AI is a rapidly growing technology. Its ability to process many different types of information in a short span of time is affecting everyday life, bringing both opportunities and challenges that society must navigate; one of which is how AI is being incorporated into everyday jobs, specifically into the medical industry.
Doctors are implementing AI for diagnostics, which means they use AI to analyze medical images such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, allowing for faster diagnosis and better accuracy. AI can also be used in predictive analytics, meaning it can predict disease outbreaks, patient deterioration, or treatment outcomes using data. Additionally, AI helps tailor treatment to different individuals based on their genetics and health data.
Moreover, Chatbots can answer frequently asked questions by patients, schedule appointments, and, in some cases, monitor symptoms. AI also performs administrative tasks such as automating paperwork, billing, and patient records management, freeing up doctors’ hands to actually focus on the patient.
AI-powered robots are incorporated into surgery, assisting surgeons during operations to allow for more precision. This, however, raises the ethical question of robots performing life-changing operations on people.
Many medical fields are incorporating AI into their daily lives, notably, neurologists and pharmacists.
Eastside interviewed Ms. Pereira, one of the advisors of the Neuroscience and Psychology club, about her thoughts on AI being incorporated into the medical industry.
Q: How do you think surgical robots have changed the precision and outcome of surgeries?
A: I think it has made a positive difference because now you are allowing for more precision [in surgeries], [more accurate, smaller incisions], which allows for faster recovery, and helps reduce complications.
Q: Do you think there are types of surgeries where robot incorporation is necessary for accuracy?
A: I think so, with some of the ones that need ultra fine motor, and I know of robot usage with open heart surgeries, some of the brain surgeries as well. Because you’re dealing with very delicate matter; whether it’s the heart, veins, aortas, or the lobes of the brain, you must be very precise where you’re placing needles or scalpels or whatever. It’s the robots’ ability to have that steadiness and that ultra-fine control that can provide for better outcomes.
Q: What do you think are some risks or challenges that you think robots in surgery present?
A: I think there could be if it’s not experienced, if it hasn’t been through adequate training. You can’t jump [the robot] right in, there’s still a human touch that’s involved, because there’s still a person that’s being surgerized on. The robot’s not going to have that human connection that a surgeon or a human might have. Practice before the first time is important.
Q: How do you personally feel about the growing use of AI in medicine?
A: I think that it’s actually positive. I think AI as a tool can be incredibly powerful, but it’s not a replacement for things like empathy [and] critical thinking. I think it provides the potential outcomes. For instance, in an article, it said that [a robot] was able to detect breast cancer five years prior to the patient being diagnosed, and the AI was right. It can be predictive. However, it needs a layer of ethical and human considerations, and keeping human judgment.
Q: What ethical considerations should doctors and hospitals keep in mind when using AI?
A: I think it comes down to patient data and privacy, also making sure to look at all patient factors to avoid biases, especially in some of the predictive patterns.
Q: Do you think AI could ever replace human judgment in medical decisions?
A: Never say never, but I think at the end of the day that humans are still caring for humans, [not robots], [and] I think that’s still the crust for care. I think you still have [a human element involved.] You still need an expert because there are nuances with every person, and you need that human expert; you need that collaboration that comes from a partnership. I think a robot or machine or AI can make it more efficient, but [humans] are not replaceable.
Q: Do you think AI in medicine will make healthcare more accessible or widen disparities?
A: I think it can make it more accessible because you are now able to gather larger subsets of data. People are relying on ChatGPT to interpret their X-rays or medical data. People are becoming more informed, and are taking a stronger role in collaboration with their healthcare professionals. It shouldn’t discount the doctor. You come in with those results, but listen to your doctor, that’s a partnership with your doctor. [AI] can put it into a language you can understand.
AI’s incorporation into the medical field has its ups and downs, as Ms. Pereira discussed, but it can’t be denied that it is remarkably transforming the medical industry by improving efficiency, accuracy, and patient care. At the same time, it raises challenges such as ethical concerns and privacy issues. While AI offers benefits, human supervision remains essential to ensure healthcare stays both effective and ethical.