In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare technology, one engineer is making waves across the industry, revolutionizing how medical platforms are designed and operated. Anil Kumar Kandalam, a highly sought-after Lead Platform Engineer, is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to bring transformative solutions to the healthcare sector. His unmatched expertise and commitment to creating faster, more reliable medical data platforms have solidified his reputation as a game-changer in the industry.
Anil’s journey into healthcare engineering was not accidental but rather the result of a keen interest in logical problem-solving and data integration. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, Anil’s passion for technology was ignited in his early years, leading him to pursue a career in computer science.
Anil’s unique approach sets him apart. He seamlessly combines AI, cloud infrastructure, and legacy systems with remarkable efficiency. His work in the healthcare sector has improved data flow for critical patient services, transforming how quickly healthcare professionals can access life-saving information.
His ability to engineer solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, often avoiding the need for costly overhauls, has made Anil one of the most in-demand engineers in his field.
As he puts it: “Anyone can introduce a new tool, but making it work within an established ecosystem without disrupting operations—that’s where the real challenge lies. I focus on developing solutions that meet the need for speed and accuracy and blend into the current systems without causing interruptions.”
Anil says data integration and validation are critical to AI implementation on medical platforms. Since most AI systems operate on the principle of “what goes in, comes out,” ensuring that high-quality, accurate data feeds into these systems is crucial: “Without proper validation, even the most advanced AI tools could produce unreliable or misleading results, potentially impacting patient care,” he says.
The benefits of AI in healthcare are already evident. On average, physicians can save around 5–7 minutes per patient simply by using AI to access relevant medical information quickly. Over the course of a day, this adds up to significant time savings, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks.
Anil’s approach to healthcare platform engineering is rooted in his commitment to AI’s transformative potential. He has been instrumental in building generative AI tools like Dougall GPT, which provides healthcare professionals with fast, accurate information from trusted resources. Unlike general AI models that lack specificity, Dougall GPT has been meticulously designed to retrieve data only from verified healthcare sources. This innovation makes it a critical tool in hospitals, research centers, and among healthcare providers who require real-time, dependable information for patient care.
Anil quickly emphasizes the importance of reliable data in healthcare: “In this industry, there is no room for guesswork. Healthcare professionals need information that is verified and accurate to make informed decisions. With Dougall GPT, we ensure that all information provided is sourced from trusted and approved databases, which gives professionals confidence in the data they’re using.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anil and his team at PSL Group were vital in delivering essential, up-to-date information to healthcare providers. His work streamlined complex data pipelines, transforming processes that used to take weeks into operations that could be managed in days. This rapid dissemination of trusted data was crucial in helping healthcare professionals respond to the pandemic with greater agility and effectiveness.
Anil recalls the urgency of the moment: “We knew that our work could make a difference in real-time. The goal was to provide accurate information faster, as healthcare professionals were on the front lines and needed verified resources. By optimizing our systems, we could support them in their critical role.”
As part of his contributions to the field, Anil was also invited to be on the panel for the prestigious Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards in 2024. This recognition highlights his deep understanding of AI in healthcare and his ability to drive meaningful change. He has also won the International Achievers Award from the Indian Achievers Forum.
Beyond direct patient interactions, Kandalam sees AI transforming how medical professionals engage in industry events and conferences. AI-generated session summaries can help attendees grasp key takeaways without needing to be physically present at every discussion.
This can save participants several hours over the course of a multi-day event, optimizing their learning experience. Additionally, compiling post-conference reports, which traditionally requires extensive manual effort, can be streamlined with AI-powered tools like Dougall GPT, reducing the time needed by up to 50%, depending on the content volume.
Guru Prasath Sethumadhavan, Associate Director of QA in Development and Automation on cloud platforms, joined P/S/L in 2017, where he first met Anil. He emphasizes how Anil’s expertise leads to long-term and practical solutions.
“When critical issues impact business or revenue, he will never provide a temporary solution. Instead, he provides a permanent and easy solution,” Sethumadhavan explains. “This helped us to save revenue loss for the company.”
Over the years, Anil has proven himself a visionary, pioneering solutions that merge AI with existing data platforms. His expertise extends to large-scale cloud migrations, saving companies millions in operational costs while delivering scalable and reliable infrastructure. For example, Anil spearheaded cloud migration initiatives in his work with Allstate Insurance and JetBlue Airways that saved 30% on maintenance costs, significantly enhancing ROI and operational efficiency.
However, his work in healthcare holds a special place in his heart: “There’s a profound responsibility in knowing that the systems you create are directly helping someone receive better care, maybe even saving lives. Healthcare has a tangible impact on people’s lives, and that’s incredibly motivating.”
Part of what makes Anil unique in his field is his adaptability and willingness to embrace change. His work is never static; he constantly seeks new technologies to improve his platforms, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility for healthcare professionals. In his current position, Anil has established a culture of innovation, encouraging his team to stay on top of emerging technologies.
He believes that a forward-thinking approach is critical in healthcare engineering. “Stagnation is the enemy of progress,” he explains. “I believe in staying updated on the latest technologies, not just for innovation’s sake but because every advancement in tech brings us closer to better healthcare solutions. In this field, you have to be quick and proactive.”
Krishna Chaitanya R. Chimakurthi, Digital Solution Architect Director at NTT Data, has known Anil for 10 years. For him, Anil’s dedication to creating quality work is what makes him beneficial to any organization he is a part of.
“He has never compromised on the deliverables, timelines, or quality of a product,” Chimakurth says. “During a challenging project, we were close to losing the customer, and Anil was introduced to the project as Tech Lead. With his experience, contribution, and tech knowledge from different health industry projects, he helped the customer understand the situation and bought some breathing space to work and deliver.”
Anil’s dedication to continuous learning and improvement has also made him a valuable mentor. As a recognized top mentor on ADPList, he has guided over 50 mentees worldwide, sharing his knowledge and helping them navigate the healthcare engineering industry. Many of his mentees attribute their success to Anil’s insightful and supportive guidance, describing him as “down-to-earth, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable.”
Senior Integration Developer Siva Dutta has worked on various software projects with Anil for over a decade.
He reveals his colleague possesses an exceptional combination of intellectual curiosity and humility that makes him stand out: “Anil’s enthusiasm for embracing new technologies is matched by his genuine willingness to share knowledge with others.
“His helpful nature and ability to explain complex concepts clearly have made him a valued mentor to many team members.”
He adds: “Anil’s work ethic is exemplified by his proactive approach to innovation. He consistently volunteers to pioneer new projects and develop proof-of-concept solutions for clients, presenting them with comprehensive strategies and clear implementation roadmaps.
“His ability to balance technical excellence with practical business needs has consistently delivered exceptional results.”
“His ability to integrate emerging technologies while maintaining strict compliance standards can help transform healthcare infrastructure, ultimately leading to improved patient care and more accessible health services.”
This knowledge is further reflected in his TIBCO Business Works 5.x, Databricks: Generative AI Fundamentals, and AWS (Developer, Solutions Architect, and AI Practitioner) certifications.
He remains a highly respected figure not only for his engineering skills but also for his commitment to fostering growth in others. As a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Anil actively contributes to technical reviews, judges hackathons for organizations like HackMIT, and participates in panel discussions where he shares his insights on the future of AI in healthcare.
His panel and judging contributions include participation in the Business Intelligence Group’s Cloud Computing and Sustainability Awards, the 2024 QS Reimagine Education Awards, the HCM Technology Awards Program, and the Globee Awards for 2023 and 2024.
Anil is also a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), a learned society for computing. His recent accomplishments include receiving the prestigious “Prominent Industry Expert of the Year 2024” award by Business Mint for his work in data engineering and AI integration in healthcare.
For Anil, the future of medical platforms is limitless. He envisions a world where AI and big data can work harmoniously to deliver faster, more precise healthcare solutions. In his own words: “The future is about harnessing the full potential of AI not just to support, but actively enhance the decision-making process for healthcare professionals. It’s about creating systems that work as seamlessly as possible, delivering the exact information needed at the exact moment. The power of AI, when applied thoughtfully, will continue to revolutionize this industry.”
Anil is undoubtedly a pioneer in healthcare engineering, driving AI integration in ways that improve patient outcomes and support medical practitioners worldwide. With his innovative solutions and unwavering dedication, he is shaping the future of healthcare technology and ensuring that the industry remains on the cutting edge, ready to meet any challenge with intelligence, precision, and speed. Anil’s vision is clear, and as the world of healthcare evolves, his impact will surely be felt for generations to come.
Written By Zoe Scotman
