Duke University School of Medicine Focuses on Artificial Intelligence in Future Strategy
Medical school leaders evaluated artificial intelligence integration amid changing funding conditions and federal regulations.
During a webinar session, leaders of the Duke University School of Medicine announced that they are building their future strategy around artificial intelligence amid uncertainties created by changing funding conditions and federal regulations.
Artificial Intelligence and Future Strategy
Duke University School of Medicine leaders are working to integrate artificial intelligence into the future during a major period of change characterized by shifting funding landscapes and federal regulations. Noting that artificial intelligence is transforming research and educational fields, the leaders shared their optimism regarding new developments.
Leaders' Use Cases for Artificial Intelligence
Dean of the School Dr. Mary Klotman stated that she utilizes artificial intelligence daily to summarize hundreds of pages of reports and presentations. While Dr. Geeta Swamy mentioned using AI to generate graphics, Dr. Aditee Narayan stated that she prepares grants containing budgets and timelines.
School-Wide Artificial Intelligence Steps
In fiscal year 2026, more than 5,100 budget reviews were conducted with AI support, and new tools for research management are planned to be released in the fall. In January, the Discovery AI initiative was launched to apply artificial intelligence to biological studies.
Students and Leadership Appointments
Medical students have access to university-provided artificial intelligence tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, and Microsoft Copilot. Additionally, in July, Dr. Joel Boggan was appointed as the managing director of artificial intelligence in medical and health professions education.
Funding and Budget Situation
In fiscal year 2026, total grant awards decreased by 8 percent to approximately $1 billion, while expenditures dropped by 7 percent to $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, grant applications remained stable at around $5 billion.
National Institutes of Health and Presidential Budget
School leaders are closely monitoring expected funding levels for the National Institutes of Health. The presidential budget requested $41.5 billion for the agency this year, down from last year's $46.5 billion.