Isaac Kohane, M.D., Ph.D Closed Now

Dr. Isaac “Zak” Kohane is a globally recognized physician–scientist, computer scientist, and biomedical informatician who has profoundly influenced the development of health data systems, genomics research, and clinical AI applications. He currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School and is a key leader in integrating large-scale data into precision medicine and clinical practice.

Dr. Kohane’s research spans genomics, machine learning, health IT, and translational informatics. He has been instrumental in developing platforms that leverage electronic health records (EHRs) to accelerate biomedical discovery and improve patient outcomes. His work in genomic data integration has advanced understanding of genetic contributions to diseases, including rare disorders and cancer.

A key achievement in his career was his role in the i2b2 (Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside) project, funded by the National Institutes of Health. This project created one of the most widely adopted platforms for integrating and analyzing clinical and biological data, now used globally in academic medical centers.

Beyond research, Dr. Kohane has been a vocal advocate for responsible use of AI in healthcare. He has written extensively on the opportunities and ethical challenges posed by AI, especially around privacy, bias, and patient-centered care. His recent work includes exploring large language models (LLMs) for clinical decision-making and patient interaction, positioning him at the forefront of next-generation health informatics.

He is also a dedicated educator, mentoring a generation of biomedical informatics leaders at Harvard and beyond. His cross-disciplinary approach—bridging medicine, computer science, and genomics—has made him one of the most influential voices in modern healthcare innovation.