When I first met Dr. Cunningham, she was on a panel at the HIMSS21 CMIO Roundtable, and I knew she had so much to contribute to the industry. A few months later I reached out to her asking if she would be interested in being a part of the HIMSS Physician Committee, she graciously accepted the invite and applied for the committee. Now, in her second year, she has contributed so much through webinars, articles, papers, and interviews; she has also helped to share the knowledge of her co-workers and have encouraged them to contribute to publications over the past two years.
I am happy to spotlight Dr. Cunningham in this month’s Physician member spotlight. Below are her thoughts on how things have changed over the past year in the industry regarding AI/ML, as well as HIT careers and her thoughts on the future. Thank you, Dr. Cunningham, for all your contributions to the HIMSS members and the industry as a whole. It has been an honor to work with and learn from you!
Reflecting on the past year, my thoughts on the integration of AI/ML in healthcare have evolved. While AI and ML remain critical components for advancing healthcare technology, the emphasis has also shifted towards optimizing current digital technologies and clinical workflows using just plain intelligence (I) along with artificial intelligence (AI). It's not always about deploying the most advanced technology, but rather about intelligently enhancing the systems we already have in place to ensure they work more efficiently for both clinicians and patients.
Moreover, the integration of these technologies into everyday clinical practice has brought about a heightened awareness of their risks and challenges. We now recognize that the adoption of AI and ML in healthcare is not an overnight transformation but a gradual evolution, similar to the incremental advancements seen in autonomous driving technology like those from Tesla. While the technology has the potential to automate certain aspects of healthcare, the necessity for skilled clinicians remains paramount, ensuring that patient care is both effective and safe.
There is excitement around the potential of AI and ML, but this enthusiasm must be balanced with a rigorous evaluation process that considers the safety, security, and privacy of patient data. As we move forward, it's essential to continue involving clinicians in the development and implementation of these technologies to ensure they address real-world challenges effectively and responsibly. The conversation and enthusiasm surrounding AI in healthcare are beneficial, but they must be paired with a thoughtful and measured approach to truly benefit patient care.
How have industry connections and relationships helped you achieve your biggest professional milestones?
Dr. Cunningham: Industry connections and relationships have been instrumental in achieving my professional milestones, particularly given my transition from a medical and clinical background to the technology sector. When I first ventured out of my clinical leadership roles, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. I remember my initial hesitation about attending my first HIMSS conference, a pivotal moment steered by two influential peers, Gwynne and Tammy. Their invitation to join a CMIO panel, despite my not being a CMIO, opened my eyes to the value of embracing diverse perspectives within technology.
This opportunity marked the beginning of my engagement with HIMSS, leading to subsequent roles on the physician forum planning committee and eventually the physician executive committee. Last year, being recognized as a Changemaker was not initially a professional goal, but it underscored the unexpected opportunities that industry connections can bring.
The encouragement from the HIMSS community, particularly in a field not traditionally dominated by women or women physicians, was a significant motivator. It propelled me to not only dive deeper into my own professional development but also to facilitate opportunities for others. By paying it forward, I've been able to help those in my network gain speaking engagements and expand their professional horizons.
Moreover, the personal interactions enabled by attending conferences and engaging with organizations like HIMSS have been invaluable. They’ve allowed me to escape the limitations of virtual connections and build a robust network ranging from investors to digital health leaders. These relationships have enriched my professional journey and underscored the power of community and connectivity in driving career advancement and fostering industry innovation.
What are the benefits of a health information and technology career? Why should someone consider it?
Dr. Cunningham: A career in health information and technology offers significant benefits and is worth considering for several reasons, particularly from a physician's perspective. First, as healthcare increasingly integrates technology, understanding and using health informatics is becoming a core competency for physicians. The ability to leverage technology is essential for managing the overwhelming amount of data within EHRs and for keeping up with the rapid pace at which medical knowledge expands. Clinicians cannot possibly digest all available information manually; hence, technological support and augmentation are indispensable.
Second, traditional healthcare models, are becoming outdated, and especially for managing chronic diseases and comprehensive patient care the office visit is dead. Technology allows healthcare providers to break away from the exam room and meet patients' needs in more efficient and effective ways. This shift is crucial for improving care delivery and patient outcomes.
Furthermore, we are at a tipping point in healthcare, with innovative care delivery models beginning to scale and gain adoption. This transformation, while challenging due to factors like reimbursement structures, regulatory concerns, and the need for new payer contracts, is driven by a growing demand from both clinicians and patients for significant change. The increasing willingness to adopt new technologies, such as ambient clinical intelligence, showcases the rapid evolution within the field.
A career in health information and technology also provides the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. It’s a field marked by continuous growth, innovation, and the potential to profoundly impact patient outcomes and the efficiency of care. This makes it an attractive and rewarding career path for those passionate about healthcare and technology.
What do you see as the future of health information and technology? Where do you think the industry can/will go?
Dr. Cunningham: The future of health information and technology is poised for significant evolution, particularly as we strive to address the imbalance between the growing number of patients and the limited availability of clinicians. Technology's role in democratizing clinical expertise is central to alleviating these pressures. By enhancing the sharing of knowledge within the clinician community and empowering both healthcare providers and patients to manage health more effectively, technology can bridge critical gaps in care.
One of the fundamental ways technology will transform healthcare is by easing the administrative and documentation burdens that currently weigh heavily on clinicians. The goal is to shift from clinicians serving as data entry clerks to having them engage more deeply in clinical care. This involves making the EHR experience more intuitive and enjoyable to use, restoring joy and efficiency to clinical practice.
The rise of ecosystems of technologies surrounding clinicians will support more efficient workflows. This technology ecosystem will not only enhance clinical practice but also improve the experiences of caregivers and patients, creating a more seamless and integrated healthcare journey.
Furthermore, the advancements in AI and ML, although gradual, are beginning to bear fruit. The barriers to developing and integrating new applications are lower than they were five years ago, thanks to an array of more mature solutions and capabilities now available on the market. This accessibility allows for the stitching together of meaningful user experiences that cater to the needs of clinicians and patients alike.
There is a widespread recognition of the current workforce challenges and patient access issues facing the healthcare industry, making these concerns top-of-mind for all stakeholders. This collective awareness is driving the alignment needed for change, with technology positioned as a key enabler in this transformation. The industry is moving toward a future where technological innovations not only support clinical practice but also lead to fundamental improvements in how healthcare is delivered and experienced.
Join Us as We Reimagine Health Through Information and Technology
At HIMSS, our vision is to realize the full health potential of every human, everywhere. Be part of the community that’s transforming the global health ecosystem with courage, curiosity, and determination.