Episode 173. Artificial Intelligence and Medicine with Anders Sorman-Nilsson

Artificial intelligence is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. It is widely accepted that artificial intelligence computer systems will be used extensively in Medical Sciences. Common applications are likely to include illness diagnosis, end-to-end drug discovery and development, improving communication between physicians and patients, transcribing medical documents, including history note taking and writing prescriptions. It is probable that as technology advances, doctors and allied health professionals will be replaced in certain roles by artificial intelligence computers. 

Artificial intelligence is not new and has been an important enabler within the technology industry, built into our handheld phone computer devices, enabling new business innovation, including web search content recommendations, product recommendations, targeted advertising and autonomously driven vehicles. Humans reap the benefits of artificial intelligence systems every day.

In medical practice, there are many advantages offered from embracing artificial intelligence, with the expectation that diagnostic accuracy and patient care will be the beneficiaries, whilst providing an excellent second opinion or co-collaborator with the physician, increasing medical efficiency and confidence in applying treatment strategies.

I was curious to learn more about the likely trends this technology might bring to health management and was fortunate to meet Anders Sorman- Nilsson at a recent medical conference where he provided our audience with a thought-provoking, entertaining and informative lecture on the future, including the possible integration of AI in medicine. As a global futurist and innovative strategist, Anders gave us a wonderful glimpse into a new world.

Anders has degrees in both law and political science as well as an EMBA, has keynoted at TED X in the United States and Australia and shared the stage with Hillary Clinton. He was nominated to the World Economic Forum's young global leaders in 2015 and has authored 3 books, including Seamless, Thinque Funky and Digilogue, as well as contributing to After Shock, edited by John Schroeter. Noting how meticulously researched and energetic his lecture was at our conference, I could strongly recommend Anders to anyone seeking an excellent keynote speaker who will provoke searching questions and prompt some deep thinking, possibly inspiring a new and creative approach to how you conduct business and prepare for the future. 

In this podcast, I was keen to explore the possible place of artificial intelligence in medicine, including how it could impact diagnostic assistance, drug discovery, provide virtual health assistance, enhance personalised medicine, as well as improve robot-assisted surgery. Other areas of interest extend to its place in influencing medical education and training, clinical trial optimisation, natural language processing for health records and how it may assist in both the sequencing of genomes and coping strategies for those requiring mental health support. It was a great privilege to speak to Anders today. Please welcome him to the podcast.

References: 

Anders Sorman-Nilsson found at: anderssorman-nilsson.com

Artificial Intelligence: How is it Changing Medical Science and Its Future? Basu et al.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov