In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 8 Clinical Entrepreneur Seth Howes.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a medical student who is working on applying frontier AI models to improve healthcare systems. I finished my medical degree in early 2024 at Oxford University. Prior to my final year of study, I took a year out to complete a Master’s in Machine Learning. I’ve been programming for most of my life and plan to operate at the intersection of AI and health care.
Name: Seth Howes
Occupation: Medical Student
Location: Oxford University Hospitals
Tell us about your innovation
I am creating AI tools that autonomously perform administrative tasks in healthcare organisations. Until recently, AI models have had limited utility in lots of environments, including healthcare, as they have been unable to understand language well, whether this be patient notes, emails, referral letters etc. New generation language models provide a tool that can understand natural language and make decisions in the digital realm. I am using these models to address administrative overload in the NHS.
Ensuring patients aren’t left in the dark is hugely important for their experience of the healthcare system. When a patient sends an email enquiring as to when their surgery has been rebooked for, after it has been cancelled and understanding the current state of their case, even in the face of a long waiting time, can massively improve their experience of the healthcare system.
Why did you apply to join the programme, and what are you most looking forward to?
I learned about the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme from a former participant who had experienced it years ago. They shared that the programme supported them to pilot their innovation within the NHS and this motivated me to apply, with the hope of gaining similar opportunities and exposure to advance my innovation.
What are your ambitions for the next year?
My ambition for next year is to launch a pilot programme in collaboration with an NHS Trust.
Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?
Innovation is important in healthcare as no discipline should ever remain static. This is especially true of healthcare, where the implications of improved quality and efficiency of service provision are massive.
How can we find out more?
Please connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter for more information.