No one denies that AI is bringing great strides to medicine. This technology supports reading X-rays, CTs, MRIs, analyzing data, early detection of disease risks, explaining test results, reminding medication schedules or providing general medical knowledge. AI is helping doctors work more efficiently and helping people access information faster.
The smarter AI is, the easier it is for people to forget that this technology cannot replace doctors. Medical diagnosis is not only based on a few lines describing symptoms, but also needs physical examination, monitoring facial expressions, breathing rate, heart and lung, exploiting medical history, medication in use, allergies and many other factors. Many important signs are beyond the patient's ability to describe themselves.
AI only gives suggestions based on probability from the data provided. Mistakes occur when people see those suggestions as medical conclusions.
The risk is even greater when AI suggests medication. Just a lack of important information, seemingly reasonable advice can cause unpredictable consequences. AI also creates a "fake sense of security", causing patients to delay going to medical facilities or panic, self-testing, and unnecessary treatment.
All AI judgments are based on algorithms, not replacing the medical examination process. The issue is not whether to use AI, but in what scope and limits to use it.
AI can completely become a useful assistant in healthcare: Providing general knowledge, explaining medical terminology, supporting patients to prepare questions before going for examination or reminding them to follow treatment regimens. But AI should not become a tool to self-diagnose, self-prescribe or self-determine whether to go to the hospital or not.
Many hospitals have implemented remote examinations and online consultations with doctors. This is a suitable direction, helping to expand access to medical services while still ensuring that doctors are the ultimate responsible. AI will become increasingly smarter and more deeply present in healthcare. However, algorithms cannot replace observation, examination, clinical experience and the responsibility of doctors.
