Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Zafar Chaudry, Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer and Chief AI and Chief Information Officer, Seattle Children's
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Jun 25, 2025 Zafar Chaudry, Senior Vice President and CDO at Seattle Children's, is on a mission to revolutionize pediatric care through technology. He discusses the impact of cloud-based data analytics on reducing opioid prescriptions for children. The conversation highlights the transformative role of AI in healthcare, alongside the challenges of funding innovative solutions. Chaudry emphasizes the importance of active listening in leadership, showcasing how it enhances outcomes and fosters a dedicated caregiving culture within healthcare.
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Physician Turned IT Leader
- Zafar Chaudry moved from being a physician to healthcare IT in the early 90s due to opportunity and interest in technology.
- He recognized early the potential growth of healthcare IT from basic green screen systems to advanced technology.
Data Drives Opioid Reduction
- Migrating to a cloud-based analytics platform enabled smarter decision-making with data from 171 clinical systems.
- AI helped reduce opioid use post-surgery, achieving 50% non-opioid inpatient and 98% outpatient rates.
Funding Challenges in AI Adoption
- AI is a powerful tool to enhance clinical care but healthcare funding uncertainties limit investment capabilities.
- Health systems must balance investing in long-term tech initiatives amid tighter finances and margin struggles.