Sunnybrook launches innovation and impact award

TORONTO – The Sunnybrook Innovation and Impact Award was created this year to recognize innovators who turn research and discovery into real-world solutions that enhance healthcare, improve patients’ lives and strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Congratulations to Dr. Alexander Bilbily (pictured), radiologist and affiliate scientist at Sunnybrook, on receiving the inaugural Innovation and Impact Award for his work developing the artificial intelligence (AI) screening tool, Rho.

This AI based software automatically screens patient X-ray scans for low bone mineral density (BMD) and alerts physicians of increased risk of osteoporosis, which is often underdiagnosed.

By enabling healthcare professionals to identify patients who are at high risk early through routine X-rays, Rho creates the opportunity for preventative treatment plans without additional burden on the healthcare system. The tool has received regulatory approval in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Singapore and has screened over 400,000 Canadians to identify patients with low BMD, who otherwise would not have been screened.

Dr. Bilbily continues to educate and encourage people about how AI can be used to improve healthcare through his role as co-founder and co-CEO of AI-based medical device company, 16-Bit. He is also furthering healthcare innovation at Sunnybrook through his leadership as director of the Augmented Precision Medicine (APM) Lab, which focuses on AI-based diagnostic and screening tools for medical imaging applications at Sunnybrook.

As a dedicated mentor to students and trainees, Dr. Bilbily equips the next generation of innovators with the skills to advance AI in healthcare.