Innovate Oncology, presented by Azra AI, is a podcast that brings together leading healthcare professionals, researchers, and thought leaders to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of cancer care. As oncology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, we explore the latest breakthroughs, cutting-edge technologies, and best practices that are reshaping patient care.
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Choti, Chief of Surgery at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. A renowned surgical oncologist, Dr. Choti joins us to share his insights on the transformative role of AI in surgical oncology, from precision robotics to post-operative care and beyond.
Integrating AI Across the Surgical Cancer Journey
Dr. Choti outlines how AI is already enhancing surgical oncology across the care continuum—from determining surgical eligibility to improving intraoperative precision and guiding post-operative surveillance. While the operating room of the future is still evolving, AI is already playing a vital role in real-world patient care today.
One major area of promise: image-guided robotics. Dr. Choti describes how his team uses real-time image fusion—combining preoperative MRI scans with intraoperative ultrasound—to more precisely destroy tumors without harming surrounding tissue. This is just one example of how AI-powered technologies are making cancer surgery more targeted, less invasive, and more effective.
AI as a Teaching Tool and Postoperative Ally
Another exciting application? Surgical education. AI is now being used to track motion patterns and improve how new surgeons are trained in robotic techniques—accelerating learning curves and improving performance and safety.
Beyond the OR, Dr. Choti discusses how AI can improve outcomes through enhanced postoperative care, including better prediction of complications, more personalized decisions about adjuvant therapy, and earlier detection of recurrence. He envisions a future where AI enables clinicians to tailor treatments more precisely while reducing unnecessary interventions.
“We use relatively crude factors to decide who gets chemotherapy after surgery. AI can help us refine prognosis and treatment plans, ensuring that patients receive only the care they truly need,” Dr. Choti explains.
Reducing Burden While Improving Outcomes
While adopting AI at scale may seem complex, Dr. Choti believes that health systems have more to gain than to fear. By using AI to simplify documentation, surface critical data, and enhance decision-making, physicians can reclaim valuable time with patients and reduce administrative burden.
At Banner Health, Dr. Choti sees firsthand how AI is improving not just patient outcomes—but also provider experience. He encourages healthcare systems to view AI not as a cost burden, but as a tool to create value-based care that is more efficient, personalized, and compassionate.
“These technologies allow us to spend more time delivering care, and less time facing a screen,” he says.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Surgical AI
When asked what excites him most about the future, Dr. Choti points to the potential of automated surgical systems, more efficient clinical trial designs, and value-driven care models. From improving access to care to reducing the cost of cancer treatment, AI is poised to become an indispensable partner in the evolution of oncology.
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