New role harnesses digital health innovation and AI at University Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital

This joint executive role is unique in Australia, reflecting the University and hospital’s shared commitment to embedding digital innovation directly into the healthcare system and using artificial intelligence and data science to reshape clinical practice and research.

As Director of the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health at the University and Chief Transformation Officer at the RMH, Professor Steel will work to advance data-driven and AI-enabled healthcare across patient care, research and education. A key priority is strengthening collaboration between the University, the RMH and the broader Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

By embedding research directly into clinical operations, the role seeks to enable rigorous, real-world evaluation of emerging technologies, moving beyond technology adoption toward outcomes-focused implementation, where tools are scaled only when they demonstrably benefit patients, clinicians and the workforce.

Professor Steel most recently served as Associate Professor of emergency medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine and Vice Chair for Clinical Services in the Department of Emergency Medicine. His work focuses on advancing clinical artificial intelligence and technology-enabled care to improve health system performance and patient outcomes.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor Mike McGuckin, said Professor Steel's unique blend of leadership, clinical experience, research and informatics expertise makes him ideally suited to the position.

"I'm delighted that Peter is taking up this important role. We've seen rapid expansion and adoption of emerging digital technologies and AI in patient care, teaching and learning, and this appointment reflects our commitment to ensure our research and expertise are integrated within the healthcare system where we can make a real difference.

“I'm particularly pleased this role is partnering with Royal Melbourne Hospital to accelerate that integration,” Professor McGuckin said.

As Chief Transformation Officer at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Professor Steel leads the hospital’s care innovation priorities.

The RMH’s Chief Executive Professor Shelley Dolan said she was excited to see the positive impact the new role will have across the hospital.

“Peter is an exceptional leader with a rare combination of clinical experience, research excellence and digital innovation expertise,” Prof Dolan said.

“We are delighted he has joined the RMH to guide our transformation agenda and ensure new technologies are implemented safely, responsibly and with clear benefit to patients and staff.

“His passion for improving care through innovation is clear, and I know that both the RMH and the University of Melbourne will benefit greatly from his experience and this collaborative approach.”

Professor Steel said he is excited to lead the unified digital transformation agenda, harnessing the precinct’s outstanding clinical expertise and research capabilities.

“Healthcare has an opportunity to leverage data, artificial intelligence and digital innovations to continuously improve how care is delivered, for both patients and health professionals,” Professor Steel said.

“True excellence will be defined by how effectively diverse stakeholders come together in a model of collaborative innovation, grounded in evolving scientific methods and a commitment to equity.”

“It is a privilege to join Melbourne Biomedical Precinct's community. The track record of exemplary clinical care and biomedical science here provides an inspiring foundation for the opportunities and challenges in front of us."

Professor Steel’s own research examines the development and real-world implementation of clinical artificial intelligence, data-driven decision support, and digital innovations to improve health system performance and transitions of care.

His appointment with the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health marks an evolution in the Centre’s work: from its strong foundation in data and health informatics under inaugural Director Professor Wendy Chapman, to embedding innovative scientific methods directly into healthcare.

Professor McGuckin thanks Professor Chapman for her role establishing the centre.

Read more about the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health

Read more about Royal Melbourne Hospital