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Working at Top of License and Improving Care Delivery: A Q&A With Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, on AI's Practical Promise in Oncology

Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, tells ASCO AI in Oncology how AI can improve care delivery, reduce administrative burdens, and help clinical staff perform at the top of their license—if organizations effectively leverage support and vendor solutions for implementation.

April 07, 2026 By Lisa Astor 15 min read
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5 Key Takeaways

  • 1

    The oncology patient population is increasing, necessitating innovative solutions to address workforce shortages and clinician burnout.

  • 2

    AI tools can alleviate administrative burdens, allowing clinical staff to focus on patient care and operate at the top of their license.

  • 3

    Texas Oncology utilizes AI for tasks like answering patient calls and providing clinical decision support, improving efficiency and patient satisfaction.

  • 4

    Trust in AI tools is built through careful evaluation of their use cases, ensuring they support rather than replace clinical decision-making.

  • 5

    Change management is crucial for successful AI implementation, requiring proactive strategies and collaboration with vendors to adapt workflows.

ASCO AI in Oncology is published by Conexiant under a license arrangement with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®). The ideas and opinions expressed in ASCO AI in Oncology do not necessarily reflect those of Conexiant or ASCO. For more information, see Policies.

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