Off the Charts Episode 9 an interview with Allan Hamilton, MD

I’m delighted to share with you the latest episode of our “Off the Charts” video newsletter, in which I had the pleasure of speaking with Allan Hamilton, MD, executive director of the Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center and a Regents Professor of surgery in the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson. As we explore ASTEC’s profound impact on education and innovation, I invite you to reflect on the opportunities we have as a community to reimagine the future of health care.

Allan’s career is nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings as a janitor to graduating from Harvard Medical School, serving in the Army during Desert Storm, and consulting for the hit TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” his journey exemplifies resilience, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence. His story reminds us of the transformative power of education and the paths it opens.

ASTEC represents the best of the U of A Health Sciences — a place where cutting-edge simulation meets interdisciplinary collaboration. Under Allan’s leadership, ASTEC has become a global leader in simulation technology. The center not only hones clinical skills but also fosters teamwork, empathy and leadership in a safe, controlled environment.

One of the most exciting frontiers at ASTEC is the integration of artificial intelligence. Allan and his team are using AI to revolutionize education — from training students to conduct empathetic patient interviews to refining their procedural skills in real time. These innovations allow faculty members to focus on the human elements of medicine, such as sharing bad news or building trust with patients. This work is setting new standards in health care education and will soon influence practices worldwide.

As Allan wisely advises, success lies in pursuing your passions, fostering connections and embracing collaboration. These values resonate deeply with our mission at the U of A Health Sciences, and ASTEC embodies them fully.

I encourage you to watch this inspiring episode and consider how ASTEC’s work can inform and enrich your own endeavors. Together, we can leverage these advancements to transform health care education, research and practice.