoming platform for fostering these collaborations, bringing health and technology leaders together to discuss AI’s practical applications. The 2025 meeting agenda reflects this focus, offering hands-on sessions that provide attendees with tangible AI implementation strategies and case studies.

The Future of Augmented Implementation in Health

The “augmented implementation” concept is more relevant than ever as we stand at the intersection of technology and health – and a new Administration pushing AI as an elixir for what ails the industry and US global competitiveness. While many wonder whether AI will replace human expertise, there is little debate about whether it will enable more transparent decision-making and efficient care delivery.

The shift from theoretical discussion to practical application has been faster than expected, fueled by collaboration, innovation, and a shared hope for improved patient care. The AI footprint in health will continue to expand, and its success will depend on maintaining a balance between technological advancement and human-centered care.

ViVE is a time capsule of obstacles, anxieties, and health system progress integrated with our combined wisdom into practice. Conversations continue to evolve, collaborations deepen, and applications become more practical. As we continue to embrace “augmented implementation,” the future of health is encouraging—where technology amplifies human potential and delivers unparalleled value to patients and providers alike. ViVE continues to be a place for open, candid exchange.

The post ViVE 2025: Breakthrough Moments in Health Innovation appeared first on Medika Life.

For too long, “AI” has been the abbreviation for “artificial intelligence.”  Reject that label!  It’s not only limiting – it’s incorrect.  The information gathered and parsed comes from real-world sources – patients, payers, product innovators, policymakers, and providers.  It is composite data, once called “big data,” sliced and diced through machine learning and then applied to good, sometimes life-sustaining use.  It’s time we acknowledge how “AI” has become a practical source for talent and organizational enhancement.

Health Enters the Age of “Augmented Implementation”

Here’s a dive into 10 transformative examples of how “AI” enables people to tap into their significant potential to heal and accelerate care delivery.  Change is always hard, even when the advantages appear evident, as it requires revamping processes and policies.  However, as innovation theorist, AI philosopher and Nosta Lab Founder John Nosta reflects: “Culture crushes innovation.” 

Nosta shares with Medika Life readers: “AI, particularly through large language models (LLMs), is revolutionizing healthcare by fostering ‘learner-centricity.’ This approach places physicians, patients, and healthcare systems at the center of a dynamic, personalized learning process. LLMs provide tailored, context-specific knowledge, enabling real-time insights and deeper understanding. Whether it’s a clinician refining diagnostic skills or a patient comprehending treatment options, LLMs create a collaborative learning ecosystem. This synergy enhances the healthcare experience, empowering all participants through shared knowledge and continuous growth.”

The culture of medicine is storied and slow-moving. Still, these 10 approaches to weaving AI into the health system are piquing people’s priorities and enthusiasm for greater use. The wave of universal acceptance is underway.

1. Revolutionizing Patient-Clinician Interaction

Ambient Listening Technologies (ALTs) are modernizing how clinicians transcribe medical documents – by capturing, recording, managing, and analyzing audio data from the patient exam room. AI transcription tools like the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) from Microsoft streamline recording tasks that once consumed chunks of a clinician’s day. AI-driven transcription systems record and summarize patient-clinician conversations, enabling providers to focus on patients rather than documentation. The plus for doctors is reduced admin time; for patients, it provides the benefit of ensuring their provider has real-time notes for follow-up care delivery.

2. AI-Enhanced Diagnostics are Challenging the Future of Illness

Technologies like DeepMind AlphaFold provide unprecedented insights into protein structure prediction, accelerating drug discovery and enhancing diagnostic tools for diseases like Alzheimer’s and certain cancers. Anyone tracking the field of AI-empowered diagnostics would do well to keep a close eye on innovation in this space.  The 2024 Chemistry Nobel Prize was awarded to John Jumper, PhD, and Demis Hassabis, PhD, at Google DeepMind in London for developing this game-changing AI tool for predicting protein structures.  The Galien Foundation Prix Galien is often called the Nobel Prize of the Life Science industry.  Viz.ai, a pioneer in AI-powered disease detection and intelligent care coordination, received the 2024 Prix Galien USA Award for its Viz HCM™ (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) module.  Keep an eye on these companies and their advances.

Rob Havasy, HIMSS Senior Director of Informatics Strategy, representing one of the most influence professional communities – the leaders from health institutions and governments worldwide – offered this exclusive comment to Medika Life:

“AI has been part of many radiology workflows for years, but data from our HIMSS Market Insights surveys show one of the fastest growing applications right now is ambient AI and other AI tools to relieve some of clinicians’ documentation burden. These tools either help clinicians capture information from a visit or streamline patient-provider communications by creating discharge instructions or helping to manage overflowing inboxes.”

3. Accelerating Drug Discovery and Clinical Trials

AI is catalyzing innovation in drug development, a process that traditionally spans over a decade. Platforms like Hong Kong-headquartered Insilico Medicine and companies like Exscientia are applying machine learning to design drug molecules faster than ever. Meanwhile, decentralized trials are becoming more accessible through collaborative pathways set by organizations such as the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA), a central gathering point for regulators and industry leaders to shift the conversation from theoretical to operational regarding implementation.

Dr. Amir Kalali and Craig Lipset, pioneers in clinical trial innovation, champion this collaborative model that draws in biopharma-sector leaders, CROs, and FDA and EMA regulators. The DTRA Co-Chairs have long advocated that decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) supported by AI tools broaden access and reduce biases. These collaborations demonstrate how AI unlocks new efficiencies and enables more inclusive participation, particularly among underrepresented populations.

4. Predictive Analytics for Patient Safety

Predictive analytics powered by AI is transforming patient safety in hospitals. For example, Qventus predicts and mitigates perioperative complications. At the same time, companies like Stasis Labs, Current Health, and Vytrac provide real-time in-patient and at-home monitoring, sending vital sign data to nurses and doctors so they know their patient status and triage care.  Amy Abernathy, MD, PhD, has served in several high-profile roles that cut across the health ecosystem, from Principal Deputy Commissioner at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is now Co-Founder of Highlander Health, a bold new organization advancing clinical research and patient care through learning labs, investments, and philanthropy, comments: “AI is transforming how we approach patient safety by intervening in a proactive measure rather than a reactive one.”

5. Addressing Mental Health Needs with AI

Mental health care is becoming more accessible with AI-driven platforms such as Woebot Health and Wysa. These companies are using AI to provide scalable, CBT-based support for conditions like anxiety and depression, often meeting the needs of underserved populations without ready access to mental health services. Another approach led by GrayMatters Health enables mental health professionals to address PTSD through neuromodulation – an FDA-approved for-use approach designed through years of data aggregation.  Noted digital health pioneer, inventor, and  Founder and Curator for NextMed Health, Daniel Kraft, MD, notes: “AI-powered mental health tools are filling the gaps in traditional care delivery, providing immediate, accessible, and empathetic support when people need it most.”

6. Driving Precision Medicine

Precision medicine, enabled by AI, is bringing targeted therapies into sharper focus. Collaborating with Roche, Foundation Medicine uses genomic profiling to guide cancer treatments. Similarly, Tempus leverages AI to connect molecular and clinical data, accelerating therapeutic breakthroughs. The combination of high tech with high science has enabled scientists with support from private equity and academic institutions worldwide to create companies at the vanguard of the discipline in the UK Golden Triangle, Southeast Asia, and the Cambridge/Boston innovation hub. LABIOTECH author Willow Shah-Neville wrote a concise report of 12 biotech unicorns rated in order of their valuations according to CB Insights. It is worth examining how these fast-moving innovators apply information technology to augment their scientific implementation.

7. Streamlining Hospital Operations

AI tools enhance hospital operations, optimize workflows, and improve patient outcomes. For instance, GE Healthcare Command Centers use predictive analytics to manage patient flow. Other companies, such as LeanTaaS, with its iQueue platform, improve operating room and infusion suite scheduling. Hyro is a much-watched hospital workflow optimizer with services that cut across administrative and clinical departments and add AI to Epic workflows, improving access to care. Edward Marx, a global healthcare consultant and former Cleveland Clinic CIO, emphasizes: “Operational AI is reshaping how hospitals function, eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring resources are used where they’re needed most.”

“Top Trends in Healthcare and Life Sciences” Microsoft video episode titled “The power of information to improve healthcare,” Gil Bashe, Chair of Global Health and Purpose at FINN Partners and Medika Life Editor-in-Chief, joins Tom Lawry, formerly National Director for Artificial Intelligence Health and Life Sciences at Microsoft and now Founder of the AI consultancy Second Century, talk about the opportunities and obstacles in health, AI, and the power of information.

8. Promoting Health Equity Through AI

Medtronic AI-enabled remote monitoring devices are helping bridge the care gap in underserved areas. Similarly, PathAI, in collaboration with Quest Diagnostics, is leveraging “machine learning to improve diagnostics in resource-limited settings, ensuring equitable access to healthcare.  Michelle Longmire, MD, a Stanford-trained dermatologist and founder and CEO of Medable, which offers the research-based biopharma industry an array of research tools with a unified platform, adds: “AI’s potential lies in its scalability, which can extend high-quality care to populations previously overlooked by traditional systems.”

9. Harnessing AI for Population Health

AI is transforming public health by integrating social determinants of health into predictive models. Companies like Epic Health Research Network and Innovaccer are helping health systems anticipate and address population health challenges more effectively. Michael Rosenblatt, MD, with his storied career as a scientist and teacher, having served as Chief Medical Officer at Merck and Flagship Pioneering and now as Co-Chair of the Galien Foundation, notes: “AI-driven insights empower health systems to deploy resources strategically, reducing disparities and improving outcomes across entire communities.”

10. Empowering Patients with Wearables and Digital Health Platforms

Wearables like the Apple Watch have popularized health tracking. Still, more specialized solutions, such as AliveCor and Biobeat are examples of advanced monitors delivering medical-grade heart data enabling patients to access, manage, and share their data and connect with their physicians. Additionally, platforms like the Belong.Life Dave AI focuses on cancer care by guiding patients with tailored recommendations, educational content, and peer support.  David E. Albert, MD, Oklahoma native, physician, inventor, and serial entrepreneur, is the founder of AliveCor and a long-time AI champion, says, “AI will play a role in reducing data into manageable and actionable information for clinical decision-making.”

Looking Forward: A Future Shaped by Collaboration

AI progress in health settings during the past five years illustrates what’s possible when technology meets the demands of patient care, equity, and innovation.  

Is “AI” still threatening and misunderstood?  Absolutely! The term “artificial intelligence” is a threatening misrepresentation of the idea that people will become secondary to machines processing vast amounts of data (largely) accurately and in a blink. However, technology is continuously called upon to automate repetitive tasks.  It does not alone transform people’s health or the fractured health ecosystem – instead, it’s the human desire to question, collaborate, and generate shared – augmented – wisdom that is core to implementation.  

“Driving measurable value at scale with AI is less about the right technology and more about the right leadership. Is there a sufficient level of AI understanding at all levels of the organization?  Is your culture change-ready or change-resistant,” reflects Tom Lawry, principal of Second Century.  Is AI part of your HR plan? In the end, AI success cannot be delegated. Leadership is the catalyst for unlocking its true potential. This requires vision, strategic alignment, and a commitment to empowering teams to innovate and execute with purpose.”

As more people dip their toes into the tech waters, comfort levels are increasing rapidly. Remember the 15-year time gap between Apple’s failed Newton and the early iPhones? Once the idea of a smartphone caught on, it became a personal must. According to a Pew Research Center Survey conducted May 19 to Sept. 5, 2023, 90% of US adults say they have a smartphone. Soon, AI will be ubiquitous in most health settings.

Say so long to artificial intelligence. Welcome to the age of Augmented Implementation!

The next five years promise even more significant advances, , a thirst to use information to accelerate decision-making, fueled by curiosity and collaborations across sectors and the drive to improve lives globally.

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