Can AI outperform doctors? Experts weigh the pros and cons

The integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare is becoming increasingly prevalent, with AI tools already assisting in various tasks such as taking patient notes, scheduling appointments, and analyzing medical images. Some industry experts advocate for an even greater reliance on AI to enhance personal health understanding. Alex Zhavoronkov, the founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, emphasized this potential during a panel at CNBC's CONVERGE LIVE event in Singapore. He suggested that consumers could significantly benefit from AI's capabilities, stating, "Many of those AI models that are used by consumers are actually achieving levels of proficiency comparable to, or sometimes exceeding, those of doctors." He encouraged individuals to leverage AI for fundamental health inquiries like dietary recommendations, positing that such interactions could save valuable time when consulting with healthcare professionals. AI's role in consumer healthcare is evolving. Earlier this year, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Health, enabling users to link their medical records and wellness applications to the AI chatbot, although it clarified that this service is not meant for diagnosing or treating conditions. Additionally, Amazon launched its HealthAI tool for One Medical patients, designed to provide personalized advice based on individual medical histories and test results. Cautious optimism about AI's integration into healthcare was expressed by Shreehas Tambe, CEO of Biocon. He acknowledged the potential benefits while recognizing the challenges associated with new technology. "Introducing an advanced technology platform to users who are still learning could result in more errors," he noted, warning that the benefits might be overshadowed by complications if not managed properly. Zhavoronkov highlighted the speed at which AI can expedite drug development, noting that it reduces the timeline for identifying developmental candidates to just 18 months, a stark contrast to the traditional process that spans over four years. This efficiency has attracted significant investment, exemplified by Eli Lilly's recent $2.75 billion deal with Insilico Medicine to advance AI-driven drug development. Tambe reinforced the necessity of human oversight in validating AI models used in drug discovery. He underscored that skilled professionals must validate these models to ensure they produce reliable and scientifically sound outcomes, stating, "You need these models validated by experts who can guide the generative processes to achieve the desired solutions."