The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is embracing the future of health care with the launch of its new Office of AI in Medical Education—a pioneering initiative developed by the school’s Department of Medical Education in collaboration with the Department of Informatics and Health Data Science.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize health care, from streamlining clinical workflows to enabling personalized treatments, it’s also becoming a powerful force in shaping how tomorrow’s doctors are trained. At the Miller School, AI is seen not just as a technological tool, but as a partner in improving clinical decision-making, enhancing patient communication, and reducing physician burnout.

“With AI becoming increasingly embedded in clinical care, physicians will have more time to focus on compassionate, human-centered care—supported by intelligent systems equipped with the latest knowledge,” said Dr. Latha Chandran, executive dean for education.

Preparing Future Physicians for an AI-Driven Era

The newly launched office is designed to position the Miller School at the forefront of medical education innovation by:

• Teaching students to use AI ethically and effectively
• Supporting faculty with AI integration strategies
• Driving research and experimentation in AI-powered learning
• Evaluating the impact of AI on learning outcomes and clinical training

Dr. Shirin Shafazand has been named the office’s first faculty director. A board-certified expert in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, Dr. Shafazand also brings a strong background in health policy, epidemiology, and community engagement. In 2025, she launched the influential course “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Public Health,” which explores topics such as machine learning, prompt engineering, and the ethical implications of AI in health care.

“This office puts us at the center of national conversations on how to best prepare medical students for a data-rich, tech-driven future,” said Dr. Shafazand. “We’re not just teaching students about AI—we’re training them to use it responsibly to enhance care and well-being.”

Building the Infrastructure for AI Integration

David Thole, an experienced software architect with a decade of work in AI system integration and machine learning, will serve as the office’s technical director. His expertise in large language models (LLMs) and model validation will help ensure that cutting-edge technologies align with the school’s educational mission.

“With leaders like Dr. Shafazand and Mr. Thole guiding this effort, we’re ready to shape the future of AI in medical education,” said Dr. Chandran.

AI Is Already Making an Impact at the Miller School

The creation of the new office builds on several recent AI-focused initiatives at the Miller School, including:

• Dr. Shafazand’s AI elective for M.D./M.P.H. students, which combines foundational AI knowledge with hands-on learning through projects like building AI agents.
• A study published in NEJM AI by a Miller School physician, ethicist, and medical student that assessed how well AI chatbots navigate ethical challenges in clinical settings. The findings underscored the value—and limitations—of AI in complex decision-making, reinforcing the need for oversight and thoughtful application.

By integrating AI into its core educational mission, the University of Miami is setting a bold new standard for how medical schools can prepare the next generation of health care leaders.