Wrightsville Beach, NC – Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into its neurological care, a move highlighted at the hospital’s inaugural neuroscience symposium held Thursday and Friday. The symposium brought together regional experts to discuss advancements in neurological care, research, and patient outcomes.
Jeffrey Beecher, director of neuroscience at Novant, explained that the institute is beginning to utilize these technologies, with a long-term vision of enabling remote procedures. “We’re going to be able to have systems that we can control with our expertise and be able to do a procedure at an outlying facility that maybe doesn’t have the same level of acuity but for a time sensitive illness like a stroke that is a big deal,” Beecher said. This capability aims to extend specialized neurological care to facilities lacking the same level of on-site expertise, particularly crucial for time-sensitive conditions like stroke.
The push for advanced neurological care at Novant Health is bolstered by a recent gift of $10 million from Michael Jordan. The donation, made in honor of his mother, Deloris Jordan, will be used to further research and innovation within the newly named Novant Health Deloris P. Jordan Neurosciences Institute, and to improve access to care across southeastern North Carolina. According to Novant Health, the funds will support expert physicians, advanced technology, and comprehensive programs for conditions including stroke, spine treatment, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
The integration of AI and robotics into neurological care represents a growing trend within the healthcare industry. While the specific applications discussed at the Novant symposium focused on remote procedure capabilities, the broader potential of these technologies is significant. AI algorithms are increasingly being used to analyze medical images – such as MRIs and CT scans – to detect anomalies and assist in diagnosis. Robotics, beyond remote surgery, are also being deployed in rehabilitation therapies, providing precise and repetitive movements to aid patient recovery.
The ability to perform procedures remotely, as envisioned by Beecher, addresses a critical challenge in healthcare: equitable access to specialized care. Rural hospitals and clinics often struggle to attract and retain specialists, leaving patients in those areas with limited options. Remote robotics, guided by experts at larger medical centers, could bridge this gap, bringing advanced neurological interventions to underserved communities. However, the successful implementation of such a system relies on robust and reliable high-bandwidth connectivity, a factor that remains a challenge in many rural areas.
Michael Jordan’s contribution isn’t solely focused on technological advancement. The gift also emphasizes the importance of research into complex neurological conditions. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, for example, remain significant medical challenges with no known cures. Funding for research is crucial to understanding the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and developing effective treatments. The Novant Health Deloris P. Jordan Neurosciences Institute will benefit from these resources, potentially accelerating the pace of discovery.
The $10 million investment from Jordan builds on a pattern of philanthropic support for Novant Health. His mother, Deloris Jordan, has a long-standing interest in global health and wellness, and the institute’s naming reflects her commitment to compassionate care and community well-being. According to Jordan, “My mother taught me the importance of compassion and community, and I can’t think of a better way to honor her than by helping to ensure those in need can obtain the most advanced neurological care available.”
Beyond Novant Health’s initiatives, broader trends indicate increasing investment in AI-driven healthcare solutions. A initiative announced by the Gates Foundation and OpenAI commits $50 million to providing AI tools to healthcare workers in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating a global recognition of AI’s potential to address healthcare disparities. This initiative, dubbed “Horizon1000,” aims to improve healthcare access and quality in regions with limited resources. Similarly, the HealthStack platform, launched by Blavity Founder and CEO Morgan DeBaun, is focused on reducing information asymmetry in healthcare and promoting equitable access to care through curated content and research.
The symposium and the accompanying financial commitment signal a growing emphasis on leveraging technology to improve neurological care. While the full impact of these advancements remains to be seen, the integration of AI and robotics, coupled with increased investment in research, holds the promise of transforming neurological treatment and expanding access to care for patients in North Carolina and beyond.
