From Hospital Wards to AI Labs: How a Pakistani Doctor Is Reimagining Global Health with Data, Dignity, and Vision

From Hospital Wards to AI Hubs: A New Approach to Global Health

Pulse oximeters, the devices that measure oxygen levels through the fingertip, can give misleadingly normal readings in patients with darker skin tones. This flaw has led to missed critical cases, delayed interventions, and worse patient outcomes, especially in hospitals across Pakistan and worldwide. The technology itself is neutral, but the data it produces is biased. Few have addressed this issue—until a Pakistani doctor stepped forward with a solution.

Dr. Muhammad Jawad Noon, trained as a medical doctor and now working as a data scientist and AI researcher, tackled this problem head-on. At an MIT policy event, he proposed addressing this bias, and later at Harvard, he developed an AI model that corrects racial bias in pulse oximetry readings. His mission is clear: build healthcare systems that serve everyone equally.

Bridging Medicine, Technology, and Policy

Dr. Noon’s work spans clinical care, technology development, and health policy. He moves between hospital wards, academic research, hackathons, and national strategy meetings. His projects include fixing racial bias in medical devices and creating policy frameworks to guide AI adoption in healthcare globally.

His journey wasn’t sudden. It grew from years of witnessing patients in teaching hospitals who couldn’t afford care or were told no treatment was available. “That helplessness stayed with me,” he says. This led him to question not only what he could do as a doctor but what he could change as a human being.

Early Influences and Growth

Each city in Pakistan shaped Dr. Noon’s growth: discipline from Bahawalpur, ambition from Lahore, and resources from Islamabad. Alongside his formal education, mentors played a critical role, gradually opening his mind to new possibilities beyond direct patient care.

His clinical rotations at Johns Hopkins in the U.S. were pivotal. There, he experienced an environment that valued leadership and curiosity. Two mentors encouraged him to pursue excellence and integrate the best qualities from everyone he met. This mindset emphasized limitless potential coupled with responsibility.

Learning to Influence Systems: Oxford and Harvard

At Oxford, Dr. Noon focused on the gap between research and policy. He learned that good evidence doesn’t automatically lead to good policy, which is shaped by complex trade-offs and human stories. Policy work, he realized, is where change becomes real but requires care and attention.

At Harvard, his focus shifted to artificial intelligence in healthcare. He saw that most doctors don’t fully understand AI, and most technologists lack medical context. This gap can be dangerous. Dr. Noon aims to combine medical insight with AI expertise to ensure technology is used responsibly and effectively.

One of his major contributions is the AI Policy Benchmarking Tool. It helps governments create accountable AI strategies by providing an evidence-based framework that adapts to local needs but aligns with global best practices. It’s not a legal checklist but a foundation for building safe, transparent AI policies that protect people’s rights.

Communicating Science with Clarity and Purpose

Dr. Noon stresses the importance of clear communication. Science and policy don’t speak for themselves, and misinterpretations can have serious consequences, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. He writes for journals and media to bridge gaps between experts and the public, ensuring accurate information reaches those who need it.

Recognized among public health leaders under 40 and recipient of international awards, he views these honors as calls to greater responsibility rather than personal acclaim. His leadership focuses on opening doors and encouraging others, especially young people, to step into roles where they can effect change.

He urges the younger generation to act now, emphasizing that leadership doesn’t require permission or titles—just conviction and courage. Global health is a shared responsibility, and every voice and action counts.

Looking Ahead: AI’s Role in Pakistan’s Healthcare

Dr. Noon sees AI as a tool to extend healthcare access in Pakistan, which faces shortages of hospitals and doctors. AI can automate routine tasks, lower costs, and improve care quality. However, without strong national strategies and ethical regulation, AI risks reinforcing biases and jeopardizing patient safety.

He envisions Pakistan becoming a regional leader in ethical AI innovation, exporting solutions developed with people’s needs at the center. This requires focused investment and thoughtful policy.

Words of Advice and Legacy

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Noon shares a message inspired by poet Iqbal: within everyone lies vast potential waiting to be awakened. The sky is not a limit but the start of a journey. He encourages exploring one’s potential fully and embracing growth.

When asked about legacy, he prioritizes usefulness and compassion over fame. His goal is to serve with integrity and faith, making the world more just and humane. Recognition is less important than the positive impact he strives to create daily.

Healthcare professionals interested in integrating AI responsibly may find valuable resources and courses at Complete AI Training, which offers tailored learning paths on AI applications in healthcare and policy.