Robert M. Wachter

Robert M. Wachter is a distinguished academic physician and author, recognized for his foundational work in hospital medicine and his influential contributions to patient safety and digital health. After coining the term ‘hospitalist’ in a landmark 1996 New England Journal of Medicine article, Robert M. Wachter went on to catalyze the creation of the fastest-growing medical specialty in U.S.

As Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, Wachter continues to be a prominent voice in healthcare, contributing foundational work in hospital medicine and influential insights into patient safety and digital health. His extensive contributions to the field were further acknowledged with his election as a Member of the National Academy of Medicine in 2020, adding to his consistent recognition by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the most influential physician-executives in the U.S. Looking ahead, Wachter is set to release his highly anticipated book, ‘A Giant Leap: How AI is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future,’ scheduled for publication in early 2026. This forthcoming work further solidifies his role as a thought leader at the forefront of medical innovation, exploring the profound implications of artificial intelligence on healthcare delivery and future societal well-being.