Azra AI is proud to present Innovate Oncology, a podcast that brings together leading healthcare professionals, researchers, and thought leaders to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of cancer care. As oncology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, we explore the latest breakthroughs, cutting-edge technologies, and best practices that are reshaping patient care.
In the first episode of the Innovate Oncology Podcast Presented by Azra AI, we dive into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology care. Joining us are two thought leaders: Dr. Douglas Flora, Executive Medical Director at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and Brook Blackmore, Chief Strategy and Product Officer at Azra AI. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping cancer care and discuss their personal journeys in healthcare innovation.
Key Applications of AI in Oncology
When discussing the most exciting areas of AI, Dr. Flora emphasizes the automation of repetitive, mechanical tasks.
“Extracting unstructured data from electronic medical records, easing documentation burdens for physicians, and facilitating better care by removing barriers are just a few of the ways AI is making a difference,” he notes. Automation allows healthcare providers to focus on higher-level tasks, enhancing their capacity to connect with patients on a deeper level.
Blackmore highlights the unique challenges faced by navigation teams and cancer registrars, who are often overwhelmed by manual tracking and administrative tasks. AI-driven solutions empower these professionals to spend more time supporting patients and less time on data entry. “Allowing navigators to do what they were called to do—help cancer patients—is one of the most rewarding shifts I’ve seen in the industry,” she says.
Addressing Industry Hesitations and Scaling for the Future
Both guests acknowledge that initial hesitations about AI—fears of automation replacing jobs—have given way to an understanding of its supportive role. Dr. Flora describes healthcare as “the last bastion of inefficiencies,” with significant opportunities for improvement through AI.
From finding cancers earlier to enrolling more patients in clinical trials, AI enables a level of scale and precision previously unimaginable. As Dr. Flora puts it, “We’re going to need tools for physicians, nurses, and hospital systems to reach the people they need to reach, wherever they are, whenever they need us.”
Simplifying Complex Systems with AI
For healthcare systems considering AI implementation, Dr. Flora’s advice was clear: prioritize simplicity, data privacy, and usability. “We don’t have the resources to manage 200 different programs,” he explained. “What we need are unified solutions that are user-friendly and protect patient health information.”
Brook echoed this sentiment, highlighting Azra AI’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions. By leveraging a single partner to address multiple needs, health systems can streamline their IT infrastructure and improve efficiency. This holistic approach allows AI to seamlessly integrate into clinical workflows, ensuring that care teams can focus on what matters most: the patients.
A Call to Action for Clinicians
Dr. Flora’s message to oncology professionals is clear: embrace AI as a critical tool in advancing patient care. Just as oncologists have adapted to new paradigms in genetics and immunology, they must now invest time in understanding and leveraging AI. The benefits, he argues, will far exceed those of previous innovations, enhancing not only patient outcomes but also the quality of clinicians’ professional lives.
As the healthcare industry continues to embrace AI, its potential to transform oncology care becomes increasingly evident. Both Dr. Flora and Blackmore envision a future where AI tools eliminate administrative burdens, enable earlier interventions, and ensure equitable care for all patients. By integrating technological innovation with clinical excellence, they aim to create a healthcare system that is more efficient, compassionate, and effective.
“...If you can harness these tools for the greater good for your patients, you would be very pleased, not just with the quality of your day, the quality of your lives, but the quality of the care that you're able to afford that patient because you got help to finally.”- Dr. Douglas Flora, Innovate Oncology Podcast Presented by Azra AI, Season 1, Episode 001 “The Role of AI in Oncology Care”
The Innovate Oncology Podcast is presented by Azra A.I. and available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe to the show on your preferred streaming platform so that you’re notified when new episodes are released.
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