In the burgeoning field of AI, it’s challenging to find someone who truly embodies the pioneering spirit, passion, and dedication required to make a significant impact. But Dr. Chhavi Chauhan is a leader who not only commands respect in the AI landscape, but also acts as a beacon for women and minorities in the realm of scientific research and AI ethics. Relentless women like Dr. Chauhan are writing the script, their stories becoming crucial stepping stones toward an equitable, diverse, and inclusive future in technology.
A Visionary at the Helm of Change
Dr. Chauhan is not just a decorated name in her field but a visionary who consistently leverages technology to improve the world around her. She resides at the intersection of scientific research, scholarly communications, science policy, medical education, and responsible tech in healthcare, spearheading numerous initiatives at several organizations. As Director of Scientific Outreach at the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP) and Director of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program at the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, she expands her reach far beyond these titles. She has been recognized as an “AI and Analytics Leader & Influencer” and one of the “100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics.” However, her accomplishments don’t stop there. As an expert at the AI Policy Exchange, a leader of the Women in AI Ethics Collective, and the Program Manager for the Women in AI Accelerate and Raise Programs, Dr. Chauhan continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
“My mission is to simplify the unnecessarily complex healthcare ecosystem by leveraging responsible technology to bring precision care closer to the patients and gratitude back into the lives of passionate caregivers.”
A Testament to Hard Work and Resilience
When asked about her backstory, Dr. Chauhan’s response offers a glimpse into a journey filled with trials and triumphs. “I was born and raised in India, and I’ve been passionate about science from childhood,” she shares. “My parents valued good education and encouraged us to follow our passions and dreams.” Armed with a strong academic foundation, she took her first steps into science and technology, earning a Ph.D. in molecular biology before transitioning into a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute. It was here that her interest in scientific publishing began to take root. However, her path wasn’t without its challenges. The birth of her daughter in 2016 and the realization of persistent glass ceilings made her even more determined to create an equitable workplace. She pushed boundaries and created a new position for herself as Director of Scientific Outreach, all while furthering her commitment to expanding readership and membership bases.
Championing Ethical AI in Healthcare
Emerging technologies like AI promise to revolutionize many sectors, with healthcare being significant. Dr. Chauhan is at the forefront of this transformation, focusing on public awareness about ethical and responsible AI in healthcare and beyond. “I have been collaborating with individuals and entities in making healthcare more equitable and accessible by leveraging responsible AI,” Dr. Chauhan says. This work doesn’t just serve the medical community or scientific publishers but benefits patients, physicians, educators, and policymakers alike. Her aim? To bring “precision care closer and faster to the patients,” thereby elevating patient wellbeing and restoring the joy in the profession for healthcare professionals and caregivers.
Looking Ahead: AI and the Future
The digital future requires leaders like Dr. Chauhan, willing to challenge the status quo and push boundaries to create lasting change. But it’s not just about the technology for Dr. Chauhan. She emphasizes two fundamental principles that have guided her journey: authenticity and resilience. In a field often marked by rapid change and fierce competition, these qualities ground her approach and pave the way for meaningful, lasting impact. As a recognized leader in her field, Dr. Chauhan’s influence extends beyond her immediate work. She mentors other women and minorities in scientific research and AI ethics, guiding and encouraging those following in her footsteps. With her work on numerous AI ethics projects and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility) initiatives, as well as her contributions to the field of digital pathology, Dr. Chauhan’s work exemplifies the power of emerging technology to create a positive, meaningful impact on the world.
Harnessing Technology for Humanity
Technology’s omnipresence in our daily lives isn’t merely for convenience; it holds the power to shape our futures significantly. As Dr. Chauhan articulates, technology accelerates growth and efficiency, freeing human cognitive bandwidth for critical and creative thinking. “Technology can liberate people’s time to think more critically and creatively,” she says. These words underscore the tremendous potential of technology to augment human potential and drive social advancement. Dr. Chauhan’s work provides a fascinating glimpse into how women can contribute to the innovation ecosystem. Straddling the domains of scholarly publishing, science policy, and healthcare, she has left an indelible mark on each. Her advocacy for responsible AI use in publishing to ensure reliable, trustworthy, and reproducible scientific information is a testament to her commitment to innovation in the service of society. Likewise, in the healthcare sphere, she is simplifying the ecosystem and bringing care closer to the patients through responsible technology. “My mission is to simplify the unnecessarily complex healthcare ecosystem by leveraging responsible technology to bring precision care closer to the patients and gratitude back into the lives of passionate caregivers,” she adds.
Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Women
The path to success, as Dr. Chauhan explains, is not without obstacles, particularly for women and minorities. As an introverted woman of color, she faced challenges carving out a space for herself. She met the common adversities that many women in tech encounter. However, she managed to navigate these obstacles through self-advocacy and networking, eventually gaining recognition for her expertise. Her advice to other women is empowering and encouraging: “Believe in yourselves, trust your instincts, and know that you can do anything and everything that you set your mind upon.”
Forging Ahead
Looking forward, Dr. Chauhan is excited about making the healthcare ecosystem more accessible and equitable globally. She sees technology as a vehicle for driving this change: “I am very excited about working with like-minded individuals who are trying to create awareness about ethical and responsible use of technology in different domains.” In the words of Dr. Chauhan, her message to the world is “Equal Access.” Her vision for a future where technology paves the way for equitable opportunities and improved living conditions for all, regardless of background, resonates profoundly. Dr. Chauhan’s journey and work serve as a potent testament to the transformative power of technology in shaping our collective future, building a world where all have an equal shot at success.
