MUSC recruits thought leader to lead AI and biomedical informatics initiatives

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has named Marylyn D. Ritchie, Ph.D., as chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer of MUSC to lead its Center for Artificial Intelligence. She will also serve as the associate dean for Artificial Intelligence and director of the Division of Computational Health Sciences and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Medicine. She will officially step into her role at MUSC on Nov. 3.

Ritchie is an internationally recognized expert in translational bioinformatics and precision medicine. She brings more than 20 years of experience developing advanced computational methods that integrate genomics, multi-omics and electronic health record data to improve health outcomes.

At MUSC, Ritchie will lead enterprise-wide efforts to embed artificial intelligence into education, research and clinical care. Her work will directly support MUSC’s mission to empower healthy communities, drive innovation and health transformation and reshape the future workforce. She will focus on developing new tools to expand access to care, eliminate disparities and accelerate discovery in five of the University’s key research strengths: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences and precision health.

“Dr. Ritchie’s expertise in artificial intelligence and biomedical informatics will help propel MUSC’s academic mission forward in transformative ways,” said Lisa K. Saladin, Ph.D., executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “Her commitment to collaboration and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision to integrate AI across research, education and patient care, and I am excited to see the impact she will have on our students, faculty and the communities we serve.”

Eugene S. Hong, M.D., chief physician executive for MUSC Physicians and MUSC Health, emphasized how Ritchie’s work will help to translate innovation into clinical practice.

“AI is reshaping the way we deliver care, from diagnostics to personalized treatment planning, and Dr. Ritchie brings the leadership and technical expertise to ensure MUSC is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Hong. “Her ability to connect cutting-edge technology with real-world clinical applications will help us improve outcomes, enhance efficiency, and keep our patients at the center of everything we do.”

Her appointment also represents a key development for the College of Medicine, where leaders see her as a catalyst for advancing both education and research in digital health and AI-powered medical innovation.

“Dr. Ritchie’s arrival marks an important step in advancing our College’s leadership in computational health sciences and AI education,” said Terrence E. Steyer, M.D., vice president for Medical Affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. “She brings a wealth of experience in developing AI-driven research programs and training the next generation of innovators. I look forward to working closely with her to grow our faculty expertise, expand our academic offerings, and strengthen our national profile in this rapidly evolving field.”

Ritchie joins MUSC from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, where she served as vice dean of Artificial Intelligence and Computing and the Edward Rose, M.D. and Elizabeth Kirk Rose, M.D. Professorship among many leadership roles. A first-generation college graduate who grew up in Pittsburgh, Ritchie has a long-standing connection to Charleston and is eager to join MUSC with her family.