Dr. Matthew Abdel shares his thoughts on the inspiration behind his efforts to transform surgical care through innovation, as well as the day-to-day work that is happening to reimagine how surgical teams deliver care.

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"Powered by People" is a series highlighting the colleagues behind Mayo Clinic's artificial intelligence (AI) and automation initiatives — those whose motivations, experiences and day-to-day work are shaping the future of healthcare by reducing burden, enhancing collaboration, and ultimately improving patient care.

Matthew Abdel, M.D., is the chair of the House of Surgery at Mayo Clinic, where he leads efforts to transform surgical care through innovation, research and strategic operations. As a practicing orthopedic surgeon and academic leader, Dr. Abdel is dedicated to advancing patient outcomes while reimagining how surgical teams deliver care.

Dr. Abdel shares his thoughts on the inspiration, experiences and day-to-day work he is doing to shape the future of healthcare.

What first inspired you to get involved in AI and automation at Mayo Clinic?

As chair of the House of Surgery, I see every day how the complexity of surgical care continues to grow. What inspired me to get involved in AI and automation was the opportunity to take some of the most burdensome, manual processes off the shoulders of our staff and to create more time and focus for what matters most: caring for patients.

What type of background or education is required to get involved in AI and automation at Mayo Clinic?

What's exciting about this field is that it welcomes many different backgrounds. Clinicians, nurses, data scientists, engineers, administrators and front-line staff all have a role to play. The common denominator is curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to rethink how we deliver care.

How does your work in AI and automation make a difference for staff and patients?

Our focus in the House of Surgery is to build automation that scales. That means reducing repetitive tasks, improving scheduling and OR utilization, and enabling real-time insights so staff can work at the top of their training. For patients, it translates into safer care, shorter wait times and a smoother overall experience.

What's one project or accomplishment you're especially proud of?

I am especially proud of launching the Strategic OR Allocation Refinement, or SOAR model, which uses automation and advanced analytics to distribute operating room time fairly and efficiently. It embodies our 3S Framework (Stewardship, Strategy, and Scorecard) and has helped us move toward a more equitable and patient-centered system.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

No two days are alike. My time is split between performing surgery and seeing patients in the clinic, leading our House of Surgery, spending time in my lab, meeting with colleagues on innovation and operational design, and engaging industry partners on new digital and robotic solutions. It's a dynamic mix of clinical, research, strategic and collaborative work.

What do you find most rewarding or motivating about being part of this work?

The most rewarding part is seeing how automation not only improves efficiency but also restores a sense of joy and purpose to our teams. When a nurse or surgeon tells me they have more time for patients and less time spent on administrative tasks, that's a powerful motivator.

What advice would you give to colleagues who are curious about AI and automation or want to get involved?

Start by sharing your pain points. The best automation projects begin with a clear understanding of where the friction is in our daily work. Bring ideas forward as even small improvements can have ripple effects across the system.

What motivates you to come to work each day?

I am motivated by the privilege of serving our patients and advancing Mayo Clinic's Bold. Forward. strategy. Every day is an opportunity to improve care today while shaping the future of surgery for tomorrow.