Thought leaders explore AI, data and leadership during International Healthcare Symposium at UNF

Local and national thought leaders gathered at the University of North Florida for the 2025 International Healthcare Symposium to explore how artificial intelligence, data-driven strategies and visionary leadership are reshaping the future of healthcare.

The multidisciplinary conference, hosted Oct. 23 and 24 by UNF and the Duval County Medical Society, connected professionals across the industry through sessions on emerging challenges and opportunities.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association; Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, acting chief of staff at the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General; Dr. Richard Thacker, president-elect of the American Osteopathic Association; and Dr. Ashley Norse, president of the Florida Medical Association.

The two-day agenda featured panels and discussions on topics such as AI and personalized healthcare, the role of social media in modern medicine, food as medicine, private equity in healthcare, nursing innovation, community needs assessment, American College of Health Executives leadershipdevelopment and the Korey Stringer Institute's work at UNF.

Three cornerstone panels framed the event's central theme:

• Personalized Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence explored how AI is transforming patient care, diagnostics and treatment precision. The discussion highlighted AI's vast potential to advance healthcare while emphasizing the ethical responsibilities that accompany its use.
• Community Health Needs Assessment highlighted data-driven strategies to expand access to care while building a more collaborative and equitable healthcare ecosystem, with insights Michael Mayo, president and CEO of Baptist Health; Kent Thielen, CEO of Mayo Clinic Florida; Doug Baer, CEO of Brooks Rehabilitation; Scott Kashman, CEO of Ascension St. Vincent's; and Patrick Green, CEO of UF Health Jacksonville.
• Leadership in the Digital Age: Navigating Healthcare's Future, moderated by UNF President Moez Limayem, examined how digital tools, from telemedicine to AI, are redefining leadership in healthcare, requiring a balance of innovation with empathy, data literacy with human connection and efficiency with equity.

Limayem and Brooks College of Health Dean Emeritus Dr. Pamela Chally joined local leaders such as Jacksonville Beach Mayor Christine Hoffman and Representative Sam Garrison in welcoming attendees. Opening remarks were delivered by Mei Zhao, dean of Brooks College of Health; Shyam Paryani, Brooks College of Health director of community engagement; and Dr. Ruple Galani, president of the Duval County Medical Society Foundation.

The symposium is presented locally by the Duval County Medical Society Foundation, the American College of Health Executives' North and Western Florida chapters and sponsored by UNF's Brooks College of Health.