The Importance of Synergy

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The idea is proven now, I think unequivocally, that machines can see things that humans can't. The radiologist using some human art could supplement the narrow analytical ability of the reading of the X-ray or the scan. So there are going to be complementarity of strengths,. And that's what's exciting, beyond the fact that a lot of radiologists don't really like living in the dark basement.

Cardiologist and author Eric Topol talks about his book Deep Medicine with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Topol argues that doctors spend too little face-to-face time with patients, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is a chance to emphasize the human side of medicine and to expand the power of human connection in healing. Topol surveys the current landscape of the application of technology to health care showing where its promise has been overstated and where it is having the most impact. The conversation includes a discussion of the placebo effect and the importance of the human touch in medicine.