JAMA+ AI Conversations

Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer at Microsoft and a pioneer in AI research, dives into the future of AI in medicine with Yulin Hswen. They explore how AI can safely reason in clinical settings, emphasizing the need for integrity and safety. Horvitz shares insights on the evolution of AI, from Bayesian methods to the marvels of modern generative models. The conversation also tackles public fears about AI, cognitive complacency, and the importance of calibration and reproducibility in AI systems to ensure scientific integrity. Horvitz underscores the interdisciplinary approach necessary for tackling AI's long-term societal impacts.

Ajamete Kaykas, Chief eXploration Officer at Insitro, shares his expertise on harnessing AI for drug discovery. He discusses the innovative ClinML, CellML, and ChemML platforms that combine human data and cellular perturbations. Ajamete highlights the importance of integrating public datasets like UK Biobank with proprietary data. He addresses the gradual impact of AI in the field and emphasizes its role as an assistant to scientists. Finally, he advocates for cross-disciplinary training to foster the next generation of biologist-data scientists.

Derek Angus, MD, MPH, a Senior Editor at JAMA and a leading expert on AI in healthcare, joins Roy Perlis to explore AI's transformative potential in medical settings. They discuss the delicate balance between the excitement for AI advancements and necessary caution regarding regulation and evaluation. Angus highlights the need for innovative methods to assess AI tools, the pitfalls of rapid adoption of inadequately tested technologies, and the importance of operational AI in improving patient outcomes. The conversation provides crucial insights into the future of AI in health.

Explore how AI is transforming health care by 2026, from detecting hidden brain lesions to enhancing medical imaging. Discover the debate on AI's role in radiology and its potential to reduce clinician burnout. Dive into innovative studies showcasing AI translation capabilities and confronting public perceptions of AI in medicine. Learn about the push for rigorous trials to validate AI health tools and the rise of direct-to-consumer AI products, highlighting both opportunities and risks for the future.

Dr. Michael Howell, Chief Clinical Officer at Google, dives into the intersection of AI and healthcare. He discusses the rapid advancements in AI, tackling the challenge of addressing 15% of novel search queries. Howell emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with safety and outlines Google's commitment to rigorous testing and peer-reviewed guidelines. He also shares insights for early-career professionals in healthcare technology, advocating for a future where AI enhances patient empowerment and clinician support.

Linda Moy, inaugural vice chair of AI for NYU's Department of Radiology, dives into the transformative role of AI in women's health. She discusses the promise of AI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy in radiology and improving early cancer detection, particularly in mammography. Moy emphasizes the importance of transparency with patients about AI's role in diagnostics and highlights the need for rigorous testing to ensure equitable healthcare. Additionally, she talks about innovative concepts like 'digital twins' to enhance treatment predictions.

Michelle Mello, JD, PhD, MPhil, is a professor at Stanford University specializing in law and health policy. She discusses the ethical duty of healthcare organizations to disclose AI usage to patients. Mello emphasizes the current mistrust patients have regarding AI's role in their care. The conversation explores the complexities of consent and the necessity for transparent communication to enhance patient trust. Additionally, she advocates for involving patients in AI governance to create a more informed and engaged healthcare community.

David Rhew, Global Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft and Stanford adjunct professor, shares his fascinating journey from clinical practice to tech leadership. He discusses the rapid evolution of AI in healthcare, emphasizing the need for AI training in medical education. Rhew humorously illustrates the risks of over-relying on AI, likening it to becoming too dependent on GPS. He also highlights how AI can revolutionize care for underserved populations and improve drug discovery, advocating for effective adoption strategies.

Maja Matarić, a pioneering computer scientist and professor at USC, shares her expertise in socially assistive robotics. She highlights how AI is transforming therapy for autism, depression, and more. The importance of robots like Blossom is discussed, emphasizing their ability to facilitate dynamic human-robot interactions. Maja also touches on the impact of physical presence against isolation, especially during the pandemic, and envisions a future where affordable robots combat loneliness at home, enhancing well-being for all.

Daniel Lindsay, an economist from QIMR in Queensland, dives into the innovative world of 3D total-body photography for melanoma detection. He discusses the recent study on the cost-effectiveness of this technology compared to traditional methods. The conversation touches on the role of AI in enhancing lesion detection while navigating the challenges of its economic evaluation. Lindsay also highlights unexpected findings related to excisions and the implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the need for reevaluating healthcare strategies.