Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1501973
O OUR OVERRIDING MISSION is to better prevent, detect and treat illness in all communities, including those that have historically not had equal access to the best healthcare. Artificial intelligence (AI), if used appropriately, has the potential to bring us much closer to achieving our goal. The concept of "thinking" computer systems generating intelligent decisions based on data is not a new concept. Yet it feels like we are at the genesis of a new dawn for artificial intelligence, with a sense that the possibilities are endless. Perhaps a better way to describe artificial intelligence is that it is rapidly evolving. We are increasingly seeing new ways in which AI is incorporated into our daily lives. For instance, there has been a great deal of buzz around the ChatGPT chatbot and similar tools in recent months. There will undoubtedly be more buzz-worthy innovations making their way to the public. But what does artificial intelligence mean for healthcare? Data science and AI may have a greater impact on health than any other technology we will see in our lifetimes. At the University of Illinois College of Medicine and UIC, we are approaching AI and machine learning from a unique perspective, ensuring that our efforts align with our mission to provide healthcare for all. In the past year, we have formed the Center for Health Equity using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (CHEMA). You will read about CHEMA in this edition of Illinois Medicine. We're delighted that Niranjan S. Karnik, MA '95, MD '02, PhD '03, is serving as interim director of CHEMA. He is supported by a team of extraordinary scientists and physicians who are working intensely to extend CHEMA's reach across research, clinical practice and teaching. This edition includes several stories on AI and machine learning, including the work led by Jerry A. Krishnan, MD, PhD, that looks at the potential of machine learning to expand our ability to serve patients, ensuring that we focus these unique efforts on providing accessible and high-quality healthcare. You will also read about some of our thoughtful donors who have given back to the College of Medicine, such as J. Usha Raj, MD, MHA, whose gift to the College has established the J. Usha Raj Endowed Professorship in Pediatrics and Psychiatry. In addition, Professor Emeritus Alfonse T. Masi, MD, DrPH, MPH, and Nancy Masi have generously established the first endowed chair in the Department of Medicine at our Peoria campus. These types of gifts are integral to furthering our impact across all areas of our mission. As you peruse the magazine, you'll see more about how we continue to expand our clinical reach to our communities and make advancements in our offerings thanks to the construction of new facilities like our Specialty Care Building, which opened last fall. And we love to celebrate our students and alumni, which you will also see as we share photos from our reunions and stories from our white coat ceremonies in Chicago, Peoria and Rockford. I hope that you enjoy this edition, and I look forward to your continued engagement with your College of Medicine. Illinois Medicine | 1 Mark I. Rosenblatt, MD, PhD, MBA, MHA '19 Executive Dean P H O T O : D I A N E S M U T N Y dean's message