AMWA Member Spotlight: Dr. Viv Babber

AMWA Member Spotlight: Dr. Viv Babber
Physician Leader, AI Strategist, and Human-Centered Innovator
CEO, Lean Six Intelligence Group

Tell us about your career in medicine.
I started out in clinical medicine, drawn to the deep impact that thoughtful, compassionate care can have on a person’s life. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the systems surrounding healthcare: the ways they support or hinder our work as physicians and how technology could be used more ethically and intelligently to improve those systems.

For the past 20 years, my work has focused on helping organizations lead responsibly at the intersection of clinical care, emerging technology, and organizational transformation. My passion lies in creating human-centered, scalable, and ethical solutions, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.

What areas are you passionate about?
I’m especially committed to ethical automation, responsible AI adoption, and workforce resilience. With certifications in AI Medicine, AI Ethics, and AI Strategy, I’ve built a foundation that allows me to advise healthcare leaders with both medical insight and strategic foresight. I’m proud to have been recognized as an AI Governance Professional by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, which speaks to my focus on safe, privacy-conscious technology integration.

In my role as Global Network Coordinator in Healthcare for Women in AI Governance, I plan to continue my work advocating for equitable AI policies and practices, particularly in systems that impact health and well-being. I was recently honored as a 2025 North Texas AI75 Impact Innovator by Dallas Innovates and the Dallas Regional Chamber for my work in AI and wellness.

How do you apply your expertise today?
As CEO of Lean Six Intelligence Group, I guide hospitals, physician leaders, and enterprise teams through AI transformation with a focus on strategic compliance, operational readiness, and trustworthy AI governance. Our mission is to build systems that are not only efficient but also more human. Whether I’m advising a boardroom or coaching a physician executive, I strive to connect the dots others miss by bringing together digital fluency, systems thinking, and deep clinical knowledge.

I also share insights regularly through my LinkedIn newsletter AI On Call, as well as speaking engagements and publications. My recent book, The AI-Ready CMO Blueprint, is available to physicians at no cost. It’s a guide for physician leaders looking to lead AI integration with clarity, ethics, and confidence.

What challenges have you faced in your medical career?
Like many women in medicine, I’ve experienced barriers to leadership and have often been overlooked for non-clinical roles. These experiences have fueled my commitment to creating pathways for women physicians to lead and innovate beyond the bedside. I believe that when we bring our full skill sets into the evolving healthcare landscape, especially in AI, we elevate care, strengthen teams, and drive meaningful change.

How can others connect with you?
If you’re exploring AI in your organization and looking for guidance grounded in ethics and strategy, I welcome the conversation. We’re at a pivotal moment in medicine and I’m passionate about helping physician leaders prepare for what’s next with clarity, courage, and care.

Are you active in any AMWA initiatives or leadership roles? How has this shaped your career path?
I’ve been a proud supporter of AMWA for over 15 years, serving as a media trainer, moderator, sponsor, real estate educator, and partner. Currently, I serve as the AMWA Texas State Ambassador, a role that allows me to champion women physicians in new ways, especially by opening doors to non-clinical career paths and helping others find purpose-driven opportunities beyond traditional medicine. AMWA has been a powerful space for community, connection, and leadership growth throughout my journey.

Have you had an “ah-ha” moment that changed your trajectory?
Absolutely. After spending over two decades in physician leadership, including roles as Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer, I had a pivotal realization. As artificial intelligence began reshaping healthcare, I noticed that technology was advancing faster than leadership. And once again, clinicians were being left out of the room.

That moment hit hard. I didn’t want to see the future of healthcare built without the people who understand patients best. So, I dedicated two years to expanding my knowledge by earning multiple advanced certifications in AI. That shift changed everything. It sparked my mission to ensure physician leaders are not just reacting to AI, but confidently shaping how it’s integrated: ethically, strategically, and humanely.