2024 UCLA Health Data Day

The UCLA Center for SMART Health and UCLA Health Information Technology proudly hosted the 2024 Annual Symposium and Data Day on June 4, 2024, at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center. This highly anticipated event continues to spotlight the transformative role of data and analytics within the hospital system, faculty practice group, and clinical research community. This year, over 200 attendees gathered to explore and celebrate the innovative work happening across health systems.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the Data Product Expo, showcasing product offerings supported by the Office of Health Informatics and Analytics (OHIA) including ULEAD, OpenAI, and AI Governance. The event featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions from esteemed guest speakers across various disciplines, focusing on some of the most pressing challenges and advancements in healthcare AI. 

Watch this year's UCLA Health Data Day presentations or those of previous years.

Event Highlights

Challenging Areas in AI Innovation

Kicking off the event, experts delved into the complex terrain of AI innovation. The sessions highlighted the significant strides and persistent hurdles in integrating AI technologies into healthcare. Discussions covered the ethical implications, data privacy concerns, and the critical need for robust frameworks to ensure responsible AI deployment. Speakers emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to navigate these challenges and unlock AI's full potential in improving patient care.

Mental Health AI

One of the standout sessions focused on the expanding field of Mental Health AI. Guest speakers presented cutting-edge AI applications designed to enhance mental health diagnostics and treatment. These innovations include AI-driven tools for early detection of mental health conditions, personalized therapy recommendations, and real-time monitoring of patient progress. The session underscored the promise of AI in bridging gaps in mental health care, particularly in underserved communities.

Health AI in Action at UCLA Health

Showcasing real-world applications, this segment highlighted successful AI initiatives implemented at UCLA Health. Presenters shared case studies demonstrating how AI technologies are being used to streamline operations, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve patient outcomes. From predictive analytics for patient management to AI-assisted imaging for more precise diagnoses, UCLA Health is at the forefront of leveraging AI to transform healthcare delivery.

Balancing the Benefits and Challenges of Generative AI in Medicine

The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion on the role of generative AI in medicine. Panelists engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue about the dual nature of generative AI. While acknowledging its potential to revolutionize areas such as drug discovery and personalized medicine, they also addressed concerns about data bias, transparency, and the ethical implications of AI-generated medical recommendations. The panel highlighted the necessity of maintaining a balance between harnessing AI's benefits and mitigating its risks through vigilant oversight and ethical guidelines.