Bridging AI, Quantum Computing, and Ethics
Student Perspective | February 3, 2025
As the co-founder and CEO of Chromie Health, Douglas Ford is at the forefront of leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in modern health care: the labor shortage crisis. His work in predictive analytics and workflow automation has earned him widespread recognition, including a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List 2025. Despite his success in technology-driven health care solutions, Ford felt a deeper need to engage with the ethical dimensions of these advancements. That realization led him to Harvard Medical School’s Master of Science in Bioethics program, where he is currently in his final semester as a virtual, part-time student.
Prior to enrolling at Harvard Medical School (HMS), Ford earned an online dual degree—a master of science in engineering in artificial intelligence and a master of computer and information technology—from the University of Pennsylvania. While his academic trajectory initially focused on the technical aspects of AI, a life-threatening case of myocarditis exposed him firsthand to systemic inequities in health care. That experience became a catalyst for his decision to pivot toward bioethics, seeking to bridge the gap between technology and ethical health care practices.
“What drew me to HMS was the interdisciplinary approach,” Ford explains. “It wasn’t just about bioethics. It was law, medicine, philosophy, AI, and the intersection of all these fields. I knew it was what I needed to better my career as a startup founder.”
For Ford, the Bioethics program has been not only academically enriching but also personally transformative. His capstone research, conducted under the mentorship of J. Wesley Boyd, MD, PhD, explores the implications of quantum computing in health care, specifically its role in medical decision-making, data security, and predictive analytics.
“Quantum computing is the next generation of computing,” he notes. “Current classical systems might take 50 years to crack a problem, whereas quantum computers could do it in seconds. That kind of power raises a whole new set of ethical questions around data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and access to such technology.”
Ford’s research has taken him beyond academic theory. He has engaged in literature reviews, conducted interviews with leading experts, and even plans to tour an IBM quantum computing facility. “It’s one thing to read about it, but to actually see a quantum computer in person, to be able to say, ‘I was there when it was still the size of a one-bedroom apartment,’ is an incredible opportunity!”
Despite completing his degree virtually, Ford has found the experience to be immersive and interactive. “At first, I was nervous about how effective an online program could be, but because of the way the program faculty has structured the courses, the discussions, and the mentorship, I feel just as connected as if I were on campus,” he says.
Beyond his research, Ford has found that the Bioethics program has deepened his understanding of real-world ethical applications in health care. Courses like Bioethics Advocacy have equipped him with the tools to analyze and address ethical challenges in medicine and technology, providing a broader framework to apply in his work. This experience reinforced his commitment to use emerging technologies responsibly and to ensure that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of health care innovation.
When reflecting on the breadth of perspectives in the program, Ford emphasizes the richness of the student body. “We have physicians, clinicians, nurses, lawyers… people from so many different walks of life. That diversity of thought is what makes the discussions so dynamic and meaningful.”
For prospective students considering the Bioethics program, Ford offers this advice: “Go in with an open mind. You might have an idea of what you want to study, but this program has a way of opening doors you didn’t even know existed. I came in focused on AI, and now I’m researching quantum computing and emerging technologies.”
As he nears graduation, Ford reflects on how this learning experience has shaped him. “This program didn’t just change my career; it changed me as a person. It taught me how to be a CEO and founder of my own startup, to be able to conduct elevator pitches, to network, and to talk to people from all different walks of life, different countries, and careers… The program is life-changing, and I’m not afraid to admit it.”
Written by Bailey Merlin