Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare, but with great innovation comes the responsibility to implement these technologies ethically and effectively. Senior Research Associate Sahaj Vaidya takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of digital health, offering invaluable insights from her work at Koita Centre for Digital Health at Ashoka University.
Sahaj's path to becoming an AI governance specialist began during the pandemic when she witnessed how automated systems could spread misinformation, inspiring her to champion responsible AI deployment on a population scale. She challenges common misconceptions about digital health, explaining that it extends far beyond digitizing medical records to encompass preparing for future technologies and helping people adapt to AI-enhanced healthcare as a normal part of life.
We explore the tangible benefits already emerging from AI integration in healthcare—from automated transcription services that free clinicians from administrative burdens to telemedicine platforms that optimize scheduling for both patients and providers. The conversation delves into sensitive issues surrounding medical data collection and privacy, including innovative approaches like using AI to create synthetic data for clinical trials without compromising patient confidentiality.
The discussion turns to AI governance, which Sahaj likens to the rules of a football game—essential for preventing chaos and ensuring fair play. She highlights the gap between organizations claiming to have AI governance policies and those implementing them substantively, noting the growing demand for specialized roles like AI ethics officers. The European Union AI Act serves as a case study of regulatory frameworks with global implications, affecting any organization with European customers or operations.
For aspiring professionals in digital health and responsible AI, Sahaj emphasizes understanding core principles before implementation and evaluating whether AI is truly the appropriate solution for each challenge. She envisions healthcare's future as human-machine collaboration rather than replacement, with AI complementing human decision-making in sensitive contexts.
Join us to hear why AI literacy matters for everyone, regardless of technical background, and discover why Sahaj believes AI isn't here to take our jobs but to handle routine tasks while creating new opportunities requiring distinctly human skills. This episode offers essential guidance for navigating the exciting yet complex intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence.