Irene Dankwa Mullan

Seasoned Physician Executive & National Thought Leader

Irene Dankwa Mullan

Seasoned Physician Executive & National Thought Leader

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Biography

As a seasoned physician executive and national thought leader, Dr. Dankwa-Mullan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of healthcare innovation. With a focus on promoting quality health and addressing inequities, she currently serves as the Chief Health Officer at Marti Health, a pioneering health services and digital health equity startup.

At Marti Health, the mission is to change the way patients receive care, starting with a dedicated focus on supporting the sickle cell disease patient, caregiver, and advocacy community. Dr. Dankwa-Mullan's leadership ensures that these services are not only cutting-edge but also deeply rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and the integration of the social determinants of health.

In addition to her role at Marti Health, Dr. Dankwa-Mullan serves on the advisory boards of two health technology startups, where she leverages her expertise in artificial intelligence to address health disparities. Her commitment to innovation and equity extends to her role as an adjunct professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, where she inspires the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Prior to her current endeavors, Dr. Dankwa-Mullan made significant contributions as the Chief Health Equity Officer at IBM Watson Health. Her work received widespread recognition, earning her a place in the prestigious IBM Industry Academy of distinguished leaders.

Before her time at IBM, Dr. Dankwa-Mullan held various leadership roles at the National Institutes of Health, where she spearheaded transformative research initiatives to advance the science of health disparities. Her dedication to this field earned her numerous awards and professional recognition, including the NIH Director's Award for sustained and outstanding leadership.

Dr. Dankwa-Mullan’s keen insight and passion for patient-centered care and equitable health outcomes is evidenced in her extensive publication record, which includes over 90 publications on health disparities and the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare. As the lead scientific editor and author of the groundbreaking textbook The Science of Health Disparities Research, she continues to shape the future of healthcare research and practice.

With her expertise in health equity, artificial intelligence, and implementation science, Dr. Dankwa-Mullan is committed to driving meaningful change in healthcare. Inspired by her exceptional background and extensive experience, Dr. Dankwa-Mullan's visionary leadership has defined her organizational vision: to transform healthcare delivery by fostering an inclusive, culturally competent, and compassionate system.

Speaker Videos

2024 CCTS Bioethics Forum Keynote Address by Dr. Irene Dankwa-Mullan | The University of Alabama

Dartmouth Commencement Speech | Dr. Irene Dankwa-Mullan

Leveraging Data-Driven Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Irene Dankwa-Mullan, Marti Health | WiDS 2023

Harnessing AI and Data Science for Health Equity Within Communities | Irene Dankwa-Mullan

DBMI Special Seminar: Irene Dankwa-Mullan, MD, MPH (April 5, 2021)

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Speech Topics

Health Equity

Health equity ensures everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, regardless of social, economic, or environmental factors. Under this topic, Dankwa-Mullan provides a comprehensive look at how science, technology and data intersect to advance health equity, offering tools, knowledge, and practical strategies for practitioners to address disparities in their work or within their organizations. Relevant subtopics that include the science of health disparities, digital health's role in advancing equity, and how data science and AI technologies can drive efforts to address inequities in healthcare.

Health Disparities Science: Health disparities science examines the systemic inequalities in health outcomes across different population groups. This topic will delve into how social determinants like income, education, and geography influence health disparities and the research frameworks used to study these inequities. Attendees will gain insights into how health disparities impact care and how targeted interventions can help reduce these gaps.

Digital Health and Health Equity: Digital health, including telemedicine, mobile apps, and remote monitoring, has the potential to address barriers to healthcare access. This discussion will explore how digital tools are improving outreach to underserved communities, while also considering the challenges of the digital divide. Participants will learn how technology can support more equitable care delivery and overcome limitations in traditional healthcare systems.

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to Promote Health Equity: Data science and AI are transforming healthcare by analyzing vast datasets to uncover patterns and disparities in care. This session will focus on how AI-driven models can promote health equity by identifying at-risk populations and tailoring interventions. Attendees will explore both the opportunities and risks, including bias in algorithms, and how ethical AI can be leveraged to drive more inclusive healthcare solutions.

Mental & Behavioral Health

Mental and behavioral health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, often neglected in broader healthcare discussions. This session will highlight key challenges, including access to care, stigma, and the integration of mental health into primary care. Attendees will gain insights into emerging approaches to better support individuals through community-based interventions and digital mental health solutions.

Primary Care, Public Health & Population Health

These interconnected fields are crucial in addressing broad health issues at the individual and community levels. In this talk, we explore how primary care serves as the foundation for preventative health, while public health strategies help address social determinants. Participants will also learn how population health approaches use data to tailor interventions for large groups, promoting more targeted, efficient healthcare.

Ethics & Artificial Intelligence

The rise of AI in healthcare brings significant potential but also raises critical ethical challenges. This presentation will cover the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications, particularly regarding bias and health inequities. Attendees will learn how to ethically integrate AI in healthcare while minimizing harm and ensuring it serves diverse populations equitably.

STEM Education & Mentoring

Fostering diversity in STEM fields is essential for innovation and progress, especially in healthcare, research, and public health practice. This session will emphasize the importance of mentorship in guiding underrepresented students through STEM pathways, while highlighting strategies for inclusive education. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how STEM education and mentorship can bridge gaps in opportunities and foster the next generation of STEM leaders.