As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries across the globe, few sectors show as much potential for impact as healthcare. Data scientists at the intersection of medicine and machine learning (ML) now help determine how care is delivered, personalized, and improved. Gino Tesei, principal data scientist at Elevance Health, is a recognized leader in AI-driven healthcare solutions, combining technical brilliance and real-world application to drive innovation.
“I want to make a difference in healthcare by using artificial intelligence,” Tesei says. “The next frontier is generating synthetic data that faithfully represents the full diversity of our communities, and that’s exactly where I’m focused.”
Designing the Future of AI in Healthcare
Since 2020, Tesei has led generative AI efforts at Elevance Health, developing systems that improve efficiency and build AI capabilities for both employees and members. “I work on organizational improvements, publish peer-reviewed research in precision medicine, and develop AI tools, such as conversational chatbots, that transform those insights into real-world applications,” he explains. “I also coach support teams and mentor data scientists, guiding them to build new skills and advance their careers.”
Before joining Elevance, Tesei was a manager and lead data scientist at Deloitte. There, he specialized in automation and AI for large pharmaceutical companies. “I served on the AI Center of Excellence for a leading pharmaceutical client,” he recalls. “I led key research initiatives and consistently earned the highest level of recognition in annual reviews.”
Earlier in his career, Tesei made headlines in Italy. While working as a technical leader at Telecom Italia, he designed the country’s number-one news search engine. “It handled 60 million searches per day and outperformed Google Italia,” he says. “That’s still one of my proudest achievements.”
A Lifelong Learner With Elite Credentials
Tesei’s academic path helped set the foundation for his work. He holds a master’s degree in engineering of computing systems from Politecnico di Milano, graduating cum laude. He later earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from SDA Bocconi School of Management. “Education gave me the technical and strategic tools I needed,” he says. “But mentors also played a huge role, especially my elementary school teacher and my first CEO in finance.”
Tesei has received numerous certifications, including graduate certificates in AI and ML from Stanford University. “I embrace continuous learning to keep my skills sharp and maintain a competitive edge,” Tesei says.
When he’s not designing AI systems, Tesei stays active: “I enjoy reading, running, exercising and traveling. And, of course, I love good fine food and wine.” He also gives back through civic efforts. “I volunteer with the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club helping lead initiatives such as scholarship programs for disadvantaged students.”
Looking Forward: Empowering Patients With AI
Tesei’s next goal is to put the power of AI directly in patients’ hands. “My vision is to build an intelligent platform that analyses each person’s medical history and real-time health data, then matches them with the specialists best equipped to treat their exact condition,” he explains. “It’s about empowering them and improving their overall journey through data.”
With a blend of vision and precision, Tesei continues to shape the future of healthcare, one algorithm at a time.
