Thoughtful Innovation in Healthcare IT with Jimi Michel of Island Health Care

Guest Introduction

Jimi Michel, Chief Information Officer at Island Health Care, leads technology strategy for one of Massachusetts' most community-focused healthcare organizations. Based on Martha's Vineyard, Jimi oversees a lean IT team supporting clinical operations, cybersecurity, and long-term innovation for over sixty employees. With more than fifteen years in digital health, his leadership blends technical insight with compassion for patient-centered care. Jimi's approach to AI adoption emphasizes safety, ethics, and practicality, ensuring technology enhances clinical work without compromising trust.

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Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

• Why healthcare AI must be adopted slowly and thoughtfully

• How Island Health Care balances innovation with patient safety

• The lessons from past digital health transitions and what they teach us about AI

• How "crawl, walk, run" applies to responsible technology adoption

• Why adversarial testing and human oversight are essential in AI evaluation

• How smaller healthcare organizations can stretch resources through automation

• The importance of involving clinicians and patients in technology decisions

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In This Episode

Jimi Michel shares how Island Health Care approaches technology with both curiosity and caution. Leading a small but capable IT team, he focuses on building a strong foundation before adopting any new tool. Data security, workflow optimization, and user experience always come first. This approach ensures that when new technology is introduced, it supports patient care rather than creating additional risks.

Jimi recalls the early 2010s when healthcare systems rushed to adopt electronic health records. Those transitions were often driven by financial incentives rather than careful design, leaving many clinicians frustrated and disconnected from the process. Today, he takes a different approach. By involving staff in decision-making, his team ensures that technology enhances their work instead of adding unnecessary complexity. "We have to be thoughtful," he explains, stressing that every step toward innovation must protect patient data and maintain privacy.

He describes his "crawl, walk, run" strategy for adopting AI. Island Health Care is currently in the "crawl" phase, testing tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Open Evidence to automate small, repetitive tasks. Over time, these systems will help streamline administrative work, identify trends, and support clinical decisions. Jimi emphasizes that AI should enhance human ability rather than replace it. His focus is on freeing up time for clinicians so they can focus on what truly matters: providing excellent patient care.

The discussion also explores how to build trust among staff. Jimi notes that while some clinicians are eager to explore AI's potential, others remain cautious, particularly when dealing with sensitive health data. As CIO, his goal is to foster understanding, encourage collaboration, and ensure that every new tool aligns with Island Health Care's mission of delivering compassionate and accessible healthcare.