Why Hims & Hers Tapped the Autonomous Vehicle Sector for an AI-Driven CTO
Hims & Hers, a pioneering telehealth and wellness company, has recently appointed Mo Elshenawy as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s focus on AI-driven health solutions. Co-founder and CEO Andrew Dudum emphasized the intentional choice of a leader from the autonomous vehicle sector to boost their technological capabilities.
New CTO Brings Unique Expertise
On Thursday, Hims & Hers announced that Mo Elshenawy, the former president and CTO of self-driving car company Cruise, will take on the role of CTO. Elshenawy departed from Cruise earlier this year following the company’s decision to discontinue its autonomous vehicle program.
Why Transition from Autonomous Vehicles to Telehealth?
The transition from autonomous vehicles (AVs) to the health sector may seem unconventional. However, Dudum explained to TechCrunch that he deliberately sought out leaders from the AV industry due to their experience in leveraging technology and data in high-stakes environments.
- High-Stakes Decision Making: “In autonomous driving, you face scenarios where people’s lives are at risk,” Dudum noted.
- AI Application: Elshenawy believes that the principles of AI used in self-driving cars apply closely to healthcare, where trust and reliability are paramount.
Expanding Hims & Hers’ Services
Founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, Hims & Hers initially specialized in men’s health, selling products for erectile dysfunction and hair loss. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings to include:
- Women’s health services
- Mental health treatments
- Weight loss solutions
The company made headlines in 2021 when it went public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The recent hiring of former Amazon executive Nader Kabbani as Chief of Operations further highlights the company’s growth ambitions.
Leveraging AI for Patient Care
Dudum views artificial intelligence as a critical component for the company’s evolution and broader outreach. Currently, Hims & Hers serves between 10,000 and 15,000 patients daily. The company has amassed a vast dataset, including:
- Clinical visit records
- Prescribed medications
- Effectiveness of treatments
This data is instrumental in developing AI models designed to assist in diagnosing and treating patients. For example, the company created MedMatch, a tool that aids doctors in recommending mental health treatments.
Human Oversight in AI Decisions
Despite the advanced AI tools, Dudum stresses that human oversight remains essential. All AI-based tools integrate a human element, specifically healthcare professionals, to ensure regulatory compliance and clinical judgment. He stated:
“There’s a very strict and structured approach when it comes to clinical decision tools within the medical industry.”
Additionally, Hims & Hers’ AI systems provide transparency to healthcare providers, showing how recommendations are derived, which Dudum believes adds significant value to the decision-making process.
For more insights on telehealth advancements and AI applications, visit our Telehealth News page.
By bridging technology from the autonomous vehicle industry to healthcare, Hims & Hers is poised to revolutionize the way patients receive care, making the future of telehealth even more promising.
