NEJM AI Grand Rounds Rewriting the Clinical Playbook: Dr. Shiv Rao on Scaling Empathy with AI
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May 21, 2025 Dr. Shiv Rao, a cardiologist and CEO of Abridge, sheds light on the intersection of healthcare and AI. He shares how a poignant clinic encounter inspired the founding of Abridge, aimed at bettering doctor-patient communication. The discussion reveals insights into AI's role in restoring presence in the clinic and the importance of earning clinician trust. Rao also emphasizes that empathy, taste, and curiosity are vital in healthcare AI, and he reflects on his journey from music to medicine, highlighting the need for collaboration in advancing patient care.
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Patient's Note-Taking Insight
- A patient with breast cancer felt more present during visits when her husband took notes quietly in the room.
- This observation inspired the creation of Abridge to use technology to bring people closer together in healthcare.
Humility in Early Residency
- Dr. Rao was humbled when a patient quizzed him on a rare diagnosis in his first year of residency.
- He adapted by acknowledging ignorance and collaborating with the patient to learn together.
Cardiology's Unique Appeal
- Cardiology appeals as a blend of primary care and surgery with rich data and ongoing relationships.
- Its complexity and treatability offer a unique, engaging field for physicians who love physiology and patient care.