Something extraordinary happened at the 2025 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care in Denver. Two of my Radial clinical colleagues, Anant Vasudevan and Kerry Son, were invited to serve as faculty along with Amy Baughman and Katie Strand from Mass General Brigham. Together with Matthew Gonzales from the Providence Institute for Human Caring, they led a powerful pre-conference workshop about the intersection of AI and palliative/end-of-life care.

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This wasn't your typical tech talk. It was a multi-session workshop diving deep into how artificial intelligence can truly transform hospice and palliative care. The focus wasn't on replacing human connection, but on amplifying it. It was about equipping providers with tools that anticipate patient needs, support caregivers in real time, and facilitate those crucial, often difficult, conversations at just the right moment.

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Walking into that room, the energy was palpable. Everyone present understood this wasn't just about technology; it was about the very heart of compassionate care. It was about exploring how we can do better, how we can leverage the power of AI without losing sight of the human touch that defines this field.

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The session kicked off with a simple yet powerful question: "What does AI make you think of?" The responses, projected onto the screen, painted a vivid picture of the complex emotions surrounding this technology. Words like "Helpful," "Efficiency," and "Potential" shone brightly, representing the promise of AI. But equally prominent were words like "Scary," "Ethical challenges," and even "Skynet," acknowledging the anxieties and uncertainties that naturally arise.

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This duality perfectly captured the essence of the discussion. While the potential benefits of AI in healthcare are immense, it's crucial to acknowledge and address the fears and challenges that accompany its implementation. The conversation my Radial colleagues led was honest, nuanced, and forward-thinking, tackling these complexities head-on.

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The workshop wasn't just about slides and statistics. It was a room filled with brilliant, mission-driven clinicians, all asking the same fundamental question: How do we bring AI into care without losing the heart of what we do? This question served as the guiding principle, shaping the discussions and driving the exploration of AI's role in hospice and palliative care.

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This experience left me incredibly energized. At Radial, we believe deeply in the power of AI to make a real difference in the world. And when AI meets end-of-life care, we have the opportunity to change lives in profound ways. We can empower caregivers, anticipate patient needs, and ensure that every moment is treated with the dignity and compassion it deserves.

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A huge thank you to the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, and all the incredible providers who participated in this important session. Let's continue this vital conversation and work together to shape a future where technology enhances, not replaces, the human connection at the heart of care.