James McCormack
CEO of XPawn
James is an AI strategist focused on human-centered computing and cognitive performance. He specializes in the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) to reduce cognitive load in complex fields like healthcare. His research examines how our physical environment directly affects our capacity for deep, analytical work.
From Assistant to Agent: The Human Cost of AI in Healthcare
As the healthcare system buckles under the weight of physician shortages and burnout, Artificial Intelligence is no longer just an optional tool—it is a desperate necessity. But as AI shifts from being a simple "assistant" to an autonomous "agent" executing complex medical workflows, we are quietly shifting massive responsibility to machines. We must stop asking "Where can we put AI?" and start asking "Where must we keep a human?" before it is too late.
Biography
James McCormack is a Thunder Bay born founder and applied AI practitioner. He holds a computer science background from Lakehead University and began his healthcare AI work at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, contributing to research on next generation electronic medical records, computerized physician order entry, and clinical data systems. His research spanned stroke care, hospitalist medicine, internal medicine, oncology, and nephrology. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Medical School and the MIT Health Innovation Bootcamp. In 2024, James founded XPawn, a venture-backed healthcare technology company focused on practical AI implementation. XPawn has developed solutions including data compression methodologies for clinical systems and tools that automate administrative workflows such as medical form completion. The company also works with organizations across Canada on AI adoption, governance, and policy. James also co-leads The AI Collective Thunder Bay, a community initiative connecting professionals, students, and organizations to advance artificial intelligence in the region.
Founder of XPawn, a venture-backed healthcare technology company
Alumnus of Harvard Medical School and the MIT Health Innovation Bootcamp
Co-lead of The AI Collective Thunder Bay
Research contributor to next-generation clinical data systems and EMRs