Medicine & AI

The future of ‘standard’ medical practice might be here sooner than anticipated, where a patient could see a computer before seeing a doctor.

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Areas of study

Radiology

Radiology is the branch that has been the most upfront and welcoming to the use of new technology. Computers being initially used in clinical imaging for administrative work like image acquisition and storage to now becoming an indispensable component of the work environment with the origin of picture archiving and communication system.

Devices

A decision support system known as DXplain was developed by the university of Massachusetts in 1986, which gives a list of probable differentials based on the symptom complex and it is also used as an educational tool for medical students filling the gaps not explained in standard textbooks.

Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System

The Da Vinci robotic surgical system developed by Intuitive surgicals has revolutionized the field of surgery especially urological and gynecological surgeries. The robotic arms of the system mimics a surgeon's hand movements with better precision and has a 3D view and magnification options which allow the surgeon to perform minute incisions.

Better Doctors

Apart from the inventions which already exist, there are certain advances in various phases of development, which will help physicians be better doctors. IBM's Watson Health being a prime example of the same, which will be equipped to efficiently identify symptoms of heart disease and cancer.

medicine

Discussion

AI is growing into the public health sector and is going to have a major impact on every aspect of primary care. AI-enabled computer applications will help primary care physicians to better identify patients who require extra attention and provide personalized protocols for each individual. Primary care physicians can use AI to take their notes, analyze their discussions with patients, and enter required information directly into EHR systems. These applications will collect and analyze patient data and present it to primary care physicians alongside insight into patient's medical needs.

This new era of AI-augmented practice has an equal number of skeptics as proponents . The increased utilization of technology has reduced the number of job opportunities, which many doctors in the making and practicing doctors are concerned about. Analytically and logically machines may be able to translate human behavior, but certain human traits such as critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity cannot be honed by the machines.