UTMB president highlights brain health, AI and primary care at global summit

University of Texas Medical Branch President Jochen Reiser called for a healthcare approach centered on brain health, primary care and responsible artificial intelligence during a panel at the Global Brain Economy Summit in New York.

The Sept. 22 discussion was held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly. Reiser, who also serves as CEO of the UTMB Health System, joined leaders in medicine, health policy and philanthropy for the panel, “Brain Health is Health: Health Systems Transformation.”

Reiser discussed “brain capital,” a concept connecting brain health, cognitive performance and mental well-being with economic growth and societal prosperity.

“Brain health is primary care, and primary care is brain health,” Reiser said.

The panel examined prevention, early detection, integrated care and long-term management strategies for improving brain health outcomes. Reiser said UTMB has made brain health a strategic focus across education, clinical care, research and community engagement. The institution also treats brain health and mental health as interconnected priorities.

Reiser emphasized the role of primary care physicians in coordinating brain health, mental health, performance and treatment. He said primary care clinicians are well positioned to interpret information from wearable devices, digital assessments and emerging screening technologies while coordinating care across specialties.

He also said artificial intelligence could help address workforce and time pressures in primary care by reducing administrative work and streamlining routine tasks. Reiser said AI could potentially return about 10 to 12 minutes to physicians during each patient session, allowing more time to discuss sleep, mental health, cognitive performance and lifestyle factors.

UTMB has expanded AI literacy efforts, introduced technology platforms to improve employee connectivity and collaboration, and deployed multiple AI-powered tools across operations. The institution is evaluating those efforts for effects on efficiency, patient care and workforce satisfaction. UTMB also recently appointed its first vice president focused on brain health transformation.

Reiser said the ultimate measure of the work would be healthier people, including those with less mental health burden in Galveston and South Texas.