Preparing for the imminent AI revolution in healthcare: Insights from HIMSS25
AI is transforming healthcare, from agentic automation to cybersecurity challenges. Learn the key insights from HIMSS25 on how healthcare leaders can prepare for the next wave of AI-driven innovation.
Las Vegas, NV — The 2025 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition commenced yesterday, drawing over 30,000 healthcare professionals to explore the forefront of health information and technology. A central theme resonating throughout the conference is the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impending transformative impact on healthcare delivery systems.
The exponential growth of AI capabilities
Dennis Chornenky, Chief AI Advisor at UC Davis Health, delivered a compelling keynote at the AI in Healthcare Forum, emphasizing the swift evolution of AI technologies. He highlighted that while humans can anticipate incremental changes, the exponential advancements in AI present unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Chornenky projected that AI’s cognitive reasoning capabilities could increase by factors of 100 annually in the coming years, underscoring the urgency for healthcare systems to adapt proactively.
Transitioning from generative to agentic AI
The discourse at HIMSS25 has shifted from generative AI, known for content creation, to agentic AI, characterized by its ability to take autonomous actions and set goals. This evolution signifies a move towards intelligent automation, where AI systems can independently execute tasks, potentially redefining various healthcare workflows. Chornenky described agentic AI as an integration of large language models with methodologies akin to robotic process automation, offering vast opportunities for efficiency but also posing significant workforce implications.
Implications for the healthcare workforce
The advent of agentic AI brings forth critical considerations regarding employment within the healthcare sector. Tasks traditionally performed by junior roles, such as data analysis and report generation, may become automated, challenging the conventional pathways for career progression. Chornenky emphasized the necessity for future professionals to develop competencies in managing and collaborating with AI systems, suggesting a paradigm shift in skill requirements and educational focus.
Strategic preparation and governance
To navigate the impending AI-driven transformation, healthcare organizations must implement robust governance frameworks. Chornenky advocated for proactive strategies to harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks, including ethical considerations, data privacy, and equitable access. Establishing clear policies and continuous oversight will be pivotal in integrating AI technologies responsibly and effectively.
AI’s role in clinical decision support
Beyond operational efficiencies, AI’s integration into clinical decision support systems was a focal point at HIMSS25. Sessions explored how AI can augment physician judgment, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and personalize treatment plans. However, speakers cautioned against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human oversight and the irreplaceable value of clinical expertise.
Interoperability and data integration
The conference also addressed the challenges of interoperability in the context of AI adoption. Effective AI systems require seamless data exchange across platforms to function optimally. Discussions highlighted the need for standardized data formats and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to break down silos, facilitating a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem.
Cybersecurity in the age of AI
With the increasing integration of AI, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern. The potential for AI systems to be both targets and tools of cyber threats necessitates advanced security measures. Experts at HIMSS25 underscored the importance of developing AI-specific cybersecurity protocols to protect patient data and maintain trust in digital health innovations.
The path forward
As HIMSS25 unfolds, the collective insights emphasize a future where AI is integral to healthcare delivery. The conference serves as a clarion call for healthcare leaders to embrace technological advancements thoughtfully, ensuring that the integration of AI enhances patient outcomes, supports healthcare professionals, and upholds the core values of medical practice.
The rapid progression of AI presents both transformative opportunities and complex challenges. The discourse at HIMSS25 highlights the imperative for strategic preparation, continuous education, and ethical governance to harness AI’s potential effectively. As the healthcare landscape evolves, proactive adaptation will be key to thriving in this new era of intelligent automation.
Kenneth R. Deans, Jr., DHA, MBA, FACHDM is the President and CEO of Health Sciences South Carolina