In a significant leap for healthcare, Dr. Shiv Rao, MD an Indian-American cardiologist and CEO of Abridge, has launched a pioneering app that leverages artificial intelligence to summarize patient-doctor conversations. This tool, designed to increase patient engagement, provides users with accessible summaries of their medical visits, helping patients better understand and retain critical health information.
Purpose-Driven Technology
“Abridge is all about bringing clarity to healthcare,” Dr. Rao explained. “With purpose-built AI, we’re giving agency back to clinicians, creating clarity for patients, and establishing radical efficiencies to transform healthcare from the conversation up.” This approach reduces patient confusion and supports medical professionals in delivering more efficient and effective care.
Founding Abridge: A Vision to Streamline Healthcare
Dr. Rao founded Abridge in 2018 with a clear mission: to relieve clinicians of the extensive paperwork that typically follows each patient visit. By recording and summarizing these conversations, Abridge’s AI solution helps practitioners capture essential notes in a fraction of the time, freeing up doctors to focus on what they do best—caring for patients. With over 10,000 clinicians already on board, the startup is valued at $850 million and has raised more than $200 million in venture capital.
Abridge’s Notable Achievements and Industry Recognition
Abridge recently earned high rankings across three of the four categories in the 2024 KLAS Emerging Solutions Top 20 Report, becoming the first generative AI company to do so. This prestigious report recognizes outstanding technology partners based on the input of 49 healthcare-tech leaders and executives from across the nation. Abridge placed first for “Improve Clinician Experience,” third for “Improve Patient Experience,” and fourth for “Improve Outcomes,” underscoring its effectiveness in enhancing healthcare’s Quadruple Aim: improving outcomes, patient experience, clinician experience, and reducing the cost of care.
An Impressive Background and Journey in Medicine and Technology
Dr. Rao’s academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries. He completed his medical training at the University of Michigan and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, building a strong foundation in clinical expertise. His undergraduate years at Carnegie Mellon University were marked by creativity and innovation, where he not only programmed virtual synthesizers but also took his passions to unique places—like skateboarding in IMAX films.
With Abridge, Dr. Rao envisions a future where AI-driven summaries become an integral part of patient care, ensuring each visit ends with clarity and actionable understanding. This powerful combination of AI and healthcare positions Abridge as a transformative force, enhancing the patient journey and empowering clinicians to provide the best possible care.
Dr. Shabana Parvez,
MD FCEP, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Centerand a distinguished leader in the field, holding board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the U.S. Bureau Chief for The
Desi Buzz, GCCStartup.News, and Startup Berita, where she contributes her insights on healthcare and innovation. As a committed member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is also pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. Certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy, she combines traditional healing techniques with modern medicine. Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. A passionate foodie, she enjoys creating recipes, experimenting with recipe hacks, and finding ways to make meals healthier and more delicious.
