How to choose a healthcare AI keynote speaker: 7 questions for event planners

Event planners tell me the same thing: every speaker now says they talk about AI. Few can tell a room of hospital leaders what to do on Monday morning. As a board-certified emergency physician who speaks on AI in healthcare, here are the seven questions I would ask before booking anyone, including me.

1. Have they worked inside healthcare?

Clinical and operational experience changes the talk. Ask whether the speaker has cared for patients or run a hospital, not just studied one.

2. Can they explain AI without hype?

Your audience needs clear language about what AI can and cannot do. Ask for a sample clip and listen for plain words, not buzzwords.

3. Do they cover safety and accountability?

Healthcare leaders care about risk. A strong healthcare AI keynote addresses who is accountable when AI is wrong, not only what it can do.

4. Will they tailor the talk to your audience?

Nurses, CFOs, payers and patients need different talks. Ask how the speaker will customize the stories and takeaways for your room.

5. What will people do differently afterward?

Ask for three concrete takeaways. If the speaker cannot name them, the audience will not remember them.

6. Can you see them on stage?

Watch a reel or a full recording. Energy, timing and audience connection matter as much as content.

7. Do they make the planner's job easy?

Ask about the run of show, AV needs, a slide QR code for the audience and help promoting the session.

My background: board-certified emergency physician, five TEDx talks, more than 45 books, and stages including HIMSS Europe and HIMSS AI. See my signature keynotes and the planner FAQ.

Ready to talk dates? Book Harvey Castro, MD, MBA, or read more at https://www.HarveyCastroMD.com.