Skip to main content

HL Shorts: How to Use AI as an Assistant, Rather Than a Replacement

Analysis  |  By Eric Wicklund  
   November 05, 2025

As AI becomes more firmly embedded in clinical care, some healthcare leaders are worried it will affect critical thinking. That’s why some executives are developing tools that focus on giving clinicians support, but not thinking for them.

Healthcare leaders are taking a good look at how AI can help clinicians – and watching for signs that their doctors and nurses aren’t relying on the technology to do the work for them.

At Seattle Children’s Hospital, Zafar Chaudry, SVP, Chief Digital Officer and Chief AI and Information Officer, is championing a new tool called Pathway Assistant. It’s designed to mine clinical pathways developed at the hospital to give clinicians guidance.

In this HL Shorts episode, listen as Chaudry details how the tool was developed, and how it helps his clinicians improve patient care and outcomes.

And read this month’s HealthLeaders cover story to see how executives are making sure AI doesn’t replace critical thinking.

 

Eric Wicklund is the Associate Content Manager and Senior Editor for Innovation and Technology at HealthLeaders.


Get the latest on healthcare leadership in your inbox.