Tina Vatanka Murphy, CEO & President, GHX.
The healthcare supply chain again finds itself at a pivotal moment. With the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) moving at unprecedented speed, we now have tools that promise to streamline operations, elevate efficiency and transform the delivery of patient care.
The power of AI is becoming undeniable: According to a recent study, nearly 46% of organizations in the healthcare supply chain now use AI to help monitor and mitigate supply disruptions, with about a third using it to forecast demand. Yet, with transformation comes complexity.
Many leaders today feel the weight of these changes, and healthcare executives tell me they still lack the resources or infrastructure for full AI preparedness. As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, healthcare leaders face the delicate balance of adopting this technology while fostering trust, managing ethical concerns and leading their organizations through this profound period of change.
Challenges of this magnitude are familiar territory. The early days of the internet had a similar “moment in history” quality, but AI’s potential impact may be even greater, offering the power to reshape entire business operations and redefine the delivery of patient care.
Redefining Care With AI: Mission-Driven Leadership
For those of us leading technology organizations focused solely on healthcare, our mission is crystal clear: View AI not as a disruptor but a powerful tool for improving access to affordable, quality patient care. Embracing emerging technologies with urgency and clarity allows us to shape healthcare’s future for the better and stay true to our commitment to healthcare providers and those who make and deliver the products used in patient care.
While some might say the rapid rise of AI demands an entirely new leadership style, I believe that the foundations of effective leadership—courage, resilience and a growth mindset—are just as relevant (and even more vital) today. By staying grounded in purpose and navigating change with resolve, leaders can harness this technological revolution to drive innovation, inspire growth and elevate patient care.
Fostering Understanding And Easing Fears
The rise of AI does, however, bring a unique set of challenges, including stakeholder fears—especially among healthcare consumers. In a recent survey by Pew Research, 60% of Americans expressed discomfort with relying on AI in patient care. Many people fear impacts on privacy, job security and data safety. Leadership acknowledgement of these concerns is the first step in building trust and helping teams navigate the uncertainties.
I recommend leaders commit to fostering “AI fluency,” educating employees and engaging your community on AI’s applications and benefits. A recent World Economic Forum report noted that over half of workers want AI training.
For example, to address these needs within my company, we recently hosted a leadership workshop focused on understanding the practical applications of GenAI across each function of our organization, making it relevant and accessible. We highlighted responsible data handling, transparency and the importance of bias mitigation. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of AI’s possibilities, a shared sense of responsibility and a resolve to advocate for the ethical and transparent use of these tools within their teams.
Building An Ethical Framework For AI In Healthcare
As we push the boundaries of what AI can accomplish, companies must maintain a clear, ethical framework. In healthcare, where lives are at stake, AI-driven errors or biases are not simply a misstep—they’re unacceptable.
Healthcare leaders and the data and technology community are coming together in meaningful ways to collaborate on answers to some of the most complex questions surrounding the ethical use of AI to help ensure ethical considerations are at the forefront—never an afterthought.
With AI training and ethics programs, the healthcare sector is actively equipping teams for responsible AI use. And collaborative initiatives, such as hackathons hosted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, create spaces for practitioners to safely innovate with AI-powered solutions.
My company recently launched an AI advisory council to collaborate and advance AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and resiliency without compromising equitable outcomes across the healthcare supply chain. And early this year, 16 hospitals and health systems (including several members of my organization’s community) signed on with Microsoft to form the Trustworthy & Responsible AI Network (TRAIN), which aims to operationalize principles to improve the quality, safety and trustworthiness of AI in health.
A Vision For Inclusive Innovation
As we look to the future, the goal is clear: to unlock AI’s potential for every individual, ensuring that technological progress does not widen gaps but instead bridges them. AI has the promise to revolutionize healthcare and transform the supply chain, but its full value will only be realized through responsible leadership, transparent operations and a steadfast commitment to equity. It’s important for industry leaders to commit to advancing innovation that respects every person, regardless of their Zip code or life circumstances.
AI’s transformative power doesn’t just lie in the technology itself, but in how we use it to advance healthcare for everyone. Here’s what I believe: We must approach every innovation opportunity not by asking, “What can we do,” but “What should we do with this powerful technology?” This helps ensure that AI will serve as a tool to enhance human judgment, not replace it.
And it’s the best way I can think of to deliver sustainable innovation that brings us closer to the availability of affordable, quality healthcare for all.
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