Welcoming the RMH’s new Chief Transformation Officer, Professor Peter Steel

Professor Steel will hold the roles of Chief Transformation Officer at the RMH and Director of the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health at the University of Melbourne, positions that will drive the advancement of data-driven and AI-enabled healthcare across patient care, research and education.

This new executive position is the first of its kind in Australia and reflects a shared commitment between the RMH and the University of Melbourne to embed digital innovation directly into clinical care.

This approach moves beyond simple technology adoption towards outcome focused implementation, ensuring tools are only scaled when they demonstrably benefit patients, clinicians and the broader workforce.

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.”

His work has centred on advancing clinical AI and technology-enabled models of care to improve system performance and patient outcomes.

Professor Steel said he is energised by the opportunity to lead a unified digital transformation agenda across the precinct.

“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 the 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.”