Ashis Barad, a pediatric gastroenterologist by training, was hired a year ago as the Hospital for Special Surgery’s first chief digital and technology officer. The New York-based academic medical center, known for its orthopedics program, made the hire amid a broader push by its new CEO to prioritize data and technology.
Barad, who previously led digital efforts at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh and Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas, spoke with MedTech Dive about his priorities for digital efforts at HSS and his thoughts on agentic AI, a technology that can perform tasks without supervision. Barad also discussed how that work intersects with orthopedic devices.
Barad shared that his biggest theme is that he believes agentic AI is going to be the great orchestrator of healthcare. He envisions AI expanding care models beyond traditional methods and sees it as a way to orchestrate a massive ecosystem that includes prevention, regenerative care, performance, wellness, longevity, surgical and non-surgical care. The goal is to take what is special in the Upper East Side of New York and scale it to the rest of the U.S. and globally.
When asked about AI agents, Barad explained that there are two levels of agents: the agents of today, which can perform simple tasks like scheduling appointments or checking on patients post-surgery, and long-term agents that can handle more complex tasks when orchestrated together. He likened these long-term agents to minions from “Despicable Me” and emphasized that organizing them to perform complex tasks will take years of data architecture.
Regarding the connection between AI and medical devices, Barad mentioned the use of AI in 3-D printing personalized implants at HSS. He also highlighted the advancements in gait analysis within the orthopedic space, where markerless technology allows for more accurate assessment of patients’ movements. HSS’s emerging technologies committee constantly evaluates new AI robotics and navigation technologies to enhance patient care.
In conclusion, Barad noted the shift towards voice interfaces in the medical device world and the potential for generative AI to revolutionize healthcare technology. His vision for HSS includes leveraging AI to improve patient care and expand the boundaries of traditional orthopedic practices. As the chief digital and technology officer, Barad is at the forefront of driving innovation and digital transformation at one of the leading orthopedic hospitals in the country. The advancements in AI navigation and robotics have brought to mind the futuristic world depicted in movies like Iron Man, where a surgeon can communicate with software to assist in delicate procedures. Imagine a world where a surgeon can simply say, “Can you move it a little bit here? Can you shift?” and the technology responds accordingly, like a real-life Jarvis.
However, with the influx of different AI technologies in the healthcare industry, it’s important to discern which tools are truly beneficial and which ones may not be worth pursuing. After 16 years of dedicated practice, many professionals have become frustrated with technologies that promise solutions but fail to address real issues faced by frontline workers and patients. The key criterion for evaluating AI tools should be whether they can truly make a difference and improve outcomes for patients.
It is crucial to identify the actual problem that needs solving and not just adopt technology for the sake of it. Rather than being swayed by flashy new gadgets, the focus should be on implementing solutions that address real challenges in healthcare. Looking at platform companies that offer comprehensive solutions, rather than point solutions that only target specific issues, can lead to more holistic and effective results.
Moreover, considerations such as data governance, AI governance, cybersecurity measures, ethics, regulations, and equity must be taken into account when implementing AI technologies in healthcare. This new technological landscape requires a responsible approach to ensure that patient outcomes, safety, quality, and financial returns are prioritized.
In conclusion, the integration of AI navigation and robotics in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize the industry and improve patient care. By carefully selecting tools that offer real value and align with ethical and regulatory standards, healthcare professionals can harness the power of technology to enhance their practices and ultimately benefit those in their care.
