To say that Dr. Matt Crowson ’05 has an impressive career is an understatement. Dr. Crowson’s expertise lies in developing data science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions spanning systems-level operations and research for both providers and payors. He is a board-certified Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgeon with experience in healthcare delivery, medical device innovation, and clinical informatics. In addition to his medical practice, he serves as a Specialist Leader in Deloitte’s Healthcare AI practice, is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and is the Director of Clinical Informatics and AI at Mass General Brigham.

Dr. Crowson’s educational background includes receiving a B.A. from Hamilton College, a M.D. from Dartmouth College, and a Master of Biomedical Informatics from Harvard Medical School. He is also pursuing a Master of Science in Finance and Business Administration from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management.

On Monday, October 28, Dr. Crowson came to campus to speak to students as part of the Tian Family Endowed Lecture Series. Established in 2018 by former Trustee Jane Yue and Joe Tian P’19, the Tian Family Endowed Lecture Series for Advanced Math/Science Research and AI provides funds to cover travel and honoraria for researchers and industry leaders who visit campus to share their expertise with students and the full campus community. Watch Dr. Crowson's presentation here.

Read more about Dr. Crowson’s career and his thoughts on AI’s impact within the medical industry below.

What is the biggest impact that AI will have on the medical industry?

Right now, we are seeing a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for AI to be used in just about every conceivable way. AI has the potential to significantly alleviate the burnout that many clinicians and healthcare workers are experiencing by automating administrative tasks that currently consume a large portion of their time. By streamlining processes like documentation, scheduling, and data entry, AI enables clinicians to focus more on patient care—the very reason they entered the profession to begin with! This shift enhances job satisfaction and improves patient outcomes by allowing for more face-to-face interaction and personalized treatment. AI can help return the “human touch” to medicine by freeing clinicians from the burdens of paperwork and screen time.

Do you anticipate any legal issues regarding ethics and privacy as AI technology moves forward in the healthcare industry?

Absolutely. The integration of AI into healthcare brings significant legal and ethical challenges, particularly around accountability and data privacy. Determining who is responsible when an AI system makes an “error” leading to an adverse event is a complex issue that regulatory agencies are currently grappling with. Moreover, AI models require vast amounts of high-quality, patient-level data to function effectively, raising concerns about protecting sensitive information. While we have measures to safeguard patient data, the risk of breaches or misuse remains, necessitating constant vigilance. Addressing these challenges is key to ensuring that the benefits of AI are realized without compromising ethical standards or patient trust.

How do you juggle such a heavy workload?

Balancing all of my roles requires the ability to shift gears quickly and maintain intense focus—skills I began developing at Berkshire School. Compared to my previous high school, Berkshire was a wake-up call regarding the demands on my time and the discipline needed to manage my schedule effectively. That experience taught me to prioritize ruthlessly and adapt on the fly, which has been invaluable in my professional life. Of course, regular and moderately heavy doses of coffee help keep everything running smoothly!

Which aspect of your work do you find most fulfilling?

What I find most fulfilling is the ability to “scale up” my impact through large healthcare system projects and AI initiatives. While I cherish the one-on-one interactions with patients in my clinical practice, working on AI allows me to potentially improve the lives of innumerable patients by enhancing how healthcare is delivered on a broader scale. The opportunity to contribute to solutions that can reach more people and make a significant difference in the healthcare industry motivates me.

What are some of your fond memories of Berkshire?

Looking back, some of my fondest memories are the moments I took for granted while at Berkshire. I was intensely focused on being a varsity hockey player and achieving the grades needed for the colleges I had set my sights on. In hindsight, I appreciate the beautiful campus and the incredible range of activities available just outside your dorm room door. Whether taking a break from studying to hike up the Mountain, sharing life with 20 of your closest friends in the dorms, or exploring new interests like boat building, Berkshire offered an incredibly unique environment for growth and exploration. The sense of community and the opportunities to broaden my horizons are experiences I remember fondly!