Dr. Marcela P. Vizcaychipi is a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care and a leading figure in the UK’s digital health landscape. As Chief Clinical Information Officer at Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and The Hillingdon Hospital, she has been instrumental in spearheading the digital transformation of patient care. A certified Chief Digital Officer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), her background provides a unique clinical perspective to her work in health informatics. A dedicated innovator, she is also a director of the UK Digital Health & Care association and an IEEE SA CertifAIEd AI Lead Assessor, championing digital literacy and the safe, ethical adoption of AI to empower healthcare professionals.
Recently in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Marcela shared insights on her career journey, the evolving role of Chief Clinical Information Officers, the future of artificial intelligence in healthcare, personal hobbies and interest, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Marcela. What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare and clinical research?
My journey into healthcare began with a fascination for the complexities of the human body and a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I’ve always been driven by a deep sense of purpose, particularly in critical care, where every decision can have a profound impact. Clinical research, for me, became a natural extension of that passion, offering a way to not only treat patients but also to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease and develop new, evidence-based treatments. It was this dual commitment to both compassionate care and scientific inquiry that ultimately shaped my path.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about being a Chief Clinical Information Officer is the opportunity to be a bridge between two worlds: the clinical and the digital. It’s incredibly rewarding to translate the needs of clinicians and patients into technological solutions that improve care, safety, and efficiency. I have the privilege of leading initiatives that not only modernise our hospitals but also empower our staff and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. My current role allows me to innovate at scale, driving systemic changes that make a real difference in how healthcare is delivered.
How do you see the role of CCIO evolving in the future, and what skills will be required to succeed in this role?
The role of the Chief Clinical Information Officer is evolving at a rapid pace, moving beyond the traditional implementation of electronic patient records. In the future, a CCIO will be a strategic leader, a clinical safety expert, and an innovator all rolled into one. Success in this role will require a strong understanding of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, coupled with the ability to lead cultural change and drive digital literacy. The ideal CCIO will be a collaborator who can foster trust between clinicians and technologists, ensuring that new digital tools are not just adopted but are also safe, effective, and truly useful.
What role do you think artificial intelligence and machine learning will play in healthcare in the future?
Artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a transformative role in the future of healthcare, moving from a novel concept to an essential tool. We’ll see AI being used to analyse vast amounts of clinical data to predict patient deterioration, personalise treatment plans, and streamline administrative tasks. In clinical research, it will accelerate the discovery of new drugs and therapies. The challenge, however, will be ensuring its safe, ethical, and transparent adoption. As an AI Lead Assessor, I’m working to develop the necessary frameworks and policies to ensure that this technology is used responsibly to support clinicians, not to replace their expertise.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors and colleagues who have supported me. However, a particular person who stands out is Germán Braillard Poccard, one of my early mentors who taught me the importance of being a compassionate and honest clinician. His guidance instilled in me a fundamental belief that leadership is about more than just technical expertise; it’s about integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. I carry that lesson with me every single day.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
In my personal time, I find my passions are a fantastic counterpoint to the demands of my professional life. A significant part of this is my commitment to running. I’m a particularly early riser, and you’ll find me out on the pavement at 5:30 a.m. This year, my focus was the London Marathon, a challenge I was deeply invested in and trained hard for.
My running community is also incredibly important to me, especially the weekly Parkrun events. My local one is Sunny Hill, and it’s a vital part of my Saturday routine. I’m joined by my husband, Simon, and we both really enjoy the camaraderie and sense of community among the local runners. I have just achieved my personal best in Jamaica Pond Park run achieving an age grade of 75.8%.
On top of this, I have a profound passion for painting. It’s a creative outlet that allows me to disconnect and express a different kind of energy, offering a much needed balance to my work schedule.
What is your favourite quote?
One of my favourite quotes is by Albert Einstein: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” It resonates deeply with me because it encapsulates the spirit of both a clinician and a researcher. It reminds me to always maintain a sense of wonder and to never stop seeking knowledge, whether it’s about a patient’s condition or a new technological solution.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
My biggest goal is to continue to lead the charge in making healthcare safer and more efficient through digital innovation. Over the next five years, I hope to see the full implementation of a seamless, data-driven healthcare system across the UK. I aim to be at the forefront of this transformation, not just implementing technology but also fostering a culture where all healthcare professionals are digitally literate and empowered to use these tools effectively. I see myself continuing to work on a larger scale, influencing national and international policies on digital health and AI safety.
What advice would you give to young healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers?
My advice to young healthcare professionals is to embrace curiosity and be open to new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and to learn a new skill, especially in the digital space. The future of healthcare is inextricably linked to technology, so developing a strong understanding of health informatics will be a significant advantage. Seek out mentors, be a lifelong learner, and always remember that a career in healthcare is not just a job; it is a chance to make a profound impact on people’s lives.