#United States #CHAI #Washington, DC #NACHC #Kyu Rhee

Coalition for Health AI Welcomes Dr. Kyu Rhee to its Board

On February 4, 2025, the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) announced a significant addition to its board: Dr. Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP. As the President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), Dr. Rhee comes with a robust background that uniquely positions him to contribute to the organization's mission. NACHC plays a pivotal role in advocating for the Community Health Centers (CHCs), which provide essential services to over 32.5 million patients across various communities in the United States.

Dr. Rhee’s Background and Experience

Dr. Rhee brings an extensive history of leadership in both healthcare and technology sectors. Before joining NACHC, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at CVS Health, overseeing a diverse team dedicated to improving health outcomes for a large population. His previous ten-year stint as Chief Health Officer at IBM saw him lead innovative efforts aimed at transforming healthcare through advanced analytics and AI. Notably, Dr. Rhee has a rich public sector experience, with roles as a National Health Service Corps physician and Chief Medical Officer for CHCs in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas.

Educationally, Dr. Rhee is well-equipped for his new role. With an MD from the University of Southern California, a Master's in Health Policy from Harvard University, and a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University, his qualifications support his commitment to addressing health disparities.

Welcoming Dr. Rhee

Dr. Brian Anderson, current President and CEO of CHAI, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Rhee's appointment. He emphasized the importance of having a leader with Dr. Rhee's expertise, particularly as CHAI looks to develop responsible AI playbooks tailored for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Dr. Anderson stated, "Dr. Rhee's valuable perspective, focused on community-based and rural healthcare, will help us shape initiatives that effectively meet the needs of underserved populations."

John D. Halamka, Chairman of the CHAI Board of Directors, echoed these sentiments, noting the wealth of experience Dr. Rhee brings in the intersection of healthcare and technology. His current leadership role, supporting more than 30 million individuals through community health centers, will greatly inform CHAI's efforts to ensure health AI is trustworthy and accessible to all Americans.

CHAI’s Mission and Future Initiatives

CHAI’s mission is clear: to serve as a guiding force for responsible AI in healthcare. The organization aims to provide high-quality care, instill trust among users, and address the expanding needs in the healthcare system. With almost 3,000 members from health systems, patient advocacy groups, and industry leaders, CHAI is poised for rapid growth and innovation.

As Dr. Rhee steps into this critical role, the Coalition for Health AI is optimistic about the future. By focusing on AI's responsible use, CHAI aims to revolutionize how healthcare services are delivered, particularly to those who need them the most. The inclusion of Dr. Rhee marks a new chapter in this journey toward building a better, healthier society for all.

For more information about the Coalition for Health AI and to learn about membership, please visit their official website.