The era of artificial intelligence in medicine: finding the balance between technology and human touch
The era of artificial intelligence has arrived with promises of change and progress in almost every aspect of our lives. In the field of medicine, this technology promises to revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat and understand diseases. However, with this technological advancement comes a significant dilemma: Can AI replace human art in medicine?
The uncertainty surrounding this question has led to a growing debate in medical and technological fields about the ethics of AI in medicine. It is important to remember that machines do not have ethics, but rather “ethics,” governed by mathematical principles. It is the responsibility of humans designing and developing these systems, as well as those who will use them, to uphold ethical principles.
The four fundamental principles of medical ethics – non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, and autonomy – must guide the integration of AI in medicine. The World Health Organization has expanded these principles to include developers of AI tools, emphasizing the importance of human autonomy in medical decisions.
It is essential to maintain that AI should complement, not replace, human intelligence and empathy in medicine. The Hippocratic method teaches us that the diagnosis and treatment of diseases require a comprehensive understanding of the patient as an individual, something that AI, no matter how advanced, cannot replicate.
While AI offers unprecedented benefits in processing and analyzing data, it should not lead to a technological dependency that undermines the value of medical judgment and human interaction. The concept of “augmented intelligence” better reflects the role that AI should play in medicine – enhancing, not replacing, human intelligence.
The future of medicine lies in the harmonious integration of human and artificial intelligence, preserving the “art of medicine” and ensuring that technological advances improve the quality of care without sacrificing human connection. AI can be an invaluable ally in this effort, but it must never substitute for human sagacity and warmth.
Carlos María Galmarini, founder and CEO of Topazium, emphasizes the importance of finding the balance between technology and the human touch in the evolving landscape of AI in medicine.