DP Harris, PhD, Loma Linda University Health’s new senior vice president of enterprise IT and chief digital and information officer, says AI proficiency is no longer optional for IT professionals.
Dr. Harris, who oversees more than 400 IT professionals and was formally appointed to the role in April after serving on an interim basis beginning in January, told Becker’s he began requiring IT employees to incorporate AI tools into their daily work late last year.
“By November 2025, I moved beyond encouragement and made it an expectation,” he said. “I told our teams, ‘We’re going to provide these tools to everyone, and you need to learn how to use them.'”
The transition was met with varying levels of enthusiasm. Some employees had already been using AI tools for years, while others were experimenting with them outside of work. Over time, however, staff became more comfortable incorporating the technology into their daily responsibilities.
“By March of this year, I felt comfortable that everyone understood where AI could help them,” Dr. Harris said.
The goal was not blind adoption, but helping employees understand both the strengths and limitations of AI.
“The important point is that AI will not solve all your problems,” Dr. Harris said. “In fact, if you use it incorrectly, it can create more problems than it solves. That’s why I wanted my team to use it diligently — to understand where it works, where it doesn’t work and where human judgment remains essential.”
Dr. Harris said hands-on experience is critical to developing that understanding, as well as ensuring AI skills become a core competency for the technology professionals at Loma Linda (Calif.) University Health.
“You really can’t be a skilled IT professional anymore without having clear AI skills,” he said.
The workforce initiative aligns with Loma Linda University Health’s broader AI strategy. Rather than restricting AI use, the organization is encouraging employees to make responsible use of available technologies while maintaining appropriate oversight.
The academic medical center has also developed role-specific AI policies and guidelines for clinicians, finance staff, researchers and other employees to help define responsible use of the technology.
Beyond workforce adoption, intelligent automation initiatives across the enterprise are a major focus for Dr. Harris over the next 18 months. Loma Linda University Health is exploring AI applications in capacity planning, provider efficiency, revenue cycle operations and financial management.
“The promise of AI is real. The power is real. What we’ll be able to accomplish is significant,” Dr. Harris said. “We just need the appropriate guardrails in place to ensure the integrity of the services we provide.”
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.