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Nvidia, a leader in the tech industry, envisions a future where artificial intelligence (AI) permeates every facet of the healthcare sector. This ambitious goal, however, comes with significant hurdles, especially within the complex landscape of the U.S. healthcare system.

At the heart of Nvidia's offerings is its groundbreaking graphics processing unit (GPU), a powerful chip that serves as the backbone for much of today's AI technology. While this innovation holds immense potential, it cannot single-handedly rectify the outdated systems, cumbersome regulations rooted in an analog past, and deep-seated privacy concerns that both healthcare professionals and patients harbor.

Despite these challenges, Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, is known for his fascination with what he calls zero-billion-dollar markets. These are sectors where he sees the opportunity to develop new technologies from the ground up while simultaneously educating the industry on how to utilize them effectively. In the realm of healthcare, the responsibility of driving this vision forward falls to Kimberly Powell, Nvidia's General Manager for Healthcare.

Business Insider recently engaged in an enlightening conversation with Powell, who has dedicated 17 years to Nvidia. She highlighted how healthcare represents one of the companys most significant opportunities for growth and transformation.

Q&A with Kimberly Powell

What areas of the healthcare industry do you focus on most?

Powell identified medical imaging as a crucial entry point for Nvidia into the healthcare sector. When patients visit a doctor, they typically present a symptom that prompts imaging to search for underlying issues, she explained. Radiology, which involves a meticulous process of setting up machines, capturing images, and ensuring quality, is an area ripe for AI integration. AI can enhance various stages of this workflow, from initial imaging to the final assessment by radiologists, she added.

Are there any healthcare companies you believe are currently under the radar but poised to become significant players due to AI advancements?

Powell expressed strong confidence in General Electric (GE), noting its pivotal role in the diagnostic imaging segment, a $50 billion industry that currently services only a third of the population. If we can make these systems more autonomous, we could potentially serve the entire population and considerably expand the market, she stated. Many of these companies have a century of tradition behind them, predominantly focused on hardware sales. However, Powell observed a transformative shift over the last decade, urging these firms to enhance data utilization rather than simply providing raw sensor output.

Another company that Powell mentioned was IQVIA, a clinical research organization that has been pivotal in conducting clinical trials for the pharmaceutical industry. IQVIA has extensive experience navigating healthcare systems and collecting a wealth of patient data, from electronic health records to lifestyle choices, she explained. The company has developed a robust data network, and with the introduction of AI, it is well-positioned to offer enhanced services that leverage this rich dataset.

How do you envision the costs of healthcare changing as AI becomes more prevalent?

Powell acknowledged that the integration of AI into healthcare could lead to substantial economic shifts. There is compelling evidence that early detection of conditions like cancer can drastically reduce costs and improve outcomes, she noted. She emphasized that the current healthcare paradigm tends to focus on treating illness rather than promoting wellness. If we can develop systems that catch diseases in their early stages, we can create a compelling economic rationale for adopting these technologies, she asserted.

Do you engage with the public regarding their perceptions of AI in healthcare?

Powell confirmed her interest in public sentiment towards AI in healthcare. People often express concerns about privacy and security when discussing AI's role in medicine, she shared. However, she noted that once she explains the potential benefits, many begin to see the transformative possibilities. For instance, I recently spoke with my 9-year-old daughter who questioned why I would want a robot involved in healthcare. I explained that just like humans, surgeons can experience fatigue, and having AI support could enhance their performance, Powell recounted. These are the discussions that resonate with us all as we navigate the intersection of technology and health.