Shriners Children’s Recognized Among Top Institutions for AI in Healthcare

Shriners Children’s was recently shortlisted for the AI Champion Hospital/Institution of the Year Award at AIMed25, one of the most prestigious global gatherings dedicated to artificial intelligence in healthcare. This honor recognizes institutions demonstrating exceptional leadership in applying AI to improve patient care, research and innovation.

The award celebrates organizations that are shaping the future of medicine through AI. This year’s finalists included Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, MIT School of Engineering and Shriners Children’s – an impressive group of institutions known for their excellence and forward-thinking approaches. While MIT ultimately received the award, being named among these world-renowned leaders affirms Shriners Children’s growing reputation for innovation and impact.

Shriners Children’s commitment to AI began in 2020, when we launched an initiative to accelerate discovery using AI and machine learning. Since then, dozens of successful AI-driven studies have been completed, leading to influential publications and breakthroughs across multiple specialties.

“What began as a research-centered effort has inspired innovation across the entire Shriners Children’s system,” said Marc Lalande, Ph.D., Vice President of Research Programs. “AI has enhanced our data-driven capabilities in clinical, operational and technical domains, transforming how we conduct research, deliver care and collaborate with partners across the pediatric healthcare community.”

The recognition from AIMed underscores Shriners Children’s national leadership among pediatric healthcare organizations embracing technology to advance care. That foresight and dedication to integrating AI continue to raise the standard of innovation, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of patient-centered research and discovery.

As Dr. Lalande noted, “This acknowledgment is a testament to our teams’ hard work and vision. AI is not only helping us better understand the science behind care, it’s helping us imagine new possibilities for the children and families we serve.”

We’re also proud to share that one of our own, Coleman Hilton, MS, FAMIA, was on the shortlist for AI Champion Rising Star of the Year. This category recognizes exceptional individuals who are leading the charge in transforming medicine through innovation, collaboration and real-world impact. Hilton’s nomination is a wonderful reflection of the innovation and dedication that our teams bring to the mission every day.

“It’s a privilege to have my work recognized on the shortlist for AI Champion Rising Star of the Year and to see Shriners Children’s shortlisted for AI Champion Hospital/Institution of the Year,” Hilton said. “These acknowledgments reflect a collective effort – a team committed to advancing how data, engineering and AI can responsibly support better care for children.”