On June 12, WatSPEED brought together healthcare leaders and executives to explore the transformational potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving healthcare services in Canada.
Offered as part of the WatSPEED Executive Program, Leveraging AI to improve healthcare in CanadaThe one-day event, organized in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), focused on the critical implications of AI innovation in healthcare and potential applications of AI, today and in the future.
WatSPEED partnered with subject matter experts from the University of Waterloo to discuss the most pressing issues facing Canadian healthcare leaders. John Hirdes, professor of public health sciences, Joël Blit, president of the Council of Innovation Policy, Catherine Burns, associate vice president, Health Initiatives, and Jimmy Lin, co-director of Waterloo.AI were joined by guest speakers from the industry, including Canadian Institute for Health Information, TCS, Cobionix and BlueDot.
Academic and industry experts led discussions at WatSPEED event
“Introducing AI-based technologies into healthcare is not like moving from typewriters to personal computers. It’s much more dramatic and will affect our entire health system,” said Hirdes, who is also a Member of the Order of Canada and leader of the Leveraging AI to Improve Health Care in Canada program. “AI is transformative, and senior healthcare leaders and leaders need to consider how to leverage AI to lead change in Canada’s healthcare system.
Throughout the day, participants were able to discover how AI could respond to system pressures, rising costs, shortages of professionals and the challenges of an aging population. Insights highlighted the opportunities AI offers to improve patient outcomes, increase provider efficiency, and ensure equitable access to healthcare services. Discussions also covered a wide range of topics from ethical implications to human impacts of AI adoption.
The day featured panel discussions led by leading experts aimed at helping healthcare leaders use AI to solve problems.
“Ultimately, the success of AI adoption will depend on the interface between what the technology can enable and the human beings who will do something with the technology,” said Mark Weber, special advisor to the dean in terms of leadership strategy. and development. “Success will depend on effective leadership in the face of inevitable challenges. »
The event was a catalyst for action among Canada’s healthcare leaders, equipping them with strategies and knowledge to effectively harness AI for the improvement of healthcare services nationally. Waterloo researchers and entrepreneurs are driving health innovation in Canada and are committed to leading discussions on the intersection of technology and health care.
