As a junior doctor Ammar Zaka was often faced with real-time decisions - like which patients are most high-risk, who needs more aggressive treatment, and who might safely be ready for discharge.
Believing that standard risk metrics could be too rigid to guide meaningful decision-making at the bedside, Ammar was inspired to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a potential support tool.
“I was particularly inspired after collaborating on the Adelaide Score - an AI tool now used across South Australian hospitals to predict discharge readiness,” Ammar said.
“It showed how AI could support everyday clinical decisions and made me wonder: could we build something just as useful for cardiac patients here at Gold Coast Health?”.
Ammar is now a second-year Basic Physician Trainee in the Cardiology Department at Gold Coast University Hospital. Alongside his clinical training he’s researching how AI can help predict outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease - with a focus on developing practical, personalised tools for real-world care.
“The project came about quite organically from an identified need. I don’t come from a data science background, so my focus has always been on practical, bedside utility,” he said.
“I’m now working on a PhD focused on developing AI-driven tools to personalise cardiac care. It’s been a steep but rewarding learning curve, and I am excited for the long road ahead.”
Ammar will be presenting his research at the upcoming Gold Coast Cardiology Conference, running from 18 – 20 September 2025 at Southport Sharks.
His presentation ‘Artificial Intelligence to Enhance PCI: Where Do We Stand?’ will explore the use of AI in the coronary space - where the field is now, where it’s falling short, and where the real opportunities for growth lie.
Ammar hopes that people will see beyond the buzzwords and walk away with a clearer sense of the potential role of AI in cardiac care.
“There’s a lot of interest in this space, and rightly so, but it’s important to separate what’s promising from what’s actually ready for clinical use.”
“My aim is to unpack the evidence, share where the field is heading, and open a conversation about how we can develop tools that genuinely support decision-making at the bedside.”
Ammar will present alongside Professor Rohan Jayasinghe, Medical Director of GCUH Cardiology Department and Founder of the Gold Coast Cardiology Conference.
Professor Jayasinghe says the Gold Coast Cardiology Conference provides an opportunity to showcase the incredible work coming out of Gold Coast Health, but it will also get people excited about what’s to come.
“Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or just curious about the future of cardiac care, this conference will provide something practical, something thought-provoking, and a realistic look at where we’re at - and where we could go.” Professor Jayasinghe said.
You can find out more about the Gold Coast Cardiology Conference or secure a ticket via the event website. The full speaker lineup and presentation topics can be viewed on the event program.
