(US and Canada) Roger Jansen, Chief Innovation and Digital Health Officer, Michigan State University Health Care, speaks with Jake Dreier, Director Strategy & Growth, HiLabs, about the innovations in health care technology and the possibility of AI replacing clinicians in the future.

Jansen says change doesn’t have to come from the health care entity. He explains that the potential of driving innovation and data capability from the consumer end is greater than bringing innovation from the health system. He also opines that it will take people outside the existing health care infrastructure to think differently to bring innovation. Jansen reveals that he is exploring ways to utilize consumer health capabilities and technology to drive clinical behavior to change.

When asked what it would take for people in the system to collaborate with people in other industries, Jansen says there is a possibility of moderate collaboration because the health system isn’t as meaningful to someone working at Google or Amazon. However, he envisions experienced professionals setting out independently, establishing their clinics and focusing on experiential consumer aspects. Jansen notes that adopting more capabilities and innovation in health care needs to begin with innovating the business model.

Regarding AI versus the human element in healthcare, he says that while AI can do better assessments than clinicians, it cannot empathize with patients. He also mentions that AI, machine learning and computer capabilities will likely override the human ability to process information in a decade or two.

Jansen emphasizes, however, that human connectivity, compassion, care, and a clinician’s historical experience will not be replaced with technology any time soon.