Physicians Belong in AI: A Founder’s Path from Academia to Impact with Dr. Shakira Grant

On this episode of Startup Physicians, I interview Dr. Shakira Grant, who shares her remarkable journey from practicing medicine to influencing healthcare policy and AI development. We talk about the importance of health equity and the role physicians must play in shaping AI tools that serve all populations effectively. Shakira reflects on her time in Congress, the challenges of integrating AI in clinical care, and why diverse voices are essential in the development process. She encourages physicians to embrace innovation and step into roles where we can use our expertise to drive meaningful change in healthcare outcomes. Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Introduction to Dr. Shakira Grant's Journey[02:46] - Transitioning from Medicine to Policy[05:39] - The Intersection of AI and Health Equity[08:40] - Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development[11:28] - The Role of Physicians in AI Innovation[14:13] - Founding CROSS: Bridging Healthcare and AI[17:05] - Practical Involvement of Physicians in AI Projects[19:58] - The Importance of Diverse Voices in AI Development[23:05] - Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Innovators