Valeria Gonzalez on AI’s Role in Healthcare Innovation

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Valeria Gonzalez about her work in AI and machine learning, particularly in healthcare. Valeria explains her focus on predictive AI, which uses data to help hospitals identify urgent cases and improve patient outcomes. She shares the challenges of implementing new technology, such as resistance from healthcare professionals who value human connection in patient care. Valeria emphasizes that AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, their work. She describes her journey into the field, starting with a background in marketing and a master’s in data and information science, which led her to projects like studying why COVID-19 affected Hispanic populations more severely. We discuss how AI, especially predictive models, can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, such as diagnosing conditions based on patient history. Valeria highlights the potential for AI to save time and improve efficiency in healthcare, while also addressing misconceptions about its role. It’s an insightful conversation about innovation, adaptability, and the future of technology in healthcare.