An exhilarating conversation with Azeem Azhar on medical A.I., science of aging, genome editing and the GLP-1 drugs
Jan 18, 2024
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Azeem Azhar, an award-winning entrepreneur and innovator in technology, discusses the changing healthcare industry, microbiome manipulation, the potential of AI in promoting empathy among clinicians, GLP1 agonists and their impact on our desire for food, concerns and unknowns in medical treatments, and the need for transparent validation studies and civil discourse in medical AI.
Advancements in technology and changing doctor-patient relationship have led to a shift towards prevention and healthy aging in the healthcare industry.
Data and biomarkers play a crucial role in personalized medicine, and AI can analyze and utilize this data for accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
AI brings transformative improvements in medicine, including streamlining note-taking and analyzing the level of empathy expressed by physicians.
Deep dives
Shifting Perspective on Health: From Treatment to Prevention
The podcast explores the shift in the healthcare industry towards a focus on prevention and healthy aging. The speaker discusses how advancements in technology, increased availability of data on individuals, and the changing doctor-patient relationship have contributed to this shift. They highlight the importance of promoting healthy aging and taking charge of one's own health through lifestyle choices and interventions. The potential benefits of virtual health coaches using AI to help individuals manage their health are also discussed.
The Role of Data and Biomarkers in Personalized Medicine
The podcast delves into the growing role of data and biomarkers in personalized medicine. The speaker emphasizes the importance of capturing various types of data, such as genomic, sensor, and environmental data, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's health. They discuss how advancements in technology, like body scans and improved testing methods, can provide valuable insights into conditions like obesity, fatty liver disease, and diabetes. The potential of AI in analyzing and utilizing this data for more accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations is also explored.
Challenges and Potential Risks of AI in Healthcare
The podcast acknowledges the potential risks and challenges associated with the use of AI in healthcare. Concerns raised include false positives or errors in AI-generated recommendations, the need for ongoing monitoring of long-term effects, and issues around access and affordability. The speaker cautions against overzealous expectations and highlights the importance of continued human oversight and involvement in critical decision-making processes. They stress the need for a balanced approach to harness the potential of AI while addressing the risks and ensuring ethical and responsible use in the healthcare industry.
AI in Medicine: Improving Note-Taking and Empathy
One example of the transformative improvements AI can bring in medicine is assisting note-taking. Transcription products that transcribe alongside doctors' notes during patient appointments have shown promise in streamlining the process. However, the lack of understanding of underlying transformer models and their performance poses challenges. Another significant benefit of AI in medicine is the automation of note-taking, which provides audio files linked to notes, enhances patient education, and reduces administrative tasks like preauthorization and follow-up appointments. Additionally, AI can even analyze the level of empathy expressed by physicians, promoting empathy in clinical interactions.
GLP-1 Agonists and the Potential of mRNA Technology in Healthcare
GLP-1 agonists have emerged as remarkable therapeutics. By targeting circuits in our system that control cravings and promote a sense of fullness, they show promise in addressing various health conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome, liver issues, sleep apnea, and hair loss. Moreover, these agonists exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects, influencing diseases like Alzheimer's. Similarly, mRNA technology presents a platform for various medical applications beyond COVID-19 vaccines. It offers potential in cancer treatment, genome editing, and even autoimmune tolerogenic vaccines. These breakthroughs highlight the need for substantial investments and rigorous validation studies to harness the full potential of AI and emerging medical technologies.
Promoting Collaborative Discourse and Expansion of AI in Medicine
In realizing the benefits of AI and other transformative technologies in healthcare, it is crucial to prioritize rigorous validation studies and transparent evaluation processes. Currently, many AI algorithms lack evidence of their performance and effectiveness. Furthermore, fostering reasoned and civil discourse is essential in nurturing collaborative and interdisciplinary working environments. Emphasizing open dialogue and temperate language can facilitate the safe and effective implementation of AI technologies in healthcare, benefiting individuals worldwide.
Azeem Azharis an award-wining entrepreneur and innovator in technology, especially A.I., a member of the editorial board of Harvard Business Review, and an outstanding communicator which makes him a frequent media guest and often featured in The Economist, WSJ, and Financial Times. Exponential View by Azeem Azharis chock full of interesting analyses and podcasts on tech and A.I.
Here’s his summary of our extended and fun discussion
I hope you find our conversation interesting and informative.
