Educators in Medicine,
In this newsletter, we continue our journey through the fundamentals of AI, its applications in medicine, and its transformative role in education. Let’s dive into learning.
1. AI 101 - A Primer on Artificial Intelligence
AI Behavior Change in Healthcare
The healthcare sector is on the brink of a transformation, driven by AI. According to an insightful article from Time, AI is not just a tool for diagnosing diseases or recommending treatments; it is becoming a catalyst for behavior change. This new frontier in AI aims to encourage healthier lifestyles and better adherence to medical advice. The potential is enormous: AI-driven nudges could remind patients to take their medication, promote regular exercise, and even support mental health. Isn't that a common difficulty with clinical work? Instilling impetus for change in our patients can be sparked by motivational interviewing, but AI may be the nudge needed for accountability and follow through.
However, the implications are significant. Just as we've seen with other technological advancements, there's a fine line between helpful and intrusive. Will patients feel comfortable with AI monitoring their behaviors so closely? And how do we ensure that these technologies are accessible to all, not just the tech-savvy or those in higher socioeconomic brackets?
2. AI in Education
The Role of AI in Medical Training
I’m a fan of Peter Attia’s longevity work, and listen to his podcast for help in optimizing my exercise routines. On Peter Attia's recent podcast with Isaac Kohane however, the topic was not about exercise. They delve into the transformative potential of AI in medicine. Dr Kohane is the editor of the NEJM AI - which we’ve cited here several times for different articles. I thought it was fun hearing them chat on the topic and recommend it.
Of course - they spoke on medical education! At Harvard Medical School where Kohane is on faculty, efforts are underway to integrate AI into the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional methods. Attia questioned the utility of the hours spent looking at histology slides. While time spent looking at histology slides is important, AI can enhance the learning experience by providing real-time feedback and advanced analytics. I’m supportive of this view, and think it should assist in how we teach, at all levels.
Kohane discusses the importance of training physicians to understand and utilize AI effectively. It's about augmenting our capabilities, not replacing them. But, as always, there are concerns. Will the reliance on AI diminish our critical thinking skills? How do we balance AI's assistance with the need to maintain our diagnostic acumen? Kohane talked about how early in his career he realized that medicine is an art. It is an art - an art of human connection and relationship. AI should not replace that.
3. What Can I Do Now?
AI and Job Displacement
The integration of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, raises an important ethical question: what happens to the jobs AI replaces? Miso Robotics' Flippy, an AI-powered robot, is already making waves in the fast-food industry by mastering the deep fryer and boosting profits for chains like White Castle and Jack in the Box. As highlighted in this video (you should really watch…), you’ll see quickly how this can displace an entire sector of employees. This automation trend is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it addresses labor shortages and enhances efficiency. On the other hand, it displaces workers, leading to job losses in a sector that employs many many people around the world.
In healthcare, the story is similar. There are AI robots delivering medications to patient rooms already. AI tools that assist with diagnostics, patient monitoring, and even surgery are becoming more prevalent. Imagine the Da Vinci robot, stopping a physician from cutting where they should not cut, or picking up the needle at the perfect angle for the operator automatically for efficiency and decreased operative time? While these advancements promise better patient outcomes and streamlined operations, they also pose a threat to certain job roles. How do we navigate this transition? Retraining and upskilling are part of the solution, but we must also consider the broader societal impact.
As we embrace AI's potential, we must remain vigilant about implications. How do you see AI transforming your practice? What ethical considerations keep you up at night? Tell us!
As always - get in touch and let me know your thoughts!
Thank you for joining us on this adventure. Stay tuned for more AI insights, best practices, and more future editions of AI+MedEd.
For education and innovation,
Karim
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