The AI Reality Check: What Actually Delivers in Healthcare
Building AI that works technically is hard. Building AI that works in healthcare—where workflows are complex, stakes are high, and users range from physicians to vulnerable patients is harder.
This panel explores where AI actually delivers value in healthcare and what it takes to get there. A founder who's built and scaled AI for underserved communities, an investor evaluating healthcare AI companies, a health system CIO implementing technology, and a practicing technologist will discuss where they're seeing real impact and where the promise hasn't materialized.
We'll explore different types of value: clinical outcomes that improve patient care, operational efficiencies that reduce costs, tools that improve clinician experience, and solutions that expand access to underserved populations. You'll hear candid examples of AI that's working, AI that looked promising but didn't deliver, and the conditions that separate the two.
Whether you're building, buying, implementing, or evaluating AI, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of where to look for value, how to measure it, and what conditions need to be in place for AI to deliver on its promise.
Steven Collens is CEO of MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub. MATTER has incubated more than 1,000 healthcare startups and offers an "accelerator-as-a-service" solution to leading health systems, life sciences companies, payers and foundations. Steven founded MATTER in 2015 after serving as senior vice president at Pritzker Group. He previously worked at Abbott in a variety of domestic and international functions.
Kwamane Liddell, JD, MHA, BSN, is the CEO of ThriveLink, a healthcare technology company that leverages telephonic AI to connect families to essential social and healthcare resources. A former trauma nurse turned healthcare attorney, Kwamane has dedicated his career to improving health equity and access. His leadership at ThriveLink has earned national recognition, including the 2024 American Nurses Association Innovation of the Year Award and the MIT AI for Humanity Award.
Justin Gernot is a digital health operator and investor at the intersection of venture capital, innovation, and company-building. He is currently a Senior Director of Venture Traction at Redesign Health, where he partners with founders to design and execute growth strategies. Previously, Justin led new venture efforts at Abundant Venture Partners and business development at Healthbox, connecting emerging technology with provider and payer priorities. Justin earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Amith Nair serves as Chief Information Officer at Vituity, a physician-owned healthcare organization delivering care to more than 13 million patients annually across 27 states. As CIO, Amith leads enterprise technology, data, and digital transformation strategy, with a focus on advancing clinical excellence and operational effectiveness. His leadership spans artificial intelligence, intelligent automation, and advanced analytics. Amith also serves as an Advisor and leads Venture Labs at Inflect Capital, supporting investments in healthcare technologies.
Jordan Schaenzle is a Managing Partner at Atomic Object, where he co-leads the Chicago office and works closely with startups to Fortune 500 organizations to build custom software in high-stakes environments. With a background as an engineer and nearly a decade of hands-on development experience, Jordan brings a grounded perspective on what it takes to turn AI ideas into systems teams can trust and adopt. He advises leaders on applying AI thoughtfully within complex workflows, balancing speed, quality, and real-world constraints. Jordan also publishes The AI Reactor, a newsletter focused on practical AI use in product development.
4:00 - 4:30 PM: Open networking with hors d'oeurvres
4:30 - 5:30 PM: Panel discussion
5:30 - 6:00 PM: Open networking
Atomic Object Chicago
609 W Randolph St, Floor 15, Chicago, IL 60661