AI and Healthcare

As AI becomes a core part of modern medicine, the way we train future doctors may be due for a serious rethink. Empathy and adaptability, not just chemistry and memorization, could define what makes a good physician in the age of augmented intelligence. With language models becoming standard tools for both patients and providers, skills like prompting, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence may soon matter more than traditional academic benchmarks.

What started with a rabbit heart in a physiology lab led to a career focused on preventing strokes through early detection of atrial fibrillation. A Stanford cardiologist shares how that moment sparked a lifelong interest in cardiac rhythms and how today’s wearables can now detect AFib through simple, continuous monitoring, long before symptoms appear. This shift from reactive care to early detection marks a major step forward in heart health, powered by straightforward algorithms and a growing role for AI in predicting cardiovascular risk.

What if your smartwatch could detect a heart condition before you ever felt a symptom? Stanford cardiologist Dr. Euan Ashley reveals how AI and wearables are quietly reshaping the future of healthcare, from spotting silent strokes to redefining what “normal” health looks like. Why do we service our cars and inspect bridges, but wait for our bodies to break down before acting? That question sets the stage for a deep dive into proactive medicine, where tools like the Apple Watch are already catching atrial fibrillation early, and continuous health monitoring could alert us to problems years in advance. Beyond the wrist, AI is transforming everything from clinical documentation to access to specialist care. But big questions remain: Can algorithms be truly equitable? Will personalized prevention ever reach everyone? From ambient AI scribes to the end of “one-size-fits-all” medicine, this is a glimpse into healthcare’s next chapter, where your heart might be talking long before you notice.

Delve into the messy world of healthcare data, where outdated and biased information can lead to poor medical decisions. Discover the concept of digital twins and the risks of using flawed data without consent. Explore the ethical complexities of data ownership and the importance of transparency in healthcare. Learn how empowering patients with data control can lead to better outcomes, while addressing the urgent need for clean, well-governed data in precision medicine.

Health data is deeply personal, yet it rarely belongs to the individual. Hospitals, labs, tech platforms, and researchers hold the information that defines our health, often without clear consent or transparency. As data grows more valuable, the people it comes from are often excluded from its benefits. Shifting ownership, improving access, and creating real control are essential steps toward giving individuals the power they deserve over their own health information.

AI systems are no longer just tools, they’re starting to act on our behalf, powered by our data and often without our awareness. These digital twins, built from lab results, genomes, and behavior patterns, are shaping real decisions in healthcare and beyond. When that data is fragmented, outdated, or biased, the risks multiply. Building systems rooted in truth, transparency, and trust is the only way to ensure these technologies serve us - not replace us.

The future of healthcare data could go in two very different directions. On one side is a system where consent is a checkbox, your data is used without your knowledge, and decisions about care, credit, and access are made by algorithms trained on broken information. On the other is a future where individuals own their data, control how it’s used, and benefit from its value. The choice isn’t science fiction, it’s already being made. Now is the time to decide which future we build.

Emergency rooms are stretched thin, and AI might be the key to making them work better, for patients and clinicians. From ambient AI that cuts down on hours of documentation to large language models that surface critical patient history in seconds, new tools are helping doctors focus on care instead of paperwork. These innovations could ease burnout, reduce delays, and transform how decisions are made in the moments that matter most.

We’re entering a future where AI isn’t just supporting healthcare - it’s shaping decisions, influencing outcomes, and acting on our behalf, often without us even realizing it. These systems are becoming digital twins of real people, powered by everything from lab results to behavior patterns, and the implications are massive. Jason Alan Snyder from Super Truth explains how your health data is being used to build digital versions of you - ones that can make decisions without your knowledge. He breaks down why this matters, how bad data leads to bad outcomes, and what it would look like to actually take control of your data. It’s a powerful look at what’s really happening behind the scenes in healthcare, and why it affects all of us.

Tackling healthcare costs requires both human connection and smarter use of technology. Dr. Alister Martin emphasizes the importance of trust, the power of patient navigators, and why AI is quickly becoming essential. With a focus on workforce upskilling and sustainable reimbursement models, there’s a clear path to reducing ER visits, improving outcomes, and making care more affordable.