USI Bronstein Center to launch new Affiliate Visiting Faculty Initiative, course on technology and healthcare
March 21, 2024
As part of its mission to improve care of elders in southwestern Indiana, the University of Southern Indiana Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness is launching the Bronstein Affiliate Visiting Faculty Initiative. With funds provided by the Bronstein Foundation, national and international faculty with expertise in dementia care or advance care planning are invited to teach a class or seminar at USI annually.
Dr. Ryan Integlia, USI Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is the first Bronstein Affiliate Visiting Faculty. This summer, he will teach a two-day intensive course to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) on healthcare delivery and dementia care. HP 490: Introduction to AI/ML in Healthcare is open to USI students and faculty, community members and healthcare professionals.
In this course, Integlia will examine how smart watches, augmented reality, robotics and other technology concepts can improve access to care and enhance patient-practitioner communication.
According to Integlia, the application of AI/ML-enabled tools for remote monitoring for rehabilitation and wellness has been shown to enhance accessibility of healthcare technology for low income and aging populations and also people living with dementia. “Studies demonstrate that self-management via mobile and telehealth technologies improve overall outcomes in patients,” he says. “This class will attempt to bridge the gap between new AI technology and healthcare, specifically in the aging community.”
The one-credit hour class will be offered during USI’s First Summer Session from 10:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 6 and 7.
“We are pleased to offer the community this opportunity to explore the intersection of healthcare and technology,” says Dr. Katie Ehlman, Director of the Bronstein Center. “Healthcare delivery is constantly changing. This two-day course is a way for our students and community providers to stay at the forefront of innovation to improve patient outcomes.”
USI students can register for HP 490 as a First Summer Session course through the student registration portal. The course is open to all majors, and no prerequisites are required.
Health professionals and community members should contact USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989 for registration information. Attendees may receive continuing education contact hours for day one and day two with attestation of attendance and submission of the electronic program evaluation.
In 2022, the USI Foundation received a leadership gift from the Sol and Arlene Bronstein Foundation, established by the Bronsteins, to expand programs of excellence in dementia care and advance care planning education. In recognition of their contributions to the University and impactful careers in the Evansville community and beyond, USI renamed its Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness within the College of Nursing and Health Professions the Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness.