January 2026

In the January 2026 Newsletter
  AI in Healthcare (Part 9) / Events

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Introduction

Is your healthcare provider using AI? Hopefully, yes. Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is rapidly shifting from exploratory pilots to real clinical and operational impact. Today's AI tools span diagnostics, clinical decision support, workflow automation, predictive analytics, ambient documentation, and personalized care — all aiming to improve outcomes, reduce cost, and enhance both provider and patient experience (Wikipedia).

Dr. Anthony Chang, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, is a prominent pediatric cardiologist, as well as founder of AI Medicine (AIMed) and chair of the American Board of AI in Medicine. He says, "The AI agenda in healthcare has to be driven by human-to-human interactions and relationships. The techology is robust. It takes humans to learn, adopt, and use it effectively." See his interview above.

Key Healthcare Application Areas

1. CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT & DIAGNOSTICS
AI models analyze complex data — imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI), genetic and pathology data — to assist clinicians in diagnosing disease or predicting risk. In several use cases, AI assistance has improved diagnostic accuracy compared with unaided clinicians (Wikipedia).

2. AMBIENT AI & AUTOMATED DOCUMENTATION
Ambient AI listens to clinician-patient conversations and generates draft notes in real time. This Ambient clinical documentation approach reduces manual data entry and limits clinician burnout (NIH). As a result, it can: (a) capture consult dialogue automatically; (b) transcribe and structure clinical notes; (c) integrate coding / billing support; and (d) trigger follow-up tasks and coordination workflows (Health Transforms).

3. WORKFLOW AUTOMATION
AI handles clerical tasks like scheduling, coding support, billing checks, and prior-auth preparation — critical for operational efficiency (Health Transforms).

4. PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS & MONITORING
AI ingests vitals, labs, and longitudinal data to forecast events such as deterioration, readmission, or sepsis risk —enabling earlier, proactive interventions (Articsledge).

5. PERSONALIZED MEDICINE & WEARABLES
Machine learning models can tailor treatment plans based on genomic or longitudinal data. Wearable data feeds into continuous risk prediction and management (Articsledge).

Case Studies of Ambient AI with Real ROI

In his article on the Invisible Workforce, Dr. Hamza Asumah says "In healthcare, Ambient AI tackles administrative bottlenecks by streamlining documentation, optimizing workflows, and enhancing decision-making, all while remaining unobtrusive." "We are just scratching the surface of what this technology can do," says Dr. Lance Owens, regional chief medical information officer at University of Michigan Health, which uses Microsoft's DAX Copilot ambient-listening technology.

1. Case Study: University of Michigan Health-West
After implementing Ambient AI for clinical documentation and workflow support, the institution reportedly achieved an 80% ROI, driven by reduced time spent on notes and improved productivity metrics. Why it matters: Clinics can see direct financial benefits from reduced documentation effort and higher throughput without added staff. Learn more.

2. Case Study: Multi-System Burnout Interventions
Large health systems like UC Health, HCA Healthcare, and Mass General Brigham have used Ambient AI to cut clinician burnout by 40-60%, reducing turnover costs and improving retention — a significant long-term ROI driver given that nurse turnover alone costs billions annually in the U.S. Why it matters: ROI isn't just dollars saved — it's labor continuity, morale, and quality of care delivered. Learn more.

Implementation of AI Systems

AI can improve healthcare. Yet it needs to be implemented in the right way so it makes an impact and will be used. Dr. Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Society of Physician Entrepreneurs, says, "Think big, start small, stay small, scale. Pick one problem. Solve that problem, pilot, experiment."

Summary

AI in healthcare is growing rapidly, both commercially and clinically. Many healthcare providers now use AI in meaningful ways, with documentation automation often cited as the first high-impact, widely adopted application. AI won't replace clinicians, but it is reshaping workflows, enhancing care quality, and delivering measurable ROI for healthcare systems and better experiences for patients. At your next doctor visit, be on the lookout for Ambient AI and other applications.

Selected Events

January 31, 2026. Early Bird registration ends for the GlobalMindED Conference, June 10-12, 2026. Denver. Come hear Theresa and many other outstanding speakers. Register now.

February 10, 2026. Join the "Boardroom Buzz" by Private Directors Association of Colorado. Informal, drop-in, FREE, small groups to problem solve, explore board issues, and discover tips for your board journey. 2nd Tuesday of each month.
    OPTION 1. 8:00 AM at Doug's Diner, 2574 Baseline Rd, Boulder. Buy your own food / drink (optional). Register for Boulder.
    OPTION 2. Noon at Union Station, Denver. Meet outside PigTrain Coffee to gather in the large open space. Bring your own food / drink (optional). Register for Denver.

February 14, 2026. Calling Colorado Young Innovators to enter the High School New Venture Challenge. It's FREE and you can win $25,000+ in scholarships at CU Boulder. The extended deadline for entry is February 14th. Learn more and enter.

February 19, 2025. Join the Private Directors Association of Colorado to explore ESOPs. 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM MT. Denver. Register now.

February 28, 2026. Theresa speaks at the BPW Colorado Midyear Convention on "Breaking into the Boardroom." Mosaic Center in Denver. Learn more and register.

May 7, 2026. Women Powering Change. Annual expo showcasing the work and stories of women making a difference for a more just and sustainable world. University Memorial Center (UMC) at University of Colorado. 1669 Euclid Ave, Boulder. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM MT. Register to attend FREE Expo and Exhibit.

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Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
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Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.