AI Rural Health Workshop
Hosted by Center 4 Health Research
May 21, 2025
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Goal
To leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing health outcomes in Illinois’ rural communities through collaborative efforts, focusing on understanding community-specific healthcare needs and building trust between healthcare providers, researchers, and rural populations.
Objectives
- Pinpoint specific healthcare challenges, barriers, and priorities.
- Ensure transparency, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivities in AI applications – tailored for rural health
- Build a network of AI researchers, providers, advocates, and policymakers to address rural health needs
- Promote community-led development of AI tools for health informed by rural communities
- Identify high-impact AI apps that can be applied to improve access and outcomes for rural communities.
Workshop Schedule
Welcome (10 a.m.)
Drs. Dodani, Rehg, & Feinstein (Organizing Committee)
Dean Meenakshy Aiyer
Introduction to Workshop Goals and Breakout Groups (10:15 a.m.)
Drs. Donohue and Hughes
Small Group Discussions (10:30 a.m.)
- Can AI Be Unfair? Addressing Bias in Rural Healthcare
- Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Helping Healthcare Workers Use AI
- Technology vs. Human Touch: How Patients Feel About AI in Healthcare
Break (11:30 a.m.)
Coffee, water and light snacks
Continued Small Group Discussions (11:45 a.m.)
Lunch (12:30)
Will be provided
Keynote (1 p.m.)
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra
Small Group Report-outs (1:30 p.m.)
Wrap-up and Next Steps (2:30-3:30 p.m.)
Drs. Donohue and Hughes
Date posted
Jan 15, 2025
Date updated
May 15, 2025