Are you for or against artificial intelligence in medicine? With the rise of machine learning in healthcare this is becoming more common question. When confronted with this question, MIT’s Max Tegmark responds, “Are you for or against fire?” Fire of course can keep us warm but can also be mishandled by arsonists and others with nefarious intent. The problem is our ... Continue Reading about Artificial Intelligence in Medicine – Are You For or Against?
Technology and the Power of Human Inconvenience
Over time I suspect that patients have the ability to do more on our own without the oversight of doctors. Much like the slow obsolescence of the bank teller, our interface with the health system will move from human exchange to something more algorithmic and automated. Right now we want this. We don't like human inconvenience. But we still want the old thing. ... Continue Reading about Technology and the Power of Human Inconvenience
How Doctors are Like Bookstores
I came across this tweet recently. It linked to a blogpost written to promote bookstores and discourage the use of Amazon. WHY YOU SHOULD USE A REAL BOOKSTORE OVER AMAZON It got me thinking how doctors are at risk of becoming like book vendors. Don’t beg like the guy promoting brick and mortar businesses. Of course, supplication will keep you alive in the short ... Continue Reading about How Doctors are Like Bookstores
Doctors as an Endangered Species | Quick Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of the Physician
Dr. Clay Johnston, Dean of the UT Dell Medical School recently riffed on artificial intelligence and doctors as an endangered species. It plays on our insecurities over artificial intelligence while recognizing that technology could be the very thing that saves us. A few rapid fire thoughts on some of his points. Artificial intelligence as our asteroid ... Continue Reading about Doctors as an Endangered Species | Quick Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of the Physician
Medical Virtualist – A Specialty with a Tenuous Future
A JAMA article this week proposes the a new specialty, the medical virtualist. But the suggestion that the virtual connection of doctors and patients will be restricted enough to be a medical specialty is shortsighted. The medium does not define the doctor Because the medium doesn’t define the doctor. In fact, it should be the other way around. Communication ... Continue Reading about Medical Virtualist – A Specialty with a Tenuous Future
Technology and Our Lack of Direction
The conversation with my Uber driver leaving the airport in Chicago en route to the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting Me: “So I'm headed to the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. That's the new one by the convention center. You have that, right?” Uber driver: “Actually I don't pay attention to where riders are going. I just follow this (points to phone). ... Continue Reading about Technology and Our Lack of Direction