Health informatics alum becomes leader in ethical artificial intelligence use

Sarah Riaz had only moved from Pakistan to the United States a few years before deciding to pursue her graduate studies in health informatics at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions. After conducting cardiovascular research and teaching, she decided to take a break to pursue her Master of Advanced Study. Now, with a background in medicine, Riaz works on developing ethical artificial intelligence policies and practices, also known as AI governance, for one of the largest health care systems in the United States.

By combining her clinical knowledge with her education in health informatics, Riaz has become a leader in responsible innovation, working to develop trustworthy tools and initiatives to pave the way for the future of health care technology. Using this expertise, Riaz is now writing a book that she hopes will inform those interested in new innovations in health care and the biological sciences.

Question: What inspired you to pursue a career in health informatics?

Answer: I decided to pursue a career in health informatics because I wanted to be at the intersection of health care and technology, where real change happens. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of improving patient care — not just through direct interaction, but by enhancing the systems and data that support it. Familiarizing myself with health informatics and health information systems allowed me to do exactly that: analyze health data, streamline workflows and help clinical providers make better decisions. The field is growing rapidly, and I was excited by the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools like AI, big data and clinical decision support tools in electronic health records to solve real-world problems. What sealed the deal for me was knowing that I could make a meaningful impact, helping health care become more efficient, personalized and hopefully accessible for everyone someday.

Q: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

A: While I’m proud of my contributions so far, I believe my greatest accomplishments are still to come. The work I’ve done highlights my ability to innovate and help build foundational systems as part of a team, which has prepared me for future challenges. I've had the opportunity to help in the development of new AI tools for critical health conditions and implement governance support structures for AI use cases. These efforts provide a strong framework for all future projects. My current personal project is writing a book on a niche subject, which I believe will be a significant accomplishment in my personal journey to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Q: How would you distill your career into three words?

A: Conscientious physician, innovation, ethical governance.

As a conscientious physician, my clinical background informs my commitment to ensuring that new technology is used responsibly and equitably. My work in innovation involves helping create new AI tools and solutions to address critical health care needs. Finally, my focus on ethical governance of artificial intelligence is about helping build the necessary frameworks and processes to ensure our innovations are implemented fairly and safely, maximizing their positive impact.

Q: What is the impact of your work?

A: My work has a direct and significant impact on my organization’s AI initiatives by improving patient care, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring responsible technology use. I’ve contributed to the development of new clinical AI tools that improve patient outcomes and access to care. I also help train my colleagues on the clinical use of AI, helping them integrate new solutions into their daily practice. I've built a strong foundation for reliable AI by helping in data-sharing initiatives, implementing a support structure for clinical projects and maintaining a high completion rate on assigned AI governance-related tasks. Furthermore, my efforts in deploying an industry-recognized AI governance framework and participating in initiatives to reduce algorithmic bias demonstrate a deep commitment to ethical and compliant AI practices.

Q: What is the most interesting part of working with artificial intelligence in the current day?

A: The most interesting part of working with AI is the dynamic challenge of balancing rapid innovation with responsible and ethical implementation. I get to be at the forefront of creating new, powerful tools while also actively building the necessary governance and guardrails to ensure they are safe, fair and trustworthy.

Q: What drew you to the College of Health Solutions?

A: I chose the health informatics program because I’ve always been passionate about improving health care. With my background in medicine, I wanted a program that would let me bridge the gap between clinical care and data-driven decision-making. ASU’s curriculum stood out for its blend of technical skills, leadership training and real-world application, especially the opportunity to work on projects that directly impact health care systems. The flexibility of the online format also made it possible for me to continue working while advancing my education. Ultimately, I saw this program as the perfect path to help me become an emerging leader in health innovation and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Q: How did your time with the College of Health Solutions contribute to your success?

A: My time at the college equipped me with both the theoretical knowledge and skills I needed for my career. I gained a deep understanding of complex health systems, data analytics and health policies while also benefiting from collaborative team and solo projects, solving real-world, complex issues. This experience, combined with a strong desire to do better, gave me the confidence to secure an impactful role and help drive ethical innovation.

Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your career?

A: The most fulfilling part of my career is a combination of seeing direct, positive results and receiving recognition from peers and executive leaders in the health care space. The satisfaction comes from knowing my work has a clear impact and from being acknowledged for my organized efforts in facilitating key meetings and collaborative processes. I also find fulfillment in teaching and training colleagues in utilizing electronic health records and AI and helping them grow in their roles.

Q: What is the best advice, professionally or otherwise, you ever received and continue to carry with you?

A: “Fail fast.” The fear of failure often prevents people from starting over. By embracing the idea of “failing fast,” you learn to view mistakes not just as temporary setbacks, but as valuable data. This mindset encourages you to experiment, learn quickly and pivot without wasting time or resources on something that isn't working, essentially avoiding the “sunk cost fallacy” mindset.

Q: What are some of the most influential books you’ve read while advancing your career?

A: I've been deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies, particularly the works of Rumi and Kahlil Gibran, which have an innovative take on life that goes against many long-held beliefs. Rumi’s profound concept of a single thread of love uniting the whole world, created to be radiated and manifested in all we do, serves as a philosophical guide for my professional life. This sense of universal connection and purpose is what drives my mission in health information systems, artificial intelligence and technology — to serve thousands daily and ensure that our technological advancements are rooted in empathy and care.

The willingness of Rumi and Gibran to challenge the status quo of their time inspires me to do the same in my own field. Just as they offered new perspectives then, I strive to do so in health care. This unique combination of ancient wisdom and modern technology is what defines my approach to innovation and service.