In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry, Dr. Farah Shamout focuses on one of the most human fields of all: healthcare. A scientist based at NYU Abu Dhabi, Shamout is pioneering the development of clinical AI with a bold mission – bringing cutting-edge technology into hospitals in ways that are ethical, equitable, and effective.
"I was always interested in healthcare, but I didn't want to study medicine," she says. That early curiosity led her to NYUAD as an undergraduate, where she discovered the potential of computational tools for solving medical problems. Today, she leads the university’s Clinical AI Lab, a research group focused on developing machine learning models to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
Shamout’s journey is marked by a commitment to both innovation and accessibility. After completing her PhD in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and returning to NYUAD as an emerging scholar, she became a tenure-track faculty member. She founded her lab with a clear vision: to build AI tools that address real medical needs in ways that can be deployed across diverse populations and healthcare systems.
“What drew me initially was the emphasis on high-class education and the global outlook,” Shamout says. That global perspective continues to inform her research, particularly in areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited. “AI adoption is more likely to happen in areas with healthcare shortages,” she notes, highlighting the potential of AI to support clinicians rather than replace them.
Her lab focuses on three main areas: brain health, women’s health, and in-hospital clinical support. One standout project involves using AI to improve IVF treatment journeys, offering a glimpse into how machine learning can enhance personalized care. Another initiative is the development of multi-agent AI systems designed to streamline hospital workflows and improve operational efficiency.
Importantly, Shamout’s work is grounded in ethical responsibility. “We need to rigorously evaluate our models to identify any potential biases or discrepancies across different patient subpopulations,” she says. For her, building trust in AI requires transparency and careful testing, especially in clinical environments where stakes are high.
To ensure the work is clinically relevant, the Clinical AI Lab runs monthly boot camps for healthcare collaborators. These sessions serve as collaborative feedback loops, where doctors can share insights and raise practical concerns. “We try to involve clinicians as much as possible to make sure whatever we build is actually clinically meaningful,” she says.
Looking ahead, Shamout envisions a future where AI tools are routinely deployed at the patient’s bedside through real-world validation studies and clinical trials. But her ambitions go beyond technology. She is equally focused on mentorship and education, supporting a new generation of researchers who will carry this work forward.
She offers pragmatic advice for those just entering the field: get involved early, join competitions, and work with real-world datasets. “Hackathons and datathons are great entry points,” she says.
Ultimately, Shamout’s work is about more than algorithms. It’s about building systems that save lives, reduce disparities, and empower healthcare workers everywhere. In a region rapidly embracing technological advancement, she stands out as a leader combining global expertise with a deep-rooted sense of purpose.
“I hope to develop technologies that can ultimately improve patient outcomes,” she says. And with a lab full of passionate researchers, a track record of innovation, and the Meem Foundation’s support through a new grant, that future seems not just possible, but within reach.
