With AI’s expanded use in healthcare settings, I’m excited for the future
Just this week, I read about a new AI model that can read brain MRI scans
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During a recent appointment with my general practitioner, I was surprised that I didn’t have to wait. She called my name just five minutes after my scheduled time and apologized for being late, though I didn’t feel that she was.
At the start of our visit, she explained that her new note-taking software would record our conversation and automatically summarize it for my file. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping patient care and saving practitioners valuable time by streamlining administrative tasks.
Working in tech sales, I get all giddy when I see AI, generative AI, and data analytics applied for positive impact. Living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), I now feel valued as a person, not just a patient, because my specialists engage directly with me instead of being absorbed by their computers.
Now that AI is embedded in clinical workflows such as documentation, triage, scheduling, and administrative support, I’m hopeful this will further improve efficiency and help reduce physician burnout.
Better care for everyone
AI is transforming healthcare in countless positive ways, notably by improving diagnostic speed and precision. Just this week, I read about a new AI foundation model for neuroimaging that can read and diagnose brain MRI scans in seconds. That made me wonder if AI could one day be a solution for lengthy MRI wait times here in Canada, where it can take several months to get one.
Many patients already use wearables like Fitbits or Apple Watches, and care providers are leveraging data from these devices to predict issues before symptoms arise and to recommend personalized treatments. Personally, my Fitbit keeps me accountable for my workouts.
What excites me most about AI in patient care is its broad reach. Many clinics now use AI triage tools to prioritize serious cases and manage crowded outpatient centers. Imagine a world where every emergency department uses these tools, and NMOSD patients wouldn’t have to struggle to convey the severity of their symptoms.
Patient experience research shows that AI tools can also broaden access to rehabilitation in underserved communities. Since physiotherapy has been essential to my recovery, I’m hopeful that other NMOSD patients will benefit from these opportunities, no matter where they live.
AI is also accelerating the development of new medications. The first AI-designed drug, rentosertib, has already advanced through multiple clinical trials, suggesting it’s only a matter of time before all disorders — even rare ones like NMOSD — are investigated. Although new treatment plans have emerged in recent years, there was a time when pharmaceutical companies were reluctant to invest in NMOSD because there weren’t enough patients to make it profitable.
However, AI does have drawbacks in patient care. Concerns about bias persist, especially among marginalized populations, because algorithms can unintentionally mirror inequities embedded in historical health data or reflect gaps in representation. It’s important to remember that AI is only as intelligent as the training data we provide. We must also ensure that medical care remains patient-centered. AI should support, not replace, human clinical judgment.
As we continue to embrace AI in healthcare, I’m encouraged by the progress and possibilities ahead. While challenges remain, the innovations I’ve experienced firsthand give me hope that patient care will continue to improve for everyone. With technology supporting clinicians and empowering patients, the future of medicine looks brighter than ever. I’m excited to see what’s next.
Note: Neuromyelitis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Neuromyelitis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
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