Recently, an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal posed a challenging question:
“Why Most Companies Shouldn’t Have an AI Strategy.”

In a time when AI discussions are prevalent, this assertion sparked considerable debate in the comments section of the WSJ.

Joe Peppard, the author and academic director at University College Dublin’s Smurfit Executive Development, notes:

The frenzy is understandable. Nobody wants to be left behind and miss the Next Big Thing. Many companies are rushing ahead—some even establishing AI “centers of excellence” and appointing chief AI officers.

However, most of them are making a mistake. My experience suggests that not only do most companies not need an AI strategy, but they shouldn’t have one at all. Pursuing this path can be, at best, a distraction.

In healthcare, many organizations have appointed CAIOs and established AI centers of excellence, primarily in large, well-funded health systems and academic medical centers. But should smaller healthcare providers also adopt AI?

Motive is crucial. An anonymous health system employee recently remarked:
“We just signed a multi-year AI partnership so we can say we did. If it improves care or efficiency, great, but let’s be honest, the board wanted a press release.”

Engaging in AI merely for the sake of following trends or out of fear of missing out can lead to ineffective and potentially harmful outcomes.

Should all healthcare providers explore promising AI use cases, even on a limited scale? Or would it be wiser for some organizations to refrain from pursuing AI altogether? We spoke with Peppard to discuss his WSJ column and the broader implications of “AI FOMO” in healthcare.

Key Discussion Points:

• Concerns Peppard has regarding business AI adoption.
• The fear of being left behind in the AI race.
• The role of AI centers of excellence and CAIOs.
• Reasons many AI adopters may be making mistakes.
• The assertion that “Doctors won’t be replaced by AI – but doctors who use AI will replace those who don’t.”
• Why many organizations lack the foundational work necessary for effective AI investments.
• The risks of inadequate AI deployment distorting decision-making.
• Importance of building infrastructure and embracing change management for AI success.
• Strategies for educating and training the workforce for AI integration.

Additional Resources:

Why Most Companies Shouldn’t Have an AI Strategy (WSJ)
10 Tips to Avoid Planting AI Time Bombs in Your Organization
Opinion: The WHO’s Unhealthy Approach to Artificial Intelligence
AMA Survey: More Doctors Using – But Lukewarm on Trusting AI
AI in RCM: Healthcare Execs Optimistic but Skeptical
The Upsides and Pitfalls of AI Scribes in 2025

Mike Miliard is the executive editor of Healthcare IT News.
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.