Tuesday, February 17, 2026

STAT+: He went from AMA to a loaded AI startup

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, technology is constantly evolving and reshaping the industry. From electronic medical records to telemedicine, these advancements are changing the way patients receive care and how healthcare professionals do their jobs. One of the latest trends in health tech is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes. And in this edition of STAT’s Health Tech, we are excited to cover the news of Jesse Ehrenfeld, former president of the American Medical Association (AMA), making a move to a health AI startup.

Jesse Ehrenfeld, who served as the AMA’s president from 2019-2020, has always been a strong advocate for the use of technology in healthcare. During his tenure, he helped push for policies that would promote the use of technology to enhance patient care. And now, he is taking his passion for health tech to a whole new level by joining a health AI startup as their Chief Medical Officer.

In an interview with STAT, Ehrenfeld shared his excitement about this new opportunity and how it aligns with his vision for the future of healthcare. “I strongly believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we practice medicine and improve patient outcomes,” he said. “And I’m thrilled to be a part of a company that is at the forefront of this innovation.”

Ehrenfeld’s new company is focused on developing AI-powered tools to assist healthcare providers in making more accurate and efficient diagnoses. With his background as a physician and leader in the healthcare industry, he brings a unique perspective to the team. His experience in both clinical practice and policymaking will be invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of healthcare and technology.

But Ehrenfeld’s move is just one of the many exciting developments in the world of health tech. In this edition of STAT’s Health Tech, we also want to highlight some other noteworthy news in the field.

First, we have the FDA’s recent approval of a groundbreaking AI-powered device for detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy. This technology, developed by startup company IDx, uses AI algorithms to analyze images of the eye and identify potential signs of the disease. This is a game-changer for patients with diabetes, as diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.

Another exciting development is the use of AI to improve mental health care. A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research showed that an AI-powered chatbot called Woebot was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adults. This innovative approach to therapy has the potential to reach a larger population and provide much-needed mental health support in a more accessible way.

And finally, we cannot forget to mention the growing presence of AI in the fight against COVID-19. From predicting virus spread to developing treatments and vaccines, AI has played a crucial role in the global response to the pandemic. And as we continue to battle this virus, we can expect to see even more advancements in this area.

These are just a few examples of how AI is transforming the healthcare industry and improving patient outcomes. With experts like Jesse Ehrenfeld leading the way, we can be sure that the future of health tech is bright and full of possibilities. As we embrace these technological innovations, we must also remember to prioritize ethical considerations and ensure that AI is used for the greater good of humanity.

In conclusion, the news of Jesse Ehrenfeld joining a health AI startup is a testament to the growing importance of technology in healthcare. From early disease detection to mental health support to fighting a global pandemic, AI is proving to be a valuable tool in improving patient care. And as we continue to witness the endless possibilities of health tech, we can’t help but feel optimistic about the future of healthcare. Let’s embrace this new era of health tech and work towards a healthier and more technologically advanced world.

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