At UTMB, we are committed to advancing healthcare through the power of artificial intelligence. As part of our ongoing mission to innovate and improve patient care, research, and operational efficiency, we are excited to announce two groundbreaking developments: the launch of the UTMB Artificial Intelligence Council and the appointment of Dr. Peter McCaffrey as our inaugural Chief AI Officer. These initiatives represent a significant step forward in integrating AI across our clinical, research, educational, and operational efforts. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we aim to harness the transformative potential of AI to drive improvements in healthcare delivery, accelerate research breakthroughs, and enhance our overall institutional performance. Join us on this exciting journey as we embrace the future of AI-driven healthcare innovation.
AI Leadership
Dr. Peter McCaffrey, Chief AI Officer
Dr. Peter McCaffrey is the inaugural Chief AI Officer at UTMB, where he leads the institution's Artificial Intelligence initiatives to enhance education, research, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiencies. He has been with UTMB since 2018, serving as the Director of Laboratory Information Services, Pathology Informatics, Bioinformatics and AI, and an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Radiology. Dr. McCaffrey holds a Medical Degree from Johns Hopkins University, a Master’s in Biomedical Data Science from Stanford University, and a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from Stanford. He has been recognized as a Texas Monthly SuperDoctors Rising Star for four consecutive years and is the author of An Introduction to Healthcare Informatics: Building Data-Driven Tools. His work includes pioneering AI-driven healthcare solutions and co-chairing the University of Texas Healthcare AI Collaborative, advancing AI in healthcare across the UT System.
Dr. Salim Hayek, VP & Chief Transformation Officer
Dr. Salim Hayek joined UTMB in March 2024 as Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, where he leads initiatives to enhance patient care, optimize clinical outcomes, and advance clinical research. A distinguished cardiologist with a focus on cardio-oncology and biomarkers, Dr. Hayek is an NIH-funded physician-scientist with over five years of experience in healthcare transformation. Previously, as Medical Director of the University of Michigan’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center Clinics, he pioneered innovative approaches to physician compensation and clinical processes, improving patient care and operational efficiency. Dr. Hayek’s work in translational science, particularly on inflammation mechanisms and novel biomarkers, has set new standards in personalized therapy and preventive strategies. His leadership is instrumental in advancing UTMB's mission to integrate academic and clinical excellence.
