By Nammi Sriharan, Senior Manager, I&IT Digital Delivery - Metrolinx, Canada
In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and robotics is no longer a distant possibility—it’s a present-day reality. As an executive coach specializing in AI adaptation strategies and an educator in AI, automation, and robotics within healthcare, I’ve had the privilege of guiding organizations and individuals through this transformative journey. AI is reshaping the way healthcare providers deliver care, how administrative tasks are executed, and how we envision the future of patient outcomes.
Healthcare, as we know it, is undergoing a profound shift. The inclusion of AI, automation, and robotics into this industry is driving unprecedented change, presenting both challenges and opportunities for leaders, clinicians, and healthcare professionals. The task at hand is not simply to adopt these technologies, but to implement them strategically and effectively, ensuring that they serve the immediate needs of healthcare systems, the long-term vision for innovation in patient care and serves as a tool for ethics and bias free.
AI in Healthcare: More Than Just a Trend—It’s a Necessity
When I first began teaching healthcare leaders and professionals to integrate AI, automation, and robotics, the conversation was often about potential—what AI could do, how it might improve care, or how it could streamline operations. Today, that conversation has shifted. AI is no longer a hypothetical tool in healthcare; it is a critical component of the industry’s evolution.
From improving patient outcomes to increasing operational efficiencies, AI’s role in healthcare is vast. One of the most exciting developments I’ve witnessed is the use of AI in diagnostics. AI algorithms are now being used to analyze medical images, detect early signs of diseases like cancer, and even predict patient risks long before symptoms become apparent. What once took hours of manual work is now achieved in a fraction of the time, allowing healthcare professionals to make quicker, more accurate decisions.
But AI’s impact doesn’t stop there. In administrative functions, AI has automated routine tasks like scheduling, billing, and claims processing. In my coaching sessions, I’ve seen first-hand how the elimination of these time-consuming tasks frees up staff to focus on higher-value work, such as patient care and strategic initiatives. Using robotic process automation (RPA), mundane processes are streamlined, improving not just efficiency but also employee satisfaction, as the workforce can move away from repetitive tasks.
Building an AI-Adapted Healthcare Workforce
One of the most common hurdles organizations face when adopting AI is the question of talent. How do we build a workforce that is ready for the future of healthcare? This is where my role of an executive coach becomes critical. The key is to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. AI, automation, and robotics require new skill sets, but they also require a mindset shift.
As an educator in this space, I focus on equipping healthcare leaders with the tools to navigate this transition effectively. First and foremost, we must embrace AI not as a replacement for human work, but as an augmentation—a way to enhance human expertise and improve decision- making. From administrative assistants to physicians, AI is not replacing jobs; rather, it’s changing the nature of work. Clinicians, for example, will be empowered by AI to make faster, more informed decisions, but their human judgment and empathy remain irreplaceable, human in the loop is a must specially in healthcare.
Developing an AI-literate workforce is a top priority. As I work with healthcare leaders, I stress the importance of ongoing training and upskilling. Professionals who understand AI and automation are in high demand, and for good reason. As we integrate these technologies into daily operations, staff must be prepared to work alongside them and leverage their capabilities to drive efficiency and innovation.
Whether it’s through AI-driven decision support systems or automation of administrative tasks, the workforce must understand how these tools can be used to enhance their practice, rather than feel threatened by them. Leaders must invest in building these skills at every level of their organization. Training programs, mentorship, and hands-on experiences with AI systems are essential in creating a workforce that not only adapts to but thrives in the age of automation.
AI in Patient Care: Revolutionizing the Healthcare Experience
One of the most exciting aspects of AI’s integration into healthcare is the potential for improving patient care. By automating routine tasks, providing insights through data analytics, and optimizing resource allocation, AI is helping providers offer more personalized, timely, and efficient care. It’s also changing the patient experience in profound ways.
Take, for example, AI-powered virtual health assistants. These systems can provide patients with immediate answers to their questions, schedule appointments, and even monitor symptoms in real time. By collecting data from wearables or mobile apps, AI tools can track a patient’s health outside the clinical setting and alert healthcare providers if any concerning patterns arise. This not only reduces the burden on healthcare providers but also empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health.
Moreover, AI’s predictive capabilities are revolutionizing preventive care. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify patients at risk for certain conditions—such as diabetes, heart disease, or mental health issues—long before they show any clinical symptoms. This allows for earlier interventions, personalized treatments, and ultimately, better outcomes.
AI and Robotics: The Future of Healthcare Operations
Beyond patient care, robotics and automation are transforming healthcare operations. Robotic surgery, for example, is allowing for more precise, minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery times, and improving outcomes. These systems are not only advancing medical procedures but also streamlining hospital logistics. AI-powered robots are being used in warehouses to manage supplies, deliver medications, and even clean and disinfect hospital rooms. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also helps reduce the risk of infection.
As an educator and executive coach, I emphasize to healthcare leaders that adopting robotics and automation is a long-term strategy that requires planning and foresight. It’s not just about purchasing the latest robotic system or software—it’s about understanding how these technologies will fit into the larger ecosystem of healthcare delivery and how they will complement existing workflows. The goal is not to disrupt operations but to enhance them, making healthcare delivery more efficient, more affordable, and more patient centered.
Embracing AI in Healthcare: Strategic Leadership for the Future
The journey of AI adoption in healthcare is complex and requires a strategic, thoughtful approach. In my coaching work with healthcare executives, I stress the importance of leadership in driving AI transformation. Leaders must not only understand the technical aspects of AI, automation, and robotics but also guide their teams through the cultural and organizational changes that come with such a shift.
AI adaptation is not just about technology—it’s about mindset. Leaders must foster a culture that embraces change, encourages innovation, and prioritizes lifelong learning. To stay competitive and provide the best possible care, healthcare organizations must constantly evolve, and AI is the key to that evolution.
Healthcare leaders must also consider the ethical implications of AI adoption. As we integrate AI and robotics into healthcare, it’s vital to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and equitable access to care are all issues that must be addressed to ensure AI works for everyone.
Conclusion: A Future of Possibilities with AI in Healthcare
Reflecting on my experience working with healthcare leaders and professionals, it’s clear that AI, automation, and robotics are not just trends—they are the future of healthcare. As healthcare leaders, we have an incredible opportunity to shape this future by adopting AI strategically, building a future-ready workforce, and using technology to enhance both patient care and operational efficiency.
The journey is not without its challenges, but with the right strategies in place, AI will help healthcare organizations provide better care, reduce costs, and increase access to high-quality services. The key to success lies in embracing AI not just as a tool, but as a transformative force that can reshape the future of healthcare for the better. With strategic leadership and a commitment to innovation, the future of healthcare is bright—and AI is the catalyst that will make it happen.
