Welcome to Gateway to Informatics, a podcast hosted by Dr. Philip Payne, Chief Data Scientist at WashU Medicine and Director of the Institute for Informatics, Data Science, and Biostatistics (I2DB). Each episode features conversations with prominent figures in informatics, research, and healthcare. Our podcast delves into the latest developments, challenges, and innovations in the field, with a particular focus on the integration of AI and digital technologies. By leveraging our healthcare system as a living laboratory, we aim to extract meaningful insights that advance research, save lives, and build healthier communities.

The decisions patients make about the care they receive are extremely personal. Dr. Mary Politi, today’s guest, is someone working to ensure they’re able to make the most informed decisions possible. As a Professor of Surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences at WashU School of Medicine, Dr. Politi studies health communication and decision-making. Her research looks at how we can use data to personalize risk assessments. In our conversation, we talked about how new technologies like artificial intelligence can improve this process, but I appreciate the grounded approach she takes to make sure these technologies don’t replace the human connection but rather can be one tool that helps patients in the process.

Gateway to Informatics
i2db.washu.edu/gatewaytoinformatics
Produced by the Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics (I2DB), WashU Medicine.
Follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Bluesky.
Have feedback or questions? Contact us!

Welcome to Gateway to Informatics, a podcast hosted by Dr. Philip Payne, Chief Data Scientist at WashU Medicine and Director of the Institute for Informatics, Data Science, and Biostatistics (I2DB). Each episode features conversations with prominent figures in informatics, research, and healthcare. Our podcast delves into the latest developments, challenges, and innovations in the field, with a particular focus on the integration of AI and digital technologies. By leveraging our healthcare system as a living laboratory, we aim to extract meaningful insights that advance research, save lives, and build healthier communities.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Ting Wang, a top expert in genetics, genomics, computational biology, and bioinformatics. Dr. Wang will share his fascinating journey into this interdisciplinary field, sparked by the groundbreaking Human Genome Project and some pivotal mentors along the way. He'll break down the differences between these closely related fields with some helpful analogies and talk about his exciting work on the connections between genetic and epigenetic variations. Plus, Dr. Wang has some great advice for aspiring scientists looking to dive into these rapidly evolving areas. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge research and insights that are shaping the future of genetics and genomics.

Gateway to Informatics
i2db.washu.edu/gatewaytoinformatics
Produced by the Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics (I2DB), WashU Medicine.
Follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Bluesky.
Have feedback or questions? Contact us!

Welcome to Gateway to Informatics, a podcast hosted by Dr. Philip Payne, Chief Data Scientist at WashU Medicine and Director of the Institute for Informatics, Data Science, and Biostatistics (I2DB). Each episode features conversations with prominent figures in informatics, research, and healthcare. Our podcast delves into the latest developments, challenges, and innovations in the field, with a particular focus on the integration of AI and digital technologies. By leveraging our healthcare system as a living laboratory, we aim to extract meaningful insights that advance research, save lives, and build healthier communities.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Albert M. Lai, who brings a unique and inspiring background to the table. Coming from a family of physicians, Dr. Lai initially pursued computer science and, serendipitously, discovered the field of informatics. He has since built a remarkable career and currently serves as the Chief Research Information Officer at WashU Medicine. Dr. Lai shares insights into his journey, discussing some of the most rewarding and challenging projects he's undertaken. Additionally, we explore the transformative potential of emerging AI technologies in healthcare, a field in which Dr. Lai is particularly passionate. As a renowned mentor, Dr. Lai offers invaluable advice for students considering a career in informatics.

Gateway to Informatics
i2db.washu.edu/gatewaytoinformatics
Produced by the Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics (I2DB), WashU Medicine.
Follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Bluesky.
Have feedback or questions? Contact us!