When the sun rose over Lee Health’s Coconut Point campus, the doors opened to a day of quiet innovation. The event, titled The Intelligence Inside: Explore AI at Lee Health, brought together staff and community members to witness how artificial intelligence is already woven into patient care and hospital operations.

Wendy Victor, director of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, framed the day’s showcase as a partnership rather than a replacement. "Our goal is to empower clinicians," she said, emphasizing that the team focuses on tools that sharpen decision‑making, streamline workflows, and give providers more time with patients while keeping records accurate.

One highlight was AI Scribe, an AI‑powered documentation system that listens to a real‑time cardiology encounter, transcribes the dialogue, and produces structured clinical notes. A patient who volunteered for the demo gave consent for the recording, underscoring the system’s respect for privacy. By automating paperwork, the technology frees clinicians to concentrate on bedside care.

In the radiology suite, AI quietly flags urgent imaging studies for prioritization. Radiologists routinely review up to 100 studies a day; the system highlights those that require immediate attention, improving speed and consistency without supplanting the radiologist’s expertise.

At Golisano Children’s Hospital, a branch of Lee Health, digital whiteboards now greet patients in their rooms. These boards pull data directly from the electronic health record and display real‑time updates for patients and families. They also offer Spanish and Creole language options, a feature that supports clear communication with the region’s diverse population.

The event’s centerpiece was the AI Playground, an interactive zone where attendees could try chatbots, prompt‑based AI tools, clinical assistants, and the digital whiteboard system. Subject‑matter experts stood by to answer questions and explain how each technology is applied in clinical settings.

Victor underscored the event’s focus on transparency and privacy. "Patient data is protected, and we follow strict safeguards," she noted, framing the outreach as part of a broader effort to build trust with patients and the community.

Lee Health’s approach aligns with industry best practices that prioritize practical use cases, safety, and responsible deployment. The health system has chosen tools that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows, support clinical staff, and enhance patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, the AI and Digital Transformation team plans to host additional public events to continue educating the community about AI applications in healthcare. The system also intends to expand its AI portfolio, concentrating on tools that improve workflow efficiency and patient care.

In sum, the event demonstrated that Lee Health is actively embedding AI into both clinical and operational processes while maintaining a steadfast focus on patient safety, privacy, and provider support. The health system’s ongoing efforts aim to strengthen care delivery, empower clinical teams, and foster trust through transparent, responsible AI use.