AI In Medicine Symposium: Beyond the Algorithm

Hosted by the Office of Faculty Development at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

About this Event


AI in Medicine Symposium: Beyond the Algorithm

• Explore applications of AI in clinical practice, medical research, and medical education!
• Gather insights from industry leaders on the future of AI in health and healthcare!
• Discuss important ethical and medicolegal aspects of AI in health and healthcare!
• Learn about foundational AI concepts!
• Network among healthcare professionals, researchers, educators and AI experts!

Join us for a full-day symposium dedicated to the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. This event brings together healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, and technologists to explore how AI is reshaping clinical care, medical education, and health systems.

Through keynote talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants will gain insight into emerging AI tools, ethical considerations, practical applications, and the skills needed to navigate an AI-enabled healthcare and education landscape.

Whether you're curious about how AI can support your practice or eager to deepen your understanding of its implications, this symposium offers a dynamic and accessible space for learning and collaboration.

Agenda


🕑: 08:15 AM - 08:45 AM
Registration & Breakfast

🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:40 AM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: The Evolution & Implementation of AI in Medicine
Host: Dr. Muhammad Mamdani, MPH PharmD

Info: Come learn from one of the most exciting innovators in healthcare AI in Canada about practical use and implementation of AI in healthcare. Dr. Mamdani works within one of Canada’s most future focused health systems at Unity Health Toronto. With over 50 active AI deployments ranging from emergency to transplant medicine UHN is setting new standards in health innovation, transforming patient outcomes in Canada and beyond.

🕑: 09:40 AM - 09:50 AM
BREAK

🕑: 09:50 AM - 11:20 AM
WORKSHOP BLOCK 1- I'm New in This Space: Tell Me More About AI
Host: Moderator: Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky, PhD

Info: A session for the beginner in AI! Come and learn the basics of AI, how large language models (like ChatGPT) work, and an introduction to data governance and privacy. No previous AI knowledge required! Facilitators: Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky, PhD, Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine & Aliya Kassam, PhD, Associate Professor, Community Health Sciences

🕑: 09:50 AM - 11:20 AM
WORKSHOP BLOCK 1 - How Are My Colleagues Innovating in AI?

Info: Come and hear real use cases of AI innovation in research and clinical care from your colleagues at the Cumming School of Medicine!

🕑: 09:50 AM - 11:20 AM
WORKSHOP BLOCK 1 - What Do I Need to Know About AI in Education
Host: Moderator: Dr. Jacqueline Hui, MD MHPE CCFP (PC) FCFP

Info: A session for the educator! Come learn about important policies related to AI, thinking about assessment differently in the era of Generative AI and how we can best prepare our students for the future. Facilitators: Oleksiy Osiyevskyy, PhD MBA, Associate Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies & Soroush Sabbaghan, PHD, Generative AI Educational Leader in Residence, Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:30 AM
BREAK

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: Collaborating With Industry
Host: Moderator: Naheed Kurji, MBA

Info: This panel explores the vital intersection of industry and healthcare in the AI era. Leading experts will discuss how strategic partnerships drive innovation, sharing real-world examples of successful AI implementations and practical approaches to collaboration. Panelists will address critical questions about finding aligned industry partners and navigating commercialization while maintaining patient-centered care values. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or a budding entrepreneur, you'll gain valuable insights on building effective collaborations that advance healthcare through AI. Panelists: Muhammad Mamdani, MPH PharmD; Ines Bartilotti, MB MBA; Tyler Williamson, PhD; Jordan Engbers, PhD

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
LUNCH, Trainee Posters, AI Playground

Info: Have a bite to eat, explore student posters, and get inspired in the interactive AI Playground! Engage with hands-on AI tools and technologies, test out demos, and connect with innovators who are shaping the future of medicine. **CALL FOR TRAINEE ABSTRACTS TO OPEN MID-JULY**

🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: What Are the Risks to Using AI in My Clinical Practice?
Host: Moderator: Dr. Fareen Zaver, MD MSc

Info: This interactive "Ask Me Anything" panel brings together health system leadership, clinical ethicists, and medical-legal specialists to address the complex risks associated with AI implementation in clinical settings. As AI tools increasingly support clinical decision-making, documentation, and care delivery, healthcare professionals face new questions about liability, patient safety, data privacy, and ethical practice. Our panel of experts will field questions directly from participants, providing multidisciplinary perspectives on navigating these emerging challenges. Bring your most pressing questions about risk management, ethical boundaries, legal considerations, and implementation safeguards. Join this candid conversation to gain practical insights on maintaining patient-centered care while responsibly integrating AI technologies into clinical care. Panelists: Jeremy Theal, MD - Chief Medical Information Officer with AHS; Kyle Antsey, PhD - Clinical Ethicist

🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: AI and Planetary Health
Host: Moderator: Dr. Stephen Wilton, MD MSc

Info: This panel discussion examines the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and planetary health. As AI adoption accelerates globally, we must consider both its environmental footprint and potential as a tool for addressing climate challenges. Join this timely discussion at the intersection of technology and sustainability as we consider how AI can be harnessed as a force for planetary health rather than environmental harm. Panelists: Clark Svrcek, MD PEng; additional panelists to be announced...

🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
WORKSHOP: How Do I Get AI To Do What I Want It To Do?

Info: How to master prompt engineering...

🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
WORKSHOP: Learning Health Systems & How AI Enables the Data to Practice Cycle
Host: Workshop Leaders: Dr. Paul Ronksley, PhD & Inelda Gjata

Info: This workshop offers a foundational overview of learning health system principles—where knowledge generation, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement form a continuous cycle. Participants will explore how AI and advanced analytics enhance this cycle through pattern recognition and predictive capabilities. Real-world case studies will highlight both technical and change management strategies for success.


In the second segment, the ConnectCare Research IT team will guide participants through available tools and processes for research builds and reporting in ConnectCare. Attendees can ask questions about identifying data elements, designing queries, and creating sustainable reporting structures.


Participants will leave with a roadmap for AI-enabled learning health system projects, strategies for accessing data, and connections to a community of practice. This session is ideal for clinicians, quality improvement specialists, and researchers.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
WORKSHOP: Critically Appraising AI & Teaching Critical Appraisal Skills
Host: Moderator: Dr. Jacqueline Hui, MD MHPE CCFP (PC) FCFP

Info: This workshop builds essential skills for evaluating AI in healthcare through evidence-based critical appraisal—key for clinical practice and medical education. Using a structured framework and interactive exercises, participants will explore AI’s core dimensions, identify methodological issues, and ask key pre-implementation questions.

For educators, the session highlights the importance of integrating AI literacy into curricula, with strategies like case-based learning, assessment rubrics, and progressive competency development. Materials provided can be adapted for use across health professions training levels.

Balancing theory and application, the workshop equips participants to critically assess AI tools and teach these skills effectively. It also addresses the “black box” challenge in AI and how to keep content current in this fast-evolving field. Workshop Leaders: Dr. Aliya Kassam, PhD & Dr. Brenda McDermott, PhD

🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Remarks, Awards, AI Playground

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