This is a necessary pushback on the "let's rush in and replace everything with AI" narrative. I'd say that AI in medicine is likely to get much better very quickly, but in the interim there are plenty of spots where it can make things much worse. Even after a few years, there will be a need for medical wisdom.
Definitely agree that AI in medicine will get better quickly, and I'm confident it will become an increasingly essential part of everyday practice in the coming years. At the same time, it will certainly create problems that will need to be addressed; as long as we're careful to avoid the creation of problems that are bigger than the ones they solve, we'll be moving in the right direction. Medicine is high stakes, yes, but so is aviation. Auto-pilot technology is now an essential part of commercial aviation, yet we still need pilots to ensure the tool is used appropriately and safely. Doctors have a much different job than pilots, but it seems only logical we view AI tools similarly.
Agreed completely. We have our work cut out for us, but the challenge is worth overcoming so that we can (eventually) reap incredible benefits. For now, it's up to folks like us to continue having nuanced conversations like this one.
Speaking of lungs, this article seems interesting. And as a former smoker, I was a subject in this study!
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Lung Disease Without a Name: The Puzzling Affliction Impacting Millions of Smokers
By UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO MEDICAL CENTER AUGUST 4, 2023
A recent study reveals that many Americans with substantial tobacco exposure have symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, and reduced exercise capability, akin to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they test normal in standard COPD diagnoses. The research suggests the existence of a distinct non-obstructive chronic airway disease related to tobacco use and emphasizes the need for broadening the definition of smoking-related lung disease to include these patients.
UCSF research suggests that existing classifications of chronic tobacco-related lung conditions leave patients undiagnosed and untreated.
I really appreciated this article and your thoughtful perspective!
This is a necessary pushback on the "let's rush in and replace everything with AI" narrative. I'd say that AI in medicine is likely to get much better very quickly, but in the interim there are plenty of spots where it can make things much worse. Even after a few years, there will be a need for medical wisdom.
Thank you for the thought provoking perspective!
Definitely agree that AI in medicine will get better quickly, and I'm confident it will become an increasingly essential part of everyday practice in the coming years. At the same time, it will certainly create problems that will need to be addressed; as long as we're careful to avoid the creation of problems that are bigger than the ones they solve, we'll be moving in the right direction. Medicine is high stakes, yes, but so is aviation. Auto-pilot technology is now an essential part of commercial aviation, yet we still need pilots to ensure the tool is used appropriately and safely. Doctors have a much different job than pilots, but it seems only logical we view AI tools similarly.
Agreed completely. We have our work cut out for us, but the challenge is worth overcoming so that we can (eventually) reap incredible benefits. For now, it's up to folks like us to continue having nuanced conversations like this one.
Working Ina health care environment, I see this often.
Speaking of lungs, this article seems interesting. And as a former smoker, I was a subject in this study!
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Lung Disease Without a Name: The Puzzling Affliction Impacting Millions of Smokers
By UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO MEDICAL CENTER AUGUST 4, 2023
A recent study reveals that many Americans with substantial tobacco exposure have symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, and reduced exercise capability, akin to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they test normal in standard COPD diagnoses. The research suggests the existence of a distinct non-obstructive chronic airway disease related to tobacco use and emphasizes the need for broadening the definition of smoking-related lung disease to include these patients.
UCSF research suggests that existing classifications of chronic tobacco-related lung conditions leave patients undiagnosed and untreated.
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https://scitechdaily.com/lung-disease-without-a-name-the-puzzling-affliction-impacting-millions-of-smokers/?expand_article=1