Featured in Insights Care‘s edition “Data Visionaries: Leading Chief Data Officers Shaping Healthcare in 2024,” Sandeep Rustagi stands at the forefront of a data revolution transforming healthcare as we know it. As the Chief Data Analytics Officer at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Sandeep applies complex data to generate purposeful actions that improve patient treatment and enhance operational efficiency alongside enhancing institutional decision-making capabilities throughout the entire organization.
After working as a consultant and developing data strategies, Sandeep establishes a deep expertise that guides his leadership role. Sandeep helps medical personnel from six hospitals at UMMC—Mississippi’s only academic medical center—to access and apply data for better decision-making.
Sandeep’s approach uses modern artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) system capabilities with fundamental healthcare competency to achieve his aims. Under his leadership, the development of AI-based smart hospital rooms emerged as a remarkable innovation. Patient risks including pressure ulcers and falls are forecasted through video and sensor inputs, which allow medical personnel to provide urgent, safe interventions.
Another major initiative is the use of AI-generated content to support communication with patients. By streamlining messages and reducing the burden on staff, this technology is helping improve service quality and lessen burnout among healthcare workers.
But these projects are just part of the bigger picture. Sandeep focuses on building a strong foundation—one that includes data governance, quality, and teamwork. He collaborates with UMMC executive and operational leaders to link every data initiative to the hospital’s core mission of delivering top-quality care and education while driving research activities.
In addition to his current work at UMMC, Sandeep leads activities to implement predictive analysis technologies for emergency department management and hospital bed planning systems. The hospital achieves better resource management and decreased wait times through its ability to predict patient needs in real time. The improved processes generate better operational results and produce superior healthcare achievements for patients.
Looking ahead, Sandeep sees even more opportunities for data to improve care. He is excited about using AI and ML to support population health, customize treatments, and improve care delivery for different communities.
What makes Sandeep stand out is his ability to connect strategy with technology. He leads with purpose, making sure data is used in a way that is ethical, effective, and benefits people.
As healthcare evolves, leaders like Sandeep Rustagi are shaping its future. Thanks to his work at UMMC, data is now central to improving care and making it smarter and more compassionate.
