Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

Topic: Improving Health Outcomes through AI
Date: April 2024

Introduction

The RCSI National Health Outcomes Conference 2024, held on 16th April, focused on “Improving Health Outcomes through AI.” Hosted by the Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre (HORC) at the RCSI School of Population Health, this annual event explored the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, practitioners, patients, policymakers, and industry professionals, to discuss the latest AI innovations in healthcare.
 
Mark Kelly, a renowned business leader and AI expert, was chosen to moderate the conference. His leadership and expertise were pivotal in ensuring the event’s success.

Introduction

The RCSI National Health Outcomes Conference 2024, held on 16th April, focused on “Improving Health Outcomes through AI.” Hosted by the Healthcare Outcomes Research Centre (HORC) at the RCSI School of Population Health, this annual event explored the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, practitioners, patients, policymakers, and industry professionals, to discuss the latest AI innovations in healthcare.

Mark Kelly, a renowned business leader and AI expert, was chosen to moderate the conference. His leadership and expertise were pivotal in ensuring the event’s success.

Highlights

The conference examined various aspects of AI in healthcare through three key sessions:
 
1. Session 1: AI in Healthcare – The Basics
   – Dr. Robert Ross from TU Dublin discussed the potentials and pitfalls of AI usage in healthcare.
   – Dr. John Sheehan, a consultant radiologist, explored the future of AI in healthcare.
   – Nuala Ryan, a patient advocate, outlined patients’ concerns and questions regarding AI.
 
2. Session 2: AI for Healthcare Professionals and Systems
   – Professor Mark Sujan from the University of York kicked off with “Human-Centred Healthcare AI.”
   – Professor Neil O’Hare, Chief Information Officer of Children’s Health Ireland, discussed AI integration in the new Children’s Hospital.
   – The session included a quick-fire round on AI in practice and a fireside chat between Mark Kelly and Professor Prathibha Varkey, President of the Mayo Clinic Health System.
 
3. Session 3: The Future’s So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades
   – Dr. Mary Coghlan from EY Ireland spoke on “AI and Population Health: What Might the Future Hold?”
   – Gerard Quinn from Icon PLC discussed machine learning and AI deployment in clinical research.
   – Conrad Bernath from T-Pro explored how AI is shaping patient care.
 

Highlights

The conference examined various aspects of AI in healthcare through three key sessions:
 
1. Session 1: AI in Healthcare – The Basics
   – Dr. Robert Ross from TU Dublin discussed the potentials and pitfalls of AI usage in healthcare.
   – Dr. John Sheehan, a consultant radiologist, explored the future of AI in healthcare.
   – Nuala Ryan, a patient advocate, outlined patients’ concerns and questions regarding AI.
 
2. Session 2: AI for Healthcare Professionals and Systems
   – Professor Mark Sujan from the University of York kicked off with “Human-Centred Healthcare AI.”
   – Professor Neil O’Hare, Chief Information Officer of Children’s Health Ireland, discussed AI integration in the new Children’s Hospital.
   – The session included a quick-fire round on AI in practice and a fireside chat between Mark Kelly and Professor Prathibha Varkey, President of the Mayo Clinic Health System.
 
3. Session 3: The Future’s So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades
   – Dr. Mary Coghlan from EY Ireland spoke on “AI and Population Health: What Might the Future Hold?”
   – Gerard Quinn from Icon PLC discussed machine learning and AI deployment in clinical research.
   – Conrad Bernath from T-Pro explored how AI is shaping patient care.

Key Contributions

1. Moderating the Programme:
   – Mark expertly moderated the day’s sessions, ensuring smooth transitions and engaging discussions.
   – His welcoming and insightful introductions set the stage for a thorough exploration of AI in healthcare.
 
2. Extensive Planning and Collaboration:
   – Mark contributed significantly to the planning phase, offering his time and expertise generously.
   – He played a key role in shaping the event, suggesting top-tier speakers and refining the agenda to maximise impact.
 
3. Diverse Audience Engagement:
   – The conference drew a diverse crowd, including clinicians, researchers, practitioners, patients, policymakers, and industry professionals.
   – Thanks to Mark’s leadership, the event effectively catered to this varied audience, receiving outstanding feedback.

Key Contributions

1. Moderating the Programme:
   – Mark expertly moderated the day’s sessions, ensuring smooth transitions and engaging discussions.
   – His welcoming and insightful introductions set the stage for a thorough exploration of AI in healthcare.
 
2. Extensive Planning and Collaboration:
   – Mark contributed significantly to the planning phase, offering his time and expertise generously.
   – He played a key role in shaping the event, suggesting top-tier speakers and refining the agenda to maximise impact.
 
3. Diverse Audience Engagement:
   – The conference drew a diverse crowd, including clinicians, researchers, practitioners, patients, policymakers, and industry professionals.
   – Thanks to Mark’s leadership, the event effectively catered to this varied audience, receiving outstanding feedback.

“I worked with Mark on the recent RCSI National Health Outcomes conference. His expertise in AI and distinguished leadership ensured the success of our event. Mark not only masterfully moderated the programme but also contributed extensively to the planning, helping to create a highly impactful day. Thanks to his stewardship, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, marking it as the best conference in its six-year history.”

Bridget Cunningham

Value & Access Head a.i.
Novartis Ireland

Conclusion

Mark Kelly’s involvement was instrumental to the success of the RCSI National Health Outcomes Conference 2024. His deep knowledge of AI, combined with his leadership and collaborative spirit, resulted in a highly impactful and well-received event. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees underscores his ability to engage and inspire a diverse audience.