Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Surgery

Overview & Synopsis

Never before in human history has the opportunity to create a better future look more real or promising. The information-technology revolution that started in the mid-twentieth century with the introduction of the transistor, and then the integrated circuit, has gradually transformed into the Internet revolution, then the blockchain revolution, and now is transforming again into the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. Why is now such a pivotal time, with so much optimism for a better future? The answer is complex and multifaceted. Perhaps most importantly, the introduction of low-cost, AI-enabled technological advances creates an ideal environment for the rapid attainment of global equity across multiple sectors of society and economy. Healthcare in general and medicine in particular stand to benefit tremendously from this new, previously unavailable capacity—a result of the synergistic effects of modern, cutting-edge technologies working together. For example, greater access to decentralized, locally based, AI-aided/facilitated medical education may help fulfill the dreams of individuals who previously were not able to become physicians. In another example, increasing the use of point-of-care AI/ML in the clinical setting promises to bring true precision medicine to populations that previously did not have adequate access to healthcare in general. The level of positive disruption possible with optimized, ethical, and thoughtful implementation of AI in healthcare may produce constructive ripple effects not dissimilar to the introduction of cellular telephony into areas of the world without prior telephone access. This book discusses both current trends and future developments in AI/ML across healthcare, with a focus on the transformational impact of this emerging technological domain on enhancing the access, accuracy, education, equity, quality, safety, and value of modern care delivery.