Microsoft Research Podcast Reimagining healthcare delivery and public health with AI
Aug 7, 2025
Dr. Umair Shah, former Washington State Secretary of Health and health innovation expert, joins Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, President of Mayo Clinic, to discuss the revolutionary role of AI in healthcare. They explore how innovative technologies can reshape public health strategies and improve patient experiences. Umair shares his journey in launching Rickshaw Health, while Gianrico highlights AI's impact on chronic disease management. The conversation also emphasizes the need for collaboration between public health leaders and AI developers to harness technology effectively.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rickshaw Health Metaphor
- Umair Shah describes how Rickshaw Health symbolizes agility in navigating complex healthcare environments.
- The rickshaw metaphor also reflects balancing performance, inspired by his personal family experiences with rickshaws in Karachi.
Public Health as Offensive Line
- Public health acts like the offensive line supporting healthcare quarterbacks like ER doctors.
- Despite their critical role, public health often gets defunded once problems appear solved, unlike sports.
Public Health Must Embrace AI
- Public health must embrace AI actively to avoid having decisions made about them.
- Practitioners should engage now to shape AI use in health rather than have technology imposed on them.
