As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize healthcare, Harvard Medical School (HMS) has positioned itself at the forefront by offering specialized education to equip clinicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders with the tools they need to integrate AI into their practice. Since its initial executive education course on AI in 2021, HMS has expanded its offerings to meet the growing demand for knowledge and expertise in this transformative field.
Building a Strong Foundation in AI Education
In the spring of 2024, HMS launched an online HMX short course on natural language processing (NLP), introducing participants to the fundamentals of this AI technology and its applications in healthcare. The course attracted widespread interest, with nearly 850 faculty, staff, and students accessing the materials.
The Office for External Education (OEE) has also woven AI-related topics into existing programs offered through the Harvard Macy Institute, which provides training for medical educators. Additionally, OEE has developed standalone courses dedicated to AI, catering to both clinicians and corporate learners.
AI in Clinical Medicine: A Live Virtual Course
A significant addition to HMS’s offerings is the two-day live virtual course, AI in Clinical Medicine, designed for physicians seeking to optimize their use of AI tools in clinical practice. Directed by HMS faculty members Maha Farhat, Samir Kendale, and Isaac (Zak) Kohane, the course explores AI models, their potential pitfalls, and strategies for effective integration. Participants also engage in discussions about the ethical implications of using AI, including issues of bias and patient equity.
The course emphasizes how AI can empower physicians to make more informed diagnoses, create more effective treatment plans, and improve patient interactions—all while keeping the “humanity of medicine” intact.
AI in Health Care: Strategies to Implementation
For healthcare leaders and decision-makers, HMS offers a two-month online course, AI in Health Care: From Strategies to Implementation. This program equips participants to address organizational challenges by studying the strengths and limitations of existing AI systems. The course culminates in a capstone project where learners identify a healthcare need and pitch an AI-driven solution.
Andrew Beam, assistant professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, leads the teaching team alongside experts from other prestigious institutions. This course ensures that participants are prepared to implement AI solutions that prioritize patient safety, equity, and well-being.
The Vision Behind AI Education at HMS
David Roberts, HMS’s Dean for External Education, emphasized the institution’s commitment to preparing healthcare professionals for an AI-driven future. “We want to provide the resources through these training programs to use these tools and not lose the amazing humanity of medicine in the process,” Roberts said.
HMS’s early investment in AI education, supported by the creation of the Department of Biomedical Informatics and OEE nearly a decade ago, has allowed it to stay ahead of the curve. “We started thinking about AI programs several years ago, and now, when everyone wants to start learning about AI, we have the programs already built,” Roberts added.
Empowering Physicians and Patients
One of the core goals of HMS’s AI education programs is to empower both physicians and patients. By integrating AI into healthcare systems, doctors can focus more on patient interactions and provide personalized care. At the same time, patients can use AI tools to validate their concerns, access reliable information, and connect with solutions more efficiently.
“Our goal is to reduce the suffering that comes from disease,” Roberts said. “AI can enable patients to find information, validate their concerns, and connect them with solutions.”
Looking Ahead
The future of AI in healthcare is advancing rapidly, with exponential growth expected in the next 5 to 10 years. HMS is committed to ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped to harness this power responsibly.
“The power of what is yet to come is going to be astonishing,” Roberts concluded. “This is just the beginning of how AI will help physicians and healthcare systems deliver high-quality care with even greater impact.”
To enroll in Harvard Medical School’s “AI in Health Care: From Strategies to Implementation” course, follow these steps:
- Visit the Course Page: Navigate to the official course page on Harvard Medical School’s website. Harvard Corporate Learning
- Review Course Details: Familiarize yourself with the course overview, curriculum, dates, duration, format, and fees to ensure it aligns with your learning objectives.
- Apply Online: Click on the “Apply Now” button to access the online application form. Complete all required fields, providing accurate personal and professional information.
- Submit Application: After filling out the form, submit your application for review.
- Await Confirmation: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions on payment and course access.
For any questions or assistance during the enrollment process, contact the program advisors at learner.success@emeritus.org. Harvard Corporate Learning
Please note that enrollment deadlines apply, so it’s advisable to complete your application promptly to secure a spot in the course.
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