James Oughton

In his role as Chief Advisor of Precision Health, James’s role involves championing, liaising with stakeholders, and advising on the Ministry of Health’s precision health work programme to ensure the safe adoption of genomics and artificial intelligence in healthcare in New Zealand. This will identify and manage opportunities and risks associated with precision health and understand how these technologies can be safely, ethically, and effectively embedded in health services for the benefit of New Zealanders.

James has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors and has recently returned to New Zealand after 7 years based in the US working at the intersection of genomics and precision oncology. A Pharmacist by training, James also holds postgraduate diplomas in both genomic medicine and public health.