Dr. Ezzaddin Al Wahsh, MD, MBA, is a notable physician and clinical informatics specialist with a robust career spanning over a decade in internal medicine and healthcare technology. With academic credentials from prestigious institutions including the Mayo Clinic, Harvard, and MIT, Al Wahsh has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare to enhance patient outcomes. His work is characterized by a commitment to ethical practices in AI implementation, a dedication to bridging technological advancements with human-centric care, and a passion for mentoring future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Ezzaddin Al Wahsh shares insights into his journey, the evolving role of clinical informatics, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in healthcare. In this interview, he discusses his experiences, key achievements, and vision for the future of medical technology.
Can you tell us about your journey into clinical informatics and what initially drew you to this field?
My journey into clinical informatics began during my tenure in internal medicine. I saw firsthand how technology could significantly improve patient care, yet often, it was poorly integrated, causing more friction than ease. This irony motivated me to explore how we could design better systems that genuinely enhance clinical workflows. My time at the Mayo Clinic was pivotal, where I had the opportunity to lead projects focusing on AI product lifecycle and clinical decision support systems. These experiences solidified my interest in using informatics to bridge gaps between technology and practical, patient-centered care.
What are some key projects or achievements that stand out in your career?
One of the most significant projects was improving the quality and safety of chronic narcotic prescriptions during my training program, which was recognized as the best project of the year in Flint, Michigan. This project was impactful because it directly enhanced patient safety. Another crucial endeavor was leading the enhancement of clinical decision support systems at the Mayo Clinic to reduce alert fatigue and improve efficacy. Additionally, developing AI oversight tools and validating machine learning in healthcare have been noteworthy contributions.
How has your environment influenced your work in clinical informatics and healthcare innovation?
The environment at institutions like the Mayo Clinic has been incredibly influential. Being part of a team that prioritizes innovative healthcare solutions has driven me to address inefficiencies in daily workflows that technology often fails to solve. This setting inspired me to delve deeper into how systems are built and to advocate for designs that align better with clinical needs. It’s about ensuring that tools like electronic health records and clinical decision support systems genuinely aid rather than hinder the care process.
In your view, what are the biggest challenges in integrating AI and informatics into healthcare today?
The biggest challenge is undoubtedly cost, which can be a significant barrier. Beyond that, the lack of clear use cases is another major issue; without defining the problem AI aims to solve, there’s a risk of creating inefficiencies or exacerbating existing issues. Ethical considerations also play a crucial role—understanding how much responsibility to offload to AI while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards is critical. Additionally, there is a need for better education among clinicians about AI’s potential, coupled with concerns about data security and transparency.
What trends in healthcare technology excite you the most?
I’m particularly excited about the potential of AI, especially in bedside technologies where tools like AI scribes are beginning to enhance compliance and usability. There’s tremendous potential in transforming care delivery through deep learning and neural networks if applied correctly. I’m also intrigued by operational technologies that improve patient flow, facilitating smoother transitions while enhancing patient experiences and outcomes.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career at the intersection of medicine and technology?
Start by understanding the needs of your practice. While there are numerous educational pathways in informatics, what truly fosters growth is identifying and solving real problems your colleagues face. Building trust within your environment by providing practical solutions will naturally increase your impact. It’s essential to experiment with small, targeted interventions rather than diving into complex technologies that might not fit the immediate needs of your specialty.
How do you stay motivated and continue innovating in the rapidly evolving field of clinical informatics?
Honestly, it’s not always easy. What keeps me motivated is reminding myself of the purpose behind why I got into medicine in the first place — to prevent disease, diagnose illnesses, and help people heal. Informatics is a supplement to that mission, not the core of what I do — at least not yet. But it’s becoming more important every day, especially with how much unnecessary administrative work contributes to physician burnout. When I ask myself why I’m doing this, I also push myself to think about how to do it better. Staying up-to-date with new technologies, exploring the best use cases, and having conversations with colleagues — both physicians and staff — helps me learn from others and from past mistakes. It’s all about staying connected to the bigger purpose while continuously asking how we can improve.
What emerging trends in healthcare technology excite you the most?
I’m most excited about bedside technologies, especially AI solutions. Recently, I visited a family medicine colleague who uses an AI scribe, and I had the chance to experiment with it firsthand. That experience sparked a lot of questions about compliance, usability, and how to ensure these tools actually improve care without adding risks. What excites me most about AI — especially deep learning and neural networks — is the potential to transform care delivery if applied the right way. I’m also really interested in operational technologies that improve patient flow in hospitals — tools that help patients move in and out of the system smoothly while enhancing their experience and outcomes.
What are the biggest challenges in integrating AI and informatics into healthcare today?
The biggest challenge is cost — it’s a huge barrier. But beyond that, the lack of clear use cases is another major issue. If we don’t define the problem we’re trying to solve with AI, we risk creating more waste or even making things worse. There’s also the ethical side — how much responsibility do we offload to AI, and how do we ensure these tools comply with safety, privacy, and regulatory standards? A lot of people underestimate how critical that piece is. Education is another gap — many clinicians don’t fully understand how AI works or what its potential is. And lastly, security is a big concern. Many AI tools process sensitive patient data, but the transparency around where that data goes or who has access to it isn’t always clear.
How do you see the role of clinical informatics evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
I see informatics becoming a core infrastructure of healthcare — like electricity or running water in a house. You can’t have a fully functioning healthcare system without it. As data becomes one of the biggest assets in healthcare, informatics will be essential for sustainability and growth. What I hope to see is a shift toward informatics that’s built around patient needs and operational efficiency, rather than just experimenting with technology for the sake of technology. I also think the market will become more open, breaking the monopoly of a few big tech companies. That would drive more innovation and bring more affordable solutions to the bedside.
Looking back, is there anything you would have approached differently in your career?
If I could go back, I’d approach technology in smaller, more gradual steps. Early on, I invested a lot of time and energy into learning big, complex technologies that weren’t fully aligned with what my specialty actually needed at the time. It would have been better to start with smaller, more targeted experiments — test, move forward, test again — rather than jumping in with both feet.
Outside of your professional work, what hobbies or interests help you stay balanced?
Soccer. I play twice a week and try to stay up-to-date with the sport. It’s more than just exercise — it’s a way to stay connected with friends, strategize, and recharge. We always have great conversations before and after games — sometimes about soccer, sometimes about life. It’s a space to release energy and build relationships at the same time.
Can you share a quote or guiding principle that has been particularly meaningful in your journey?
One principle that has always guided me comes from the Quran: “If you do good, you do good for yourself.” It reminds me that the first person to benefit from doing good is yourself — your actions reflect who you truly are. I also believe that you are what you do — what we consistently practice shapes our character and leaves an imprint on us before anyone else. These principles push me to approach everything with integrity and a genuine desire to create a positive impact.
Dr. Ezzaddin Al Wahsh continues to advance clinical informatics with a vision that combines technological innovation with human-centered care. His journey is a testament to the power of staying true to one’s purpose while embracing the evolving landscape of healthcare technology. We appreciate Dr. Al Wahsh for taking the time to share his insights and experiences and offering valuable perspectives on the future of AI and clinical informatics in healthcare.
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