The human in the loop

Dr Carlos Molina is stroke unit director at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, and head of the stroke research group at its research institute. He’s also a leading explorer of AI-based technologies in stroke management, and clinical lead of UMBRELLA, an ambitious project that promises to revolutionize stroke care in Europe. Carlos is welcomed everywhere as a teacher about stroke and now also about the potential of AI-based technologies in stroke. But his own life lessons are learnt at sea; ocean sailing provides necessary balance in a life he likens to a fast-paced novel. “I need to see the sea every day,” he says, which is why his home in a small village north of Barcelona faces the ocean. A past winner of the Spirit of Excellence Award, Carlos believes that every finish line is the beginning of a new race. Asked about the next finish line for stroke, Carlos conjures up a bright future in which empathy, connection and compassion have never been more important – in a world in which “knowledge is everywhere”, but it’s wisdom that counts. He says, “I think we are starting a new era where we have the chance to be better humans.” In this episode · How artificial intelligence shapes the future of stroke care · We need the human in the loop · The sea is synonymous with life · Falling in love with the mysteries of the brain · Teamwork and individual challenges · The need to connect with people · Becoming better humans Find out more about the Angels Initiative: www.angels-initiative.com