Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving profound changes in healthcare, with applications now touching nearly every field. AI's potential rapidly expands from preliminary readings of imaging studies and pathology samples to assisting with patient scheduling, drafting clinical notes, and even facilitating surgical consent processes. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.
At Duke Orthopaedics, we have a unique opportunity to be leaders in this transformative space. With great excitement, I announce Christian Pean, MD, MS, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, as our inaugural Executive Director for AI and Information Technology Innovation. Christian has been at the forefront of AI innovation within our department, leading our AI committee and demonstrating a deep commitment to integrating technology to improve care, streamline processes, and support our patients and clinicians.
In his new role, Christian will focus on developing and implementing AI strategies across all aspects of our department. He will also support others in exploring AI-driven initiatives that enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and clinical decision-making.
“I’m truly honored to take on the role of Executive Director of AI and IT Innovation for Duke Orthopaedics,” said Dr. Pean. “This position offers a remarkable opportunity to integrate advanced technologies into care delivery, to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and promote health equity. I see immense potential in computer vision, predictive machine learning, and generative AI—tools that can revolutionize patient- and clinician-facing solutions. My success in this role will ultimately be measured by the real-world impact these innovations have on patients and clinicians in orthopaedics.”
Christian’s vision for AI in orthopaedics is bold and focused on meaningful impact. He views this opportunity as humbling and exciting, emphasizing that technology holds vast potential to improve care and streamline processes.
“This opportunity is both humbling and exciting,” Christian shared. “I’m eager to shape the future of AI in orthopaedics and collaborate with my colleagues to bring innovative ideas to life. Technology has vast potential to improve care and streamline processes, and I’m committed to ensuring our work creates meaningful value for patients and clinicians alike.”
As we move forward, we will also leverage Duke’s AI health infrastructure, a cutting-edge platform that will support and amplify our efforts in AI innovation. We aim to develop solutions that enhance the patient experience, promote better health outcomes, improve efficiency, and advance research.
Dr. Pean’s overarching goal is to make Duke Orthopaedics a leader in the responsible use of AI technologies. He sees limitless potential in AI to drive quality improvement, enhance education, and support our clinicians in their day-to-day work, all while improving population health.
“My vision for Duke Orthopaedics is for us to be leaders in the responsible use of AI to transform care,” he said. “The potential to drive quality improvement, enhance education, support clinicians, and improve population health is limitless. I’m excited to work together and see our impact.”
Please join me in congratulating Christian on his new role. More importantly, I encourage you to engage with him as we explore and develop innovative AI approaches to improve health outcomes for all.
All the best,
Ben