Mayo Clinic launching AI education program
Harper Family Foundation provided $10M to train staff and medical professionals to deploy AI technology ethically for patients, system says.
Photo: Laurence Dutton/Getty Images
Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic is launching a new artificial intelligence education program using $10 million in funds from the Harper Family Foundation.
The Mayo Clinic Harper Family Foundation Artificial Intelligence Education in Medicine Program will train staff and medical professionals to deploy the best AI technology, ethically, for patients, the health system said.
"The Harper Family Foundation was created through the hard work, success and generosity of Mike and Josie Harper as a sustainable resource to support education, leadership and healthcare, and to strengthen our communities," said the Harper Family Foundation Board of Trustees.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Mayo Clinic expects the effort to accelerate career development opportunities and to disseminate knowledge among staff as the health system delves deeper into the technology.
Earlier this year, Mayo Clinic joined forces with 3D imaging startup JelloX Biotech on artificial intelligence-powered imaging analysis technology.
At the HIMSS24 global conference in Orlando, Florida, in March, a team from Mayo Clinic outlined the company's "comprehensive digital strategy," which involves several key steps, including the development of a "future state vision" and forming guiding digital imperatives.
The Mayo team has been working on this project in earnest since 2020, and throughout Phases 0 and 1 they made key decisions about the long-term master plan – a plan that includes a multiyear timeline for investing in digital experiences, with a focus on digitally optimizing its physical spaces.
Last year Mayo Clinic said it was partnering with Google Cloud for generative AI, starting with a Gen App Builder in clinical workflows. The Enterprise Search in Generative AI App Builder is expected to make it easier for clinicians and researchers to find information to help improve patient outcomes, Google Cloud said the Gen App Builder supports HIPAA compliance.
THE LARGER TREND
Dr. Mike Harper Jr., who previously served as the Mayo Clinic executive dean of practice and as a member of the Mayo Clinic Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, and his wife, Mary Harper, are both directors of the foundation, which is based in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition to practicing in neurology, Harper is currently a professor in Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
His father, Charles M. Harper Sr., was CEO of ConAgra Foods from 1976 to 1992. Mr. and Mrs. Harper Sr. established the Harper Family Foundation in 1993. Its primary focus is supporting organizations working in education, social services, health, youth and civic projects.
Recognized by Mayo Clinic as a Philanthropic Partner, the foundation previously established the Harper Family Foundation Scholarship Fund for Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in 2018. The foundation has also made gifts supporting the Mayo Clinic Hospice program and the Poverello Fund, as well as unrestricted gifts.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
