Welcome to this AI Agent & Copilot Podcast, where we analyze the opportunities, impact, and outcomes that are possible with AI.
In this episode, I speak with about RealActivity CEO Paul Swider who weighs in on key AI developments fromm this week’s big healthcare conference, including inputs from Google Cloud.
Highlights
HIMSS 2026: ‘Agentic Moment’ (0:54 )
HIMSS 2026 highlighted the growing importance of AI in healthcare, with many sessions and summits focusing on AI. Swider references a meeting with Aashima Gupta of Google Cloud, who referenced an “agentic moment” in context of HIMSS; Google Cloud announced partnerships with CVS Health, Humana, Highmark, Waystar, and Quest, highlighting their integration of Google AI technology.
Real-World Examples of AI In Healthcare (2:44)
Swider discusses the shift from AI suggesting actions to AI taking actions, using real-world examples. He highlights the HCA Healthcare use case, where AI automates 60,000 nurse handoffs daily at 190 hospitals, improving patient safety and nurse efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of real-world examples over pilot projects.
Patient Agency and Interoperability (7:39)
Swider expresses his passion for patient agency, predicting a future where patients have their own personal health agents. He mentions the example of Quest, where patients can interpret and question their lab results using AI on the Google platform. Swider highlights the importance of trust in AI, as emphasized by Google Cloud’s Gupta, and the need for AI to be reliable in patient-facing applications.
Future of AI in Healthcare (10:28)
Swider shares his thoughts on the future direction of AI in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of patient agency. He discusses the need for interoperability to ensure cohesive and accurate healthcare services. He predicts significant developments in patient-focused AI applications over the next 12 months.
Additional Healthcare AI Insights:
- Healthcare AI Readiness Guide from RealActivity
- Why Microsoft AI Model ‘Self Sufficiency’ Requires Customers to Hedge Bets
