Rai is partnering to improve the health of Mainers

Raimond Winslow is a world-renowned leader in computational medicine, which applies mathematics, engineering, and computational science to understand human disease. In 2021, he made the leap from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore to Portland’s Roux Institute for what he calls a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity—the chance to build a high-tech hub around artificial intelligence.

Winslow, director of life science and medical research at the Roux Institute, believes Big Data can drive decisions and practice in medicine, and that real-time health monitoring devices, like a Fitbit or device that you’d see in an intensive care unit, may yield predictive power for disease outcomes like stroke, septic shock, heart attack, and more.

In his role, Winslow will work directly with corporate partners, including MaineHealth and The Jackson Laboratory, to develop technology to improve patient health outcomes. “To do it here in Maine with these industry leaders, there’s the potential to touch a huge number of Mainers,” says Winslow.

He was drawn to the Roux Institute for its potential for “real-world impact,” not just locally but worldwide. He also points to a structure that promotes collaboration among researchers, organizational partners, and entrepreneurial teams. Having directors of partnerships and entrepreneurship in the same space means “we can solve problems and change lives.”

Another lure was his emotional ties to Maine. Born and raised in the Pine Tree State, he had longed to return. “I love sea kayaking, the mountains and hiking, and the essence and character of Portland. I’ve always wanted to make my way back. For the first time, there’s an opportunity for me here.”

“For me, no city compares to Portland,” he says, ” not London or Paris, or even New York.”