Raleigh-Durham leaders discuss AI and data analytics in education and healthcare at leadership summit

Writer: Eleana Teran

2 min read August 2024 — Educators and healthcare professionals in Raleigh-Durham are tackling the challenges posed by the rapid advancements in technology impacting both industries.

During the opening panel of the Invest: Raleigh-Durham 2024-2025 Launch Conference, titled “Managing Disruption: How are educators and healthcare professionals navigating technological disruptions to improve outcomes in both fields?”, the region’s top leaders shared their viewpoints on the integration of AI and data analytics, the necessity of innovation in education, and strategies for maintaining continuity in patient care amidst technological changes. The discussion emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to address healthcare disparities, improve access to services, and enhance educational outcomes.

“North Carolina is one of the best states in the nation for delivering quality care. The link between education and healthcare has existed for centuries. We need to use disruptive thinking and apply technology to continue evolving,” said Steve Lawler, president and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. He was joined by fellow panelists Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences at Elon University, and Curt Ladig, president and CEO of Delta Dental of North Carolina.  

Lawler’s perspective on North Carolina’s excellence in healthcare is supported by recent accolades. Three UNC Health hospitals earned spots on Newsweek’s 2024 World’s Best Hospitals List. UNC Health Rex in Raleigh ranked as the second-highest hospital in the state, followed by UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill at third, and UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield ranked at No. 12. Similarly, Duke University Hospital was named among the 20 best hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. North Carolina is also recognized among the top ten states with the highest percentage of hospitals receiving an “A” grade from Leapfrog, with Raleigh-Cary, NC, listed among the top 25 metro areas boasting the highest percentage of “A” hospitals.

Further into the panel discussion, speakers highlighted the integration of technology into healthcare education and the benefits it has on patient care and improving health outcomes. Lund pointed out the benefits of using advanced technology for teaching practical skills. “When we teach anatomy, we have our donor lab and anatomy lab, but with mixed reality, we can have students walk around the brain and better understand its functions. They need to practice, and they can do that on people or with technology, repeating the procedure until they have mastered the skill,” she explained. 

Curt Ladig discussed how Delta Dental is utilizing technology to enhance patient outcomes and reduce costs. He highlighted their efforts to combat fraudulent transactions through AI, which in turn keeps healthcare affordable. “There are increasing fraudulent transactions in healthcare. We are working with AI to reduce these instances and keep access affordable for our members,” said Ladig. According to Forbes, healthcare insurance fraud, particularly Medicare and Medicaid fraud, is the most financially burdensome, costing consumers an estimated $105 billion annually, with $68.7 billion attributed to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association estimates that 3% of total healthcare expenditures are lost annually due to healthcare fraud, with some government and law enforcement agencies estimating up to 10%.

Ladig also shared the company’s focus on improving dental health and preventing costly health issues. “We aim to improve dental health and prevent issues like oral cancer, one of the most costly and deadly cancers in America,” he added.

Reinforcing the importance of technology in healthcare, Lawler emphasized the role of AI and data analytics in addressing healthcare challenges, particularly for marginalized communities. “Using AI, data, and analytics, we can solve issues more effectively. For individuals in North Carolina with conditions affecting marginalized communities, we are better equipped to address their needs and improve access to physicians,” he said.

Echoing the need for continuous innovation, Lund highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancements and the imperative for education to adapt. “Innovations come out so quickly that by the time we are using them, there is already something better and faster available. We must identify the next big thing and innovate how our teachers adapt to these technologies. Students are savvy and often teach each other, so collaboration is key,” said stated, underscoring the intertwined relationship between technology, healthcare, and education.

For more information, visit:

https://www.ncha.org/ 

https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/health-sciences/ 

https://deltadentalnc.com/