Increasingly, we see functions executed by machines that were formerly performed by living breathing human beings. Examples range from the mundane to the preternatural.
- Order food and drink from an iPad. No server needed.
- Driverless auto travel. This may lead to a resurgence in prayer.
- Pilotless air travel. Hard times ahead for the Airline Pilots Association.
- Making precision tools from 3D printers.
- Gourmet meals created with a voice-activated command.
- Theater and film productions starring faux actors created on keyboards.
Will artificial intelligence invade the medical arena? The question is only how deeply it will invade. The role of the traditional physician is at risk of being marginalized as computer software hits the profession hard. Sure, computers cannot palpate an abdomen or perform a rectal exam — yet. But they can listen to heart sounds with much greater accuracy than a physician with a stethoscope can. Additionally, as most practicing physicians know, the physical examination is much less useful than the patient’s medical history, although our medical school teachers and mentors always preached how critical the physicians’ eyes, ears, and hands were. Most doctors know what’s going on most of the time after carefully listening to the patient’s story, the medical history.
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