Interim Dean’s message

As a surgeon-scientist, I’ve always been drawn to moments in medicine when new ideas challenge and ultimately evolve long-standing practice. It's fascinating how tools and practices we take for granted, like anesthesia or even handwashing, were once met with hesitation. But over time, guided by evidence and experience, those changes reshapedcare and saved countless lives.

We are living in another one of those moments today. Across medicine, new tools and practices are emerging quickly, raising important questions about how we adapt and lead while also staying grounded in our purpose. At The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, I’m honored to serve as the interim dean of a community that’s willing to engage with change so intentionally, asking how innovation can responsibly serve patients, learners and society.

That mindset is shaping our approach to artificial intelligence. We don’t see AI as a replacement for clinical judgment, we see it as a tool to support discovery, expand education and strengthen patient care. Embracing AI doesn’t mean abandoning caution — it means staying engaged, helping shape how these tools are developed and used and ensuring they reflect our values.

In this issue of the Ohio State Medicine Alumni magazine, you’ll see that approach in action. From analyzing large datasets to accelerate drug discovery, to reducing administrative burdens so physicians can spend more time with patients, to uncovering patterns that improve cancer diagnosis and treatment, our teams are exploring how AI can help address real problems in human-centered ways.

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” — Andy Warhol

This work reflects who we are as Buckeyes: We are innovators and collaborators who understand that technology is most powerful when it's paired with human empathy and expertise. AI doesn't replace the art of medicine; it challenges us to reimagine how that art is taught and practiced.

Thank you for being part of this community. I hope this issue leaves you inspired by what’s possible and proud of the role Ohio State continues to play in shaping the future of medicine.

Warmly,

Amy M. Moore, MD
Interim Dean, Ohio State College of Medicine
Interim Vice President for Health Sciences, Wexner Medical Center
Robert L. Ruberg MD Alumni Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery