UC San Diego Health has appointed neurosurgeon Alexander Khalessi, MD, as chief innovation officer and interim assistant vice chancellor for Health Sciences Innovation and AI.
In the dual role, Dr. Khalessi will guide the health system’s innovation strategy and oversee the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, across its clinical and academic operations. The appointment is part of broader efforts to strengthen patient safety, improve operational efficiency and expand access to care, according to a Dec. 8 news release shared with Becker’s.
As chief innovation officer, Dr. Khalessi will lead technology deployment, direct surgical and procedural innovation, and align capital and operational priorities. He will also work with the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Center for Health Innovation and the health system’s information services team.
In his interim vice chancellor role, Dr. Khalessi will help connect academic research with clinical application and commercialization. His responsibilities include overseeing innovation initiatives within Health Sciences, collaborating with campus innovation leaders and engaging biotech partners to support translational work.
Dr. Khalessi is professor of neurological surgery, radiology and neurosciences at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
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