Medical Advisor at Johnson & Johnson MedTech & CEO of Medical XR

Professor Shafi Ahmed is a world-leading artificial intelligence specialist, surgeon, and digital health pioneer. As Co-Founder of Medical Realities, he created the world’s first VR Interactive Surgery Training Module, revolutionizing medical education. In 2014, he made history by live-streaming an operation using Google Glass to students across 130 countries, and later performed the first virtual reality operation, watched by tens of thousands globally. Celebrated for his innovative use of technology in surgery and training, Shafi has become one of the most influential voices in digital health. His groundbreaking work continues to inspire professionals, educators, and students worldwide.

Credentials and Impact

Shafi Ahmed holds numerous prestigious roles that position him at the forefront of healthcare innovation. He is a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London, Associate Dean at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Non-Executive Director at Medic Bleep, where he advises on digital transformation in clinical communication. He also serves as a Medical Advisor to Google and Johnson & Johnson, and recently joined the Executive Board of HUM2N, a cutting-edge health optimization company. As Co-Founder and Chair of the Global Innovation and New Technologies (GIANT) Health Conference and Chair of WEBIT Health in Bulgaria, Shafi is a leading figure in convening international experts to explore the future of health. Beyond academia and business, he founded the Shafi Ahmed Foundation International, dedicated to providing medical aid and training to underserved communities.

His visionary leadership has been recognized globally: he was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, named one of the Top 50 Innovators in Artificial Intelligence (2023) by Intelligent Health AI, and frequently honored with awards for advancing digital medicine. By blending surgical practice with emerging technologies such as VR, AR, and AI, Shafi has redefined what it means to teach, practice, and deliver healthcare in the 21st century.

Publications and Media

Shafi Ahmed is a prolific thought leader with contributions spanning books, academic articles, and mainstream media. He has authored influential works on digital health, innovation, and surgical education, and serves as Associate Editor of the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons. Frequently featured by international outlets including BBC, CNN, and The Guardian, Shafi’s groundbreaking projects have reached millions. His forward-thinking publications and appearances consistently shape global healthcare discourse.

Why Hire Shafi Ahmed?

Booking Professor Shafi Ahmed means bringing one of the world’s foremost digital health pioneers to your event. As a TEDx speaker, he has captivated audiences with visionary talks on the intersection of surgery, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. His ability to simplify complex medical innovations for diverse audiences makes him a sought-after keynote speaker worldwide. Whether inspiring healthcare professionals, business leaders, or students, Shafi delivers thought-provoking insights grounded in real-world impact.

He has a proven track record of engaging audiences through storytelling, interactive media, and demonstrations, ensuring his talks leave a lasting impression. With experience addressing conferences, corporations, and policy forums across the globe, he adapts his message to resonate with international audiences. If you want to inspire your attendees about the future of medicine, AI, and innovation, Shafi Ahmed is the ideal choice to spark curiosity, challenge perspectives, and drive meaningful change.

To book Shafi to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.