One student’s Vision for AI in Healthcare: Predicting the Unseen
By Mahak Kaur
November 16, 2024 – Across continents and time zones, twelve finalist teams from nine countries in the Global South gathered virtually for the AI for Global Health Innovation (AI4GHI) 2024 Student Summit. Months of intense collaboration and sleepless nights culminated at 1:30 PM GMT, where bold ideas aimed at reshaping health systems took center stage.
Among these innovators was Nadeen Erekat, a finalist whose work stood out for her practical yet powerful ambition: to predict strokes and ischemic heart diseases using AI analysis of carotid calcifications in panoramic radiographs. Her project addresses a key gap in healthcare: identifying hidden cardiovascular risks in a way that is accessible and cost-effective. These calcifications—tiny, often-overlooked clues visible in routine dental X-rays—hold the potential to save lives if analyzed with precision.
“I wanted to explore a solution that could integrate seamlessly into existing healthcare practices,” Nadeen shared. Dental radiographs are already widely used, but they’re underutilized for detecting systemic diseases. My project shows how AI can unlock this potential.
Nadeen’s research taps into the intersection of disciplines, a hallmark of this year’s AI4GHI challenge, which launched in August with 140 students from 21 countries. Participants tackled themes ranging from disease outbreak prediction to the mental health impacts of climate change, bringing expertise from health sciences, computer science, environmental studies, and beyond. The shared mission? To address health crises deepened by urbanization, inequity, and a changing climate.
For Nadeen, the road to the finals wasn’t just a technical exercise—it was a test of resilience. “I must admit, throughout the process, I struggled with nervousness and stress, especially during the final discussions with the judges,” she said. “It was a challenge to stay focused, and it felt like an obstacle at times. However, this experience has taught me so much, not only about my research but also about resilience and growth under pressure.”
Despite these challenges, the summit became a space for growth. “Absolutely, this competition has been a tremendous learning experience for me,” she explained. “I gained deeper insights into how to effectively present complex ideas, handle critical questions under pressure, and recognize areas where I can grow, like managing stress and improving my confidence during discussions. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration and preparation in achieving success.”
What makes Erekat’s project particularly compelling is its simplicity of implementation. By focusing on existing infrastructure—dental clinics and radiography tools—she envisions a scalable solution that could democratize early detection of cardiovascular conditions, especially in resource-limited settings.
While reflecting on the event, Nadeen expressed her gratitude to the organizers. “I would like to thank the organizers for this incredible opportunity and the support throughout the competition. It was a very enriching experience. One thing I’d like to share is how much I learned, not just about the subject matter, but also about handling challenges like nervousness during presentations. I really appreciate how the event was designed to encourage learning and growth.”
She also offered a suggestion for improvement: clearer communication for non-native speakers. “Sometimes, different accents or phrasing can make it hard to understand the exact meaning of a question during discussions. A little adjustment in this area could help participants like me engage more confidently.”
Nadeen’s journey in the AI4GHI challenge underscores not only the potential of her project but also the resilience and adaptability required to lead innovation. Her work embodies the spirit of the summit—a blend of bold ideas, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing global health inequities.
To read more about Nadeen’s project, view her abstract here, or watch her presentation. Stay connected as we continue to feature the inspiring work of this year’s finalists at AI4GHI’s official page.