AI, Healthcare Innovation, and the Path to Better Outcomes with Dr. Mitch Morris

Dr. Mitch Morris has had a remarkable career—from cancer surgeon to CIO of MD Anderson, to leading Deloitte’s healthcare consulting practice, and now helping healthcare startups scale. In this episode, he shares sharp insights on AI’s growing role in healthcare, the challenges of navigating the industry, and what it takes for startups to succeed. From the promise and risks of AI to fixing healthcare’s broken incentives, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom for innovators looking to make a difference.

1. AI’s Potential in Healthcare – AI, particularly large language models, could revolutionize healthcare by automating workflows, improving decision support, and reducing administrative burdens. However, challenges like bias, regulation, and ROI remain hurdles to adoption.
2. The Real Impact of AI on Costs and Efficiency – While AI can enhance patient care, its biggest short-term impact may be on hospital operations—optimizing staffing, improving revenue cycle management, and reducing inefficiencies in prior authorizations and payer negotiations.
3. Fixing Healthcare’s Incentives – The U.S. healthcare system is structured around treating illness, not preventing it. Without realignment of incentives, technology alone won’t solve fundamental cost and access issues.
4. Winning in Healthcare Sales – Startups must clearly demonstrate financial value—whether reducing costs or increasing revenue. A compelling pitch must go beyond clinical impact to show immediate ROI for decision-makers like CFOs and COOs.
5. The Role of Personalization in Health Tech – AI’s power lies in its ability to personalize healthcare experiences—whether for patients managing chronic conditions or clinicians drowning in administrative work. The key is balancing automation with human oversight to build trust and drive adoption.