Revolutionizing Medicine: AI Health Care Innovator to Spearhead Cutting-Edge Computational Research at UT

AUSTIN, Texas — The leader behind the most popular artificial intelligence technology in U.S. healthcare has joined The University of Texas at Austin. This move comes as the university launches an ambitious plan to build an academic medical center in Austin, the largest city in the U.S. without one.

Dr. Charles “Charley” Taylor, a well-known expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning, will head the new Center for Computational Medicine at UT. This center aims to push medical advancements by creating tools to simulate disease progress, predict outcomes, and personalize care. It will strengthen ties between UT’s Dell Medical School and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences.

Taylor, who holds the W.A. “Tex” Moncrief Jr. Chair in Computational Medicine, is also a professor in Internal Medicine at Dell Med. He believes this center will be transformative for healthcare in Texas and beyond. “This is a game-changer for the future of health,” says Claudia Lucchinetti, M.D., dean of Dell Med. “Charley’s unmatched expertise in preventive care and diagnosis will elevate our efforts dramatically.”

UT is already a leader in engineering and computer science, with access to cutting-edge technology like the fastest academic supercomputer. By establishing a Center for Computational Medicine, the university hopes to lead health care innovations. Taylor’s unique background, highlighted by his work with HeartFlow, positions him to make significant contributions to predictive medicine. His company revolutionized heart disease diagnosis through noninvasive AI methods.

“Charley’s appointment marks the first joint hire between the Oden Institute and Dell Medical School,” notes Karen Willcox, Ph.D., director of the Oden Institute. “His energy and experience will enhance our strengths in computational medicine and improve our collaboration with Dell Medical School.”

The upcoming UT Medical Center is set to include distinct hospitals, featuring an MD Anderson Cancer Center and a facility focused on advanced health technology. These hospitals will embrace cutting-edge care, aiming to expand healthcare beyond traditional settings.

“I was drawn to UT because of the chance to help create a hospital for the future,” said Taylor. “This is the right place for computational medicine to flourish, ultimately benefiting patients in need.”