Panel Discusses AI’s Impact on Health Care Data Privacy and Delivery
A panel of experts convened at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on August 6, 2025, to discuss the significant role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming health care delivery, research, and policy. The event, part of the Master in Health Care Management program, focused on the integration of AI into various health care workflows, including diagnostics, patient monitoring, and clinical decision-making.
The discussion aimed to address pressing concerns regarding data privacy and protection as AI’s influence in health care continues to grow. Panelists shared their experiences and insights on the challenges and potential benefits of implementing AI technologies in real-world health care settings.
Deborah DiSanzo Eldracher, President of Best Buy Health and an instructor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasized the need for a balanced approach in adopting AI solutions. She highlighted that while AI has the potential to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes, safeguarding sensitive health care data is paramount.
Joining her on the panel was Daichi Hayashi, the Alice Ettinger – Jack R. Dreyfuss Chair and Professor of Radiology at Tufts University School of Medicine. As Radiologist-in-Chief at Tufts Medical Center, Hayashi discussed the importance of AI in radiology, particularly in improving diagnostic accuracy and streamlining workflows. He noted that the integration of AI tools can significantly aid radiologists in interpreting complex imaging data.
Additionally, Dusadee Sarangarm, Chief Medical Information Officer at the University of New Mexico Health, shared insights on the implementation of AI in patient monitoring systems. Sarangarm pointed out that AI can enhance patient care by enabling real-time monitoring and early detection of health issues, ultimately leading to better clinical outcomes.
Moderating the discussion was Meredith Rosenthal, the C. Boyden Gray Professor of Health Economics and Policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Rosenthal facilitated a dialogue that explored the ethical implications of AI in health care, particularly regarding consent and data ownership. She underscored the necessity of establishing robust policies to protect patient information while enabling the advancement of AI technologies.
As health care increasingly embraces AI, the panel concluded that ongoing dialogue among stakeholders is essential to navigate the complexities of data privacy and the ethical use of technology. The experts agreed that while AI presents remarkable opportunities for innovation, it is crucial to prioritize the protection of patient data to build trust and foster a safe health care environment.
The discussion at Harvard highlights a pivotal moment in health care, where AI can drive significant improvements but also raises critical questions about data security. As more institutions look to incorporate AI into their practices, the insights shared by these leaders will resonate across the industry, shaping the future of health care delivery and policy.
