Council Post: Genetic Code Vs. Zip Code: The Social Determinants Of Health

Tom Lawry, the National Director for Artificial Intelligence, Health and Life Sciences at Microsoft, discusses how social determinants of health (SDOH), such as where people live and their economic status, significantly impact health outcomes. Factors like income level, education, and access to resources like healthy food and healthcare services play a crucial role in determining health and longevity. Lawry emphasizes that SDOH are key in improving individual, community, and national health. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as a turning point in addressing SDOH by helping identify at-risk populations and enabling targeted interventions to improve health outcomes. AI can automate the identification of individuals impacted by their living situations, leading to more effective care management and population health strategies. Incorporating SDOH into healthcare planning is vital for promoting healthier citizens and communities.