Dr West
Posts:4735
In case people might not see it, I added another video on a topic that I think is interesting and should generate some conversation. IBM's "Watson" computer has elevated artificial intelligence algorithms to the point that it can crush any human opponent on the quiz show [i]Jeopardy![/i], but can smart computer algorithms revolutionize health care, specifically management of cancer?
http://cancergrace.org/cancer-101/2012/12/13/dr-watson-as-oncologist/
I'd be really interested in people's thoughts about whether they would welcome this, and also how much of an oncologist's role is providing information, and how valuable is the human connection?
-Dr. West
Forums
Reply # - December 13, 2012, 06:06 PM
Reply To: Could your next oncologist be a computer (Dr. Watson)?
Has anyone suggested that Watson should replace Dr's? If so I have not seen it anywhere. I believe, as you state in your video, Dr's can not assimilate all the information generated on cancer. So what a fantistic tool to have at your finger tips to help & guide you in your treatment. So rather than worry about straw horse of replacing doctors I'd jump on this new asset that can't help but make you a better informed doctor.
Andy
Reply # - December 13, 2012, 07:34 PM
Reply To: Could your next oncologist be a computer (Dr. Watson)?
Quite fair to note that I've overstated it. It's just a question that remains completely open: How much or little will we rely on the recommendations of a tool when it's available? Evidence shows that people are loathe to re-open their minds once a diagnosis has been given or a plan has been offered. This isn't just in medicine. A mentor once told me to always offer to write the first draft of a paper, because people will subsequently just modify what's offered, rather than backtrack and start with something new. So it's honestly not that I feel threatened for my job security as much as I feel people will cede their own thoughtful perspective once a default option is handed to them.
-Dr. West
Reply # - December 14, 2012, 07:43 AM
Reply To: Could your next oncologist be a computer (Dr. Watson)?
Using this computer system as a tool will be a wonderful asset in narrowing a diagnosis. But it is a tool, just as labs, a stethoscope or any other instrument is a tool. The Dr and medical staff bring the human element to the practice of medicine. All medical personnel are taught to look at their patient and not to trust just the tests ran. When you find a great Dr. he/she does just that. A computer can't look at a patient who has no color in his lips and has a normal hemoglobin and decide that maybe the lab made a mistake and interposed some numbers. Well, and maybe it can, if a human thinks to put that in the algorithm! In all aspects of medicine, there are algorithms followed from, basic CPR to diagnosing and treating any illness, and it seems from all the reading I've done and my experiences with my husband's disease, there were algorithms followed each step of the way. I't's how the human brain works, we follow an algorithm tying our shoes and backing our cars out of the driveway. But, when we get great news that the tumor has shrunk, and the Doc is smiling because he's followed his protocol, but also used his intuition and took the time to "know" his patient and the family, well, you can't beat the human factor. And when you get the bad news...you know the Dr feels that too. Truly, you oncologists and your staffs are totally amazing, through the 2 1/2 years the people that worked with us were the greatest, and you doctors on this board are above and beyond, taking care of your own patients and taking time to listen to all of us!
Tammy