In September 2025, the Division of Clinical Informatics (DCI) Network held a pivotal conference in Boston to address the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. The event, entitled “Signal Through the Noise: What Works, What Lasts, and What Matters in Healthcare AI,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and patient advocates, to discuss the future of AI in the medical field.
Key themes emerged, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered design, transparency, and the prioritization of mundane yet impactful tasks to build trust and improve efficiency. The conference underscored the need for AI tools to involve patients not only in the development phase but also in their ongoing application, ensuring that patient safety and ethics remain at the forefront.
Yuri Quintana, PhD, a key organizer of the event, highlighted the critical role of verification in AI development, arguing that it is essential to prevent potential harm and enhance product evolution. The conference also aimed to foster collaboration between the private and public sectors, hoping to lead to better AI systems with clear, measurable outcomes.
Participants noted the positive reception of patient perspectives, which enriched discussions on integrating patient-centric approaches into AI solutions. The event showcased a wide range of contributions from diverse groups, including start-ups and established researchers, indicating significant progress across the field.
Looking ahead, the conference revealed a pressing need for greater transparency and ethical clarity from AI developers. Despite optimism about technological advancements, the challenge remains to ensure that AI is developed and deployed responsibly. The event concluded with a call for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to harness the full potential of AI in transforming health care.
