Presence champions the human experience in medicine.

Being present is essential to the well-being of both patients and caregivers, and it is fundamental to establishing trust in all human interactions. Being present is integral to the art and the science of medicine and predicates the quality of medical care.

The experience of suffering and the care of those who are suffering are the most poignant of human experiences. We believe both of these can be better addressed in society and in our health care systems.

Our goal is to foster research, dialogue, and multidisciplinary collaboration to produce measurable and meaningful change in health care.

Presence is unifying the best talent to strengthen the human dimension in medicine and medical education.

Our Areas of Strategic Focus


Harnessing technology for the human experience in medicine


Studying and advocating for the patient-physician relationship



Reducing medical errors


Register now! AI in Medicine: Inclusion & Equity (AiMIE) August 22nd, 2018 

In the News

Inaugural HIAI Symposium discusses role of AI in medicine

How do doctors retain a human connection with patients and ensure that new developments in technology enhance, rather than impede, medical care?

Speakers discussed that challenge recently at the daylong Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Symposium hosted by the Presence Center and co-sponsored by the Stanford Department of Medicine.


Physician, author Abraham Verghese receives National Humanities Medal

Abraham Verghese, MD, the critically acclaimed author, was honored at a White House ceremony for helping to deepen the nation’s understanding of the human experience.


The Importance Of Being

Good patient care is found not on a computer screen but in being truly present with patients.


Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Symposium

April 17,  2018