The University of North Florida (UNF) is actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health into its academic and research initiatives, positioning itself at the forefront of medical innovation. This fall, UNF is hosting its Annual Healthcare Symposium, with the theme “Personalized Medicine Using Digital Health and AI.” The event is not just an academic gathering but a bold statement of the university’s commitment to innovation in healthcare.
AI and digital health are no longer futuristic concepts—they are rapidly becoming integral to healthcare innovation. At UNF, this integration is not only theoretical but is being actively pursued through academic initiatives and community engagement.
Dr. Mei Zhao, Ph.D., interim dean of the UNF Brooks College of Health, and Dr. Shyam Paryani, M.D., MHA, FACHE, serve as key leaders in these efforts. Dr. Paryani, who is the director of the Executive Master of Health Administration Program and the coordinator of the AI & Digital Health Program, is also the chair and founder of the Annual Healthcare Symposium. Their leadership underscores the university’s dedication to equipping healthcare professionals with the skills needed to embrace the opportunities offered by AI and digital tools.
These technologies hold immense promise:
- Improving Outcomes: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns, predict health risks, and recommend personalized treatment plans with unprecedented precision.
- Reducing Costs: Automation and predictive analytics can streamline healthcare processes, reducing inefficiencies and lowering operational costs.
- Enhancing Patient Experiences: With AI handling administrative tasks and routine diagnostics, healthcare providers can focus on delivering exceptional, human-centered care.
As Dr. Zhao and Dr. Paryani highlight, AI’s greatest strength lies in its ability to take over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on what they do best: caring for patients.
UNF’s Healthcare Symposium, will take place on December 2-3 at the Adam Herbert University Center, is set to be a landmark event. This year’s theme, “Personalized Medicine Using Digital Health and AI,” highlights the university’s focus on integrating technology with patient-centric care.
The symposium will feature more than 70 industry experts, including renowned researchers, clinicians, and technologists, who will discuss the potential applications of digital health and AI in transforming healthcare delivery. Topics will range from improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes to reducing healthcare costs and enhancing the overall patient experience.
The event will explore practical ways these technologies can be applied to address pressing challenges in healthcare and improve the well-being of communities.
The university is developing specialized programs that will prepare healthcare professionals to integrate these technologies into their practice. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application, ensuring that professionals have the tools and knowledge to navigate this rapidly changing landscape.
These educational opportunities, along with UNF’s commitment to community engagement, demonstrate the university’s focus on integrating digital health and AI into healthcare education. By providing students and professionals with practical knowledge and skills, UNF aims to prepare them to effectively navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of healthcare.
To learn more about the University of North Florida’s initiatives in digital health and AI, including upcoming programs and events like the annual Healthcare Symposium, visit UNF.
