NEW YORK, NY — Dr. Glen Gillen, a leading figure in neurological rehabilitation and occupational therapy, is reminding the healthcare industry that technology must never replace the human relationship at the center of care. In an era of rapid technological innovation, including artificial intelligence, Dr. Gillen emphasizes that meaningful healthcare begins with seeing the person behind every diagnosis.
Dr. Gillen, who recently retired from Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons after 31 years of service, has dedicated his career to advancing evidence-based, patient-centered care. He has authored more than 200 scholarly publications and textbooks, including Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach and multiple editions of Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy, foundational texts used worldwide.
His philosophy is rooted in the belief that no one should feel reduced to a diagnosis or a number. "Meaningful care begins the moment people feel seen, heard, respected, and understood," says Dr. Gillen. "Every patient deserves to be an active participant in their own care." This perspective has guided his work as a clinician, educator, researcher, and mentor.
As healthcare increasingly integrates artificial intelligence and other technologies, Dr. Gillen acknowledges their potential to improve efficiency and organize data. However, he warns against allowing technology to eclipse the human elements of care. "Technology can organize information. Algorithms can process data. Artificial intelligence can improve efficiency. But none can replace the trust built between patient and caregiver," he explains.
Dr. Gillen's advocacy for humane, evidence-based care has earned him international recognition, including the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship, occupational therapy's highest academic honor. He has delivered hundreds of lectures globally and published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles advancing neurological rehabilitation.
For industry leaders, Dr. Gillen's message carries significant implications. As healthcare organizations invest in AI and digital tools, the risk of depersonalizing patient interactions grows. Dr. Gillen argues that technology should enhance—not replace—the therapeutic relationship. "Patients don't simply need answers. They need conversations. They need options. They need someone willing to listen before reaching for the prescription pad," he says.
The impact extends beyond individual patient encounters. A healthcare system that prioritizes efficiency over empathy may erode trust, reduce patient engagement, and ultimately undermine outcomes. Dr. Gillen's career demonstrates that combining clinical expertise with genuine human connection leads to more meaningful and effective care.
Although retired from academia, Dr. Gillen continues to write and speak, urging the next generation of healthcare professionals to keep the person at the center of care. "My greatest hope is that the next generation of healthcare professionals never loses sight of the person sitting in front of them," he says. "The best care is both clinically sound and deeply human."
