SHSU-COM Takes First Steps Toward Developing Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute

SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Takes First Steps Toward Developing Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute

The Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) has announced the creation of a new Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute, an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing the integration of ethical, innovative and patient-centered artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education, research and clinical practice. 

The institute will bring together SHSU-COM faculty and collaborators with expertise in biomedical research, clinical care, education, data science and public health to explore how AI can improve healthcare delivery, diagnostics and medical training. Its mission is to empower healthcare professionals with AI-driven tools and knowledge that enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalize treatment and improve outcomes for patients across Texas and beyond. 

The launch of the Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute builds on the momentum of a $4.99 million U.S. Department of Education Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) grant awarded to SHSU-COM. The grant supports the college’s efforts to expand its research infrastructure, attract top faculty and advance innovative programs such as the forthcoming Master of Applied Biomedical Sciences (MABS) degree, which emphasizes medical AI as a tool for healthcare access, delivery, research and education. 

Thomas J. Mohr, DO, dean of SHSU-COM, said the new initiative reflects the college’s forward-looking approach to medical education and research.  

“The development of the Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute represents an exciting next step in SHSU-COM’s growth as a leader in biomedical research and applied sciences,” Mohr said. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already transforming the future of healthcare, and I am excited about the opportunities this initiative will create for our faculty, students and partners to advance medical education, research and patient care.” 

Vinoth Sittaramane, PhD, who serves as program director for the MABS program, has been appointed director of the Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute. Under his leadership, the institute will focus on translating data-driven discoveries into real-world healthcare applications, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and creating opportunities for student and faculty research in AI-enabled medicine. 

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we understand and deliver healthcare,” Sittaramane said. “Through this institute, we aim to ensure those advancements are guided by ethics, accessibility and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.” 

The Medical Artificial Intelligence Institute aligns with SHSU’s broader mission to expand research excellence and workforce development in areas that directly benefit Texas communities. It will also strengthen partnerships with regional health systems, academic institutions and industry collaborators to foster applied research, training and innovation in the use of AI for healthcare and medical education.