Varthani Kirupanandan

Fellowship Bio

I am a public health doctor completing my specialty training in London. I am particularly interested in deploying AI safely within the NHS and have experience using data, digital and AI innovation to improve health.

Fellowship Project

My project focused on MIDI, an AI tool which supports radiologists to identify clinically significant abnormalities on MRI brain scans. Where configured, MIDI allows abnormal scans to be prioritised within radiology worklists, so they can be reviewed more quickly. My role was to work with the multidisciplinary team of clinicians, academics, software engineers, project manager and quality specialists to develop clinical safety documentation and prepare MIDI for real-world deployment within live clinical workflows. In particular, I led finalisation of the Clinical Evaluation Report, development of the Risk Management Report and establishment of post market surveillance of the AI tool. My role involved developing DCB0129 documentation for the AI device with the wider team, including leading on the Clinical Safety Case Report. I also supported implementation of MIDI across different NHS trusts. Key milestones included achieving UKCA Class I AI medical device marking, completion of key safety and regulatory information, and important progress for deployment at different NHS trusts. The next phase of the project is a cluster-randomised cross-over trial designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, acceptability, safety, and impact on clinical outcomes of MIDI.

Fellowship Testimonial

Gaining real-world experience of deploying an AI tool in different NHS trusts was invaluable, giving me a deep understanding of what it takes to move an AI tool beyond an academic or development setting and implement it safely into clinical pathways. I have developed practical skills in clinical evaluation, risk management, post market surveillance and implementation, learning how to safely and effectively deploy an AI tool across clinical settings. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals and join a growing community of NHS Fellows in Clinical AI. Having a network of peers to consult and collaborate with in the future will be extremely valuable. I am very grateful to the KCL MIDI team, and I am looking forward to applying my skills to future digital transformation and AI deployment projects. I am particularly keen to continue to use AI to improve health, bridging the gap between healthcare and technology.