They say that civilization advances by extending the number of important things we can do without thinking about them. To me, that’s the promise of technology and it’s particularly true when it comes to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Still, not everyone sees it that way. Some worry that they’ll be replaced. Others take offense to the fact that they’re seen as replaceable. But just like the rise of ATMs led to an INCREASE in the number of bank tellers, we’ll see AI drive unpredictable, and generally positive change in the healthcare industry. Some will be displaced, but if they’re open to it they’ll be in a position to take on new and even more valuable roles that we can’t even imagine today.

Side note: AI may just help us deal with the projected doctor shortage.

I know what you’re thinking: That’s big talk from an industry that recently gave you the EMR. That’s fair, but there is a way to do this right. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today.

Today’s guests are Shahid Shah (usually co-host, but today I’m calling him a guest) and Dr. Chesley Richards, CDC Deputy Director for Public Health Scientific Services. Together we’ll discuss the rapid pace of technological change in healthcare and what that means for doctors, vendors and patients. We’ll show you how AI will complement and enhance the capabilities of today’s clinicians and allow them to focus on keeping us healthy. We’ll show you how technology, when its properly deployed and used, can be incredibly effective. And perhaps, most importantly, we’ll tell you why listening is the starting point and potentially the most important thing you can do to ensure this all goes well.

• An overview of The Health IT Leadership Summit w/ Jody Braner and an introduction to today’s podcast guests (0:00 – 10:20)
• Given all the advances in technology such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Precision Medicine, etc. will doctors have jobs in 10 years? (11:10)
• Similarly, what will HealthIT vendors be working on in 10 years? (20:30)
• Looking at vaccines as technology, and applying that technology intelligently and in a way that was designed to work in specific communities and regions allowed us to eradicate diseases like Smallpox (29:38)
• How can tech vendors realign themselves to support the goal of cures instead of focusing on disease management and administration? (32:00)
• What hurdles do we have to get over so that collectively we’re getting back to our focus on cures over just treatment? (35:15)
• Why does population health matter? (38:00)
• Let’s discuss the dangers of technology and how it can adversely impact the delivery of care when it’s not properly deployed and used. (41:00)
• We often think of technology as a way to digitize and automate what I do today. Why don’t we take the opportunity to ask what we can do better? What can we stop doing altogether? (43:00)
• How can we power all of this in new ways with data? (47:35)
• How can the CDC and other organizations open up more data for public experimentation? (52:00)
• What new workforce needs or changes will emerge in healthcare in the coming years? (56:00)
• We can use data to cut down on the time from idea thru randomized trial to approval of new drugs – today that might take up to 17 years!!!! (1:01:35)

This is a very engaging and insightful conversation, and one I know will make you think about a few things differently. I can honestly say that I loved listening to the final product and I believe you will too. Enjoy!

~ Don Lee

About Chesley Richards and CDC

Chesley Richards M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P. is Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Deputy Director for Public Health Scientific Services as well as Director, Office of Public Health Scientific Services.

In these two roles, Dr. Richards is a key advisor to the CDC Director and oversees the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS) with activities that include the MMWR, Vital Signs publications, the Epidemic Intelligence Service and other scientific training programs, the Guide to Community Preventive Services, and a broad range of cross cutting epidemiology, public health surveillance, and laboratory services.

Dr. Richards earned his M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina, an M.P.H. in Health Policy and Administration from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a graduate of the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) at CDC, the Cancer Control Education Fellowship at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the Program on Clinical Effectiveness at Harvard School of Public Health. He completed Internal Medicine (Medical College of Georgia), Geriatric Medicine (Emory University) and General Preventive Medicine and Public Health (UNC Chapel Hill).

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov

About The 8th Annual Health IT Leadership Summit

Created in 2010 by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Technology Association of Georgia’s Health Society, the Health IT Leadership Summit brings together leaders from across the healthcare continuum to discuss how the industry can drive innovation to enable better healthcare delivery at lower costs to more people.

November 7, 2017 – Atlanta, GA

“Join industry thought leaders as we explore and collaborate on the importance of connectivity and working together for the advancement of healthcare delivery. Hear how health IT is formalizing analytics, encouraging patient engagement and implementing value-based care. What is working? What is not working? Learn about success stories and road blocks. This event is also an opportunity for your voice to be heard, as each session includes audience question and answer sessions. You will hear from security professionals, providers, innovative companies and other leading professionals. We also have a few exciting demonstrations to share. I look forward to seeing you!”

Jodie Braner, 2017 HIT Summit Chair

Learn more and register: https://healthitleadershipsummit.com/

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