Innovating Surgery, Education, and Healthcare: Dr David Rawaf’s Journey and the Future of AI in Medicine
From my early days at St. George’s, University of London, to my current roles spanning surgery, medical education, and technology innovation, my career has been driven by a passion for improving healthcare systems. As a surgeon, researcher, and technologist, I have worked across the UK and the US, specialising in orthopaedics while actively contributing to MedTech and public health innovation.
During my surgical training, I was always drawn to problem-solving beyond the operating theatre. I found myself questioning inefficiencies in healthcare delivery and surgical training, constantly thinking of ways to improve them. My interest in innovation and technology grew stronger when I realised that many of the challenges faced by clinicians could be tackled through the right application of technology.
My transition into the industry was not a sudden shift but an evolution of my career. While pursuing surgery, I engaged with MedTech startups, research projects, and policy initiatives, gaining insight into the intersection of technology and healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point, as I saw firsthand the critical need for scalable, technology-driven solutions in medical training and patient care. This period of intense clinical work, combined with my growing involvement in innovation, led me to explore new opportunities where I could integrate both worlds.
At Imperial College London and the WHOCC, I have been involved in research, education, and policy development, particularly in integrating emerging technologies into surgical training and medical practice. My work intersects clinical excellence with disruptive innovation—bridging gaps in simulation-based learning, AI-driven diagnostics, and scalable health solutions. In my role at Inovus Medical, I lead advancements in surgical education, leveraging technology to enhance skill acquisition and assessment. Additionally, I advise health technology startups and collaborate on projects that seek to modernise medical training and healthcare delivery.
Looking ahead, AI will be a defining force in medical education and public health. In training, AI-driven simulations and adaptive learning platforms will personalise education, ensuring that students and professionals receive tailored, data-informed guidance. Virtual patients powered by AI will provide realistic, scenario-based training, refining clinical decision-making in ways previously unattainable.
In public health, AI will revolutionise disease prediction, epidemiology, and resource allocation. By processing vast datasets, AI can identify emerging health threats, optimise preventive strategies, and improve health system efficiency. However, its integration must be guided by ethical frameworks, ensuring accessibility, transparency, and alignment with patient-centred care.
Imperial College has always been a leader in innovation, and as AI reshapes healthcare, we have an opportunity to pioneer new approaches that merge human expertise with machine intelligence. The future of medicine lies not just in treating disease but in reimagining how we teach, learn, and care for populations globally.