MUHC uses AI for smarter chemotherapy scheduling

MONTREAL – Made possible through funding from Scale AI, Canada’s global AI innovation hub, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is launching a new collaboration with Canadian health technology company Gray to transform chemotherapy scheduling at the Cedars Cancer Centre.

“Thanks to this innovative project, we hope to be able to treat more patients, faster, using the same resources,” says Dr. Lucie Opatrny, president and executive director, MUHC. “This is a great example of how artificial intelligence can help us improve efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of care. It also means that nurses who previously spent time scheduling will be able to dedicate more time to being at the bedside, where they are most needed.”

Using advanced AI, Gray’s Care Orchestration Platform, GrayOS, will analyze patient needs, treatment durations, pharmacy preparation times, and chair and nurse availability to ensure smoother daily operations and balance staff workloads.

“This partnership is about reimagining how we deliver care,” said Dr. Alan Forster (pictured), director of innovation, transformation and clinical performance, MUHC. “Scheduling chemotherapy treatments is a very complex and time-consuming activity. By using AI to coordinate it, we can improve the patient experience while supporting our teams in providing timely, efficient care.”

Running from early 2026 through December 2026, the project will be shaped through close input from nurses, pharmacists, schedulers and managers at Cedars, whose frontline expertise will guide how the system is refined and implemented within the MUHC’s clinical workflows. Ultimately, GrayOS will be able to automatically schedule and adjust patient appointments across every step of chemotherapy treatment, adapting in real time to last-minute changes or cancellations.

“We’re honoured to collaborate with the MUHC, an institution recognized for its clinical and scientific excellence,” said André Diamant, CEO of Gray Oncology Solutions, who also completed his PhD research at the MUHC. “This collaboration is particularly meaningful to me. Together, we share the same ambition: to put technology at the service of people and make care delivery more seamless, efficient and sustainable.”

“This project reflects our shared commitment to continuously innovate in order to improve the care experience for both patients and staff,” adds Alain Biron, director of nursing, MUHC. “When we can better align schedules, balance workloads and anticipate needs, everyone benefits, most importantly, our patients.”

This initiative marks another step forward in the MUHC’s mission to harness innovation, collaboration and technology to deliver excellent, patient-centred care.

About the MUHC
The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is one of the world’s foremost academic health facilities. Building on the tradition of medical leadership of its founding hospitals, the MUHC provides exceptional multidisciplinary patient-centric care in French and in English. Affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of McGill University, the MUHC continues to shape the course of adult and pediatric medicine by attracting clinical and research expertise from around the world, assessing the latest in medical technology, and training the next generation of medical professionals. In collaboration with our network partners, we are building a better future for our patients and their families; for our employees, professionals, researchers and students; for our community and above all, for life. www.muhc.ca.