Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Insights from Alberto Retana – Novo Nordisk

Introduction
In a recent episode of the AI Heroes podcast, Laura Velásquez, co-founder of Arcángel AI, conversed with Alberto Retana, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on healthcare. During the discussion, Retana explored how these technologies are transforming our understanding of diagnosis, data management, and patient care, highlighting both advancements and challenges faced by organizations.

Faster, More Effective Diagnoses

"There are conditions where a diagnosis can take years. AI can help reduce that time to just weeks," noted Retana. This remark illustrates one of the biggest impacts of AI on healthcare: its ability to drastically cut down the time required to identify diseases. Not only does this improve diagnostic accuracy, but it also opens the door for earlier, more effective interventions.
One example highlighted in the conversation was how AI can analyze large volumes of data in real-time, allowing doctors to make better-informed decisions. "It’s not the same to start treatment five years later than it is to do so within a few weeks," Retana added, underscoring the positive impact that early diagnosis has on the progression of a disease.

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Automation to Optimize Resources

In her conversation with Velásquez, Retana emphasized that AI is a key tool for freeing up professionals from operational tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic work. "If I spend less time on operational execution, I can concentrate on innovating," he explained.
For example, Retana shared how AI is already being used to optimize processes in pharmaceuticals, such as data analysis and treatment monitoring. This not only speeds up development cycles but also helps organizations comply with strict regulations, a constant challenge in the industry.
He also highlighted the importance of pairing implementation with tools that monitor and adjust projects in real-time. "If I have an AI tool throughout the process, it’s much easier to identify areas for immediate improvement," he commented.

Strategic Innovation and Sustainability

"One approach we've adopted is what we call the triple bottom line: being socially responsible, respecting the environment, and ensuring financial viability," Retana shared when describing how Novo Nordisk uses AI to balance sustainability and innovation.
In the episode, Retana highlighted initiatives like Circular Zero, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions by optimizing operational and production processes. AI plays a crucial role in precisely measuring and analyzing these impacts, enabling companies to set and meet sustainable goals. "It’s not the same to do manual reporting as it is to have an automated scan that gives me a clear overview," he affirmed.

Challenges and Expectations of AI in Healthcare

While the benefits of AI are undeniable, Retana made it clear that its adoption is not without obstacles. Among the key challenges he mentioned were:

• Strict Regulation: "We work in an industry with rigid regulatory frameworks. This forces us to innovate within very defined limits," Retana noted.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Many organizations see AI as a magical solution, but Retana warns that "results don’t come immediately. It’s a process of trial, iteration, and continuous improvement."
• Cultural Shift: Adopting AI requires a mindset change within teams. "It’s important to know when and how to use these technologies. It’s not about applying them to every opportunity without prior analysis," he explained.
  Additionally, he stressed the importance of breaking projects down into phases to minimize risk. "I don’t jump into a full-scale project. I break it into phases, make checkpoints, evaluate, and adjust as needed. This builds confidence in the results," he added.

Data: The New Frontier of Artificial Intelligence

"The power is no longer in having information, but in knowing how to interpret it," Retana stated, highlighting how AI is transforming the way organizations work with data. In a world flooded with information, the ability to synthesize and analyze data accurately is crucial for making quick, effective decisions.
In this sense, AI not only accelerates analysis but also identifies patterns and opportunities that would be difficult to detect manually. "I can save months of analysis and make decisions that impact sooner than expected," he added.

Final Reflections from AI Heroes

Throughout the episode, Retana made it clear that AI is not just an operational tool, but also an opportunity for professional learning and growth. "This reminds us that knowledge and learning are infinite. Technology presents this reality to us every day," he reflected.
However, he emphasized that the success of AI depends on careful and ethical implementation. "Not everything is AI, and not everything should be traditional. We must find a balance and understand that these tools should be used for the benefit of the patient," he concluded.

Key Takeaways:

• AI Vision: Alberto Retana defines AI as a tool that "helps us move away from routine tasks to focus on strategy and innovation."
• Faster and More Accurate Diagnoses: AI can significantly reduce diagnostic times for complex diseases, improving patient care.
• Automation and Operational Efficiency: AI frees teams from repetitive tasks, optimizing resources and allowing more focus on innovation and strategic planning.
• Business Sustainability: Retana discusses initiatives like Circular Zero, where AI helps measure and reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical operations.
• Cultural Adaptation and Regulatory Challenges: AI adoption faces barriers such as strict regulations, unrealistic expectations, and the need for a cultural shift within organizations.
• Data Interpretation as a Competitive Advantage: "The power is no longer in having information, but in knowing how to interpret it," Retana stresses, emphasizing AI’s ability to analyze large volumes of data.
• Human-Technology Evolution: Retana highlights the growing collaboration between humans and technology, citing examples of AI preventing medical errors in prescriptions.

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Conclusions

• AI is a Transformative Tool: Beyond automating tasks, AI addresses strategic needs, improving efficiency and outcomes in healthcare.
• A Long-Term Approach is Key: To leverage AI, organizations must adopt a medium- and long-term vision, combining innovation with tangible short-term solutions.
• Adaptability is Essential: Both companies and professionals need to adjust strategies and adopt new skills to maximize AI's potential.
• Human-Tech Relationship: The interaction between humans and machines is evolving into a more collaborative model, where AI doesn’t replace humans but enhances human capabilities.
• The Future of Healthcare with AI is Promising: Retana concludes that AI, when used correctly, can significantly improve patient quality of life and the sustainability of healthcare systems.

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