Time is everything in health care. Imagine a loved one with high-risk breast cancer being prioritized for treatment in days, not months. A doctor who is able to spend more time with patients and less on paperwork. A breakthrough treatment developed and approved in months, not years, to outpace fast-moving viruses and drug-resistant cancers.
In all these scenarios, time isn't just valuable it saves lives. And now, they're poised to become a reality in healthcare settings across B.C. and Canada thanks to the artificial intelligence tools being developed and deployed by UBC's new AI and Health Network.
"These are no longer distant possibilities, we're building them today with AI models that are ready to serve the health needs of Canadians," said network co-leader Dr. Raymond Ng, professor of computer science at UBC. "Whether it's earlier disease diagnosis, improved access to care or accelerating drug development, this network is unlocking AI's potential to create efficiencies in health systems, support providers and deliver better care for patients."
Launched today with the support of a $22.5-million gift from the Gordon B. Shrum Charitable Fund, the UBC AI and Health Network brings together researchers, clinicians and health system partners to apply Canadian-made AI solutions to the challenges facing patients and health systems.
