Since we started using the term in 1943, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved, oh boy, has it evolved to the present day. Specifically, with the Generative AI in 2017with the launch of ChatGPT at the end of 2022 and, more recently, with Geminihaving gone through necessary milestones to get here, such as the machine learning (1959) and the deep learning (2006), among others.
We are facing a new revolutionprobably “the one that touches”, after those experienced in this recent era, such as coal (1765), gas (1870), nuclear and electronics (1969) and the internet and renewable energies ( 2000). And, thinking about the world of health and illness, at that time the sequencing of the human genome was also the origin of the long-awaited personalized precision medicine, which is beginning to become a reality twenty years later thanks to the advances of new technologies.
But this revolution has similar and differential characteristics to the previous ones. Among the latter, we highlight globalization, its exponential and disruptive development, and its speed, in addition to a context of concern for its economic-financial, social and environmental sustainability and the lack of previous references.
In all sectors and areas, Artificial intelligence has been introduced with greater or lesser success. And when we consider its application in health and disease, we can and should draw out lessons learned, such as that trusting AI is probably the most viable option we have for some global problems. We cannot allow ourselves to be fooled by prejudices and we need the collaboration of experts in the fieldnew professional profiles; But, above all, one of the biggest challenges we face is access to data from the point of view of protection, security and ethics, with quality being vital and not so much quantity.
Improving the inefficiency of healthcare systems, reducing the burden on doctors and healthcare professionals, as well as the health and patient experience, and introducing new life-saving technologies, is an exciting effort that will allow us to create better, more affordable and equitable care. Many medical specialists and healthcare professionals may be afraid of the changes that are coming with AI. However, these changes are revolutionizing the healthcare ecosystem and improving people’s health. In this sense, we must be prepared for this reconversion, which will be much faster than those experienced throughout history.
AI is going to reorient many professional profiles to the technological field, stimulating an imminent adaptation to face the new needs. And to lead these business changes, the figure of CAIO arises (chief artificial intelligence officer)or director of artificial intelligence. A booming profile with four essential qualities:
- Passion for innovation and curious to stay abreast of the latest advances and emerging trends in the field of AI, including technological advances, regulatory developments and changes in the competitive landscape, to keep the organization at the forefront of innovation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsas you must have the ability to transmit complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and deal with the different departments of the company.
- Strategic vision and deep understanding of the businessto be able to align AI initiatives with organizational objectives and priorities.
- With moral authority and high ethical and regulatory considerations related to AI, including privacy, security and compliance requirements, as well as sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
Healthcare professionals and patients alike eagerly anticipate the powerful capabilities and practical benefits of AI in healthcare delivery. It is essential to ensure that their imminent and explosive entry into care settings is executed judiciously and strategically to maximize their positive impact for all. In this sense, the CAIO will become the right hand of the management of medical and hospital centers, and its “mainstreaming” will be the key point in its position. In Spain we need this profile in many sectors, but it is in health where they will be urgently required in the coming years.