Robots in healthcare are coming, and are designed as assistants, not replacements, to skilled clinicians.
In this episode, Ken Washington, the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Medtronic, is interviewed by Saul Marquez during the ViVE conference in Los Angeles on the importance of robotics in surgery, emphasizing its potential to enhance precision, consistency, and ergonomics for surgeons while ultimately improving patient outcomes. He shares his career journey from working in robotics and underscores Medtronic's commitment to advancing healthcare through robotics and AI technologies, assisting skilled clinicians to provide better care and experiences for patients and providers alike. Ken explains how AI is revolutionizing surgery by providing personalized pre-procedure planning, guiding surgeons during operations, and facilitating post-procedure analysis for continuous improvement. Finally, he also encourages listeners to envision the future of healthcare and recognize the companies leading the way.
Tune in and learn how robotics and AI are shaping the future of surgery and healthcare, and consider the possibilities for personalized care and better outcomes!
About Ken Washington:
Ken Washington brings over three decades of experience in leading technical endeavors for Fortune 100 companies, government contractors, and research laboratories. His leadership roles have involved team-building and shaping strategic visions for large organizations. Notably, he was honored as the 2012 Black Engineer of the Year in Research Leadership and later inducted into both the National Academy of Engineers and the Black Engineers Hall of Fame.
Currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Medtronic, Ken also holds board positions at McKesson Corporation and SAE International, where he serves as the Automotive Sector VP. He's been a pivotal member of the Internet Ecosystem Innovation Committee and actively engages in strategic collaborations with universities, notably as a member of the Georgia Tech Advisory Board and former chair of the University of Michigan Leadership Advisory Board.
Ken's expertise spans diverse domains, from automotive research and space science to information privacy and high-performance computing technologies. He excels in program and project management, guiding new facility projects, and fostering collaborative system development. His track record includes successful executive-level presentations, business plan developments, and resource optimization strategies, making him a sought-after leader in both the public and private sectors.
Things You’ll Learn:
- Robotics in surgery enhance precision, consistency, and ergonomics, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
- AI revolutionizes surgery with personalized pre-procedure planning and real-time guidance for surgeons.
- The future of surgery lies in the combination of robotics, AI, and digital platforms for personalized care.
- AI algorithms guide surgeons during surgery, enhancing accuracy and precision in procedures.
- Medtronic is committed to the future of surgery and healthcare with robotics and AI technologies.
Resources:
FEATURING
Ken WashingtonSVP, Chief Global Technology & Innovation Officer, Medtronic
