Karmakar Medal for Scientific Ethics

Editorial Note and Article

Abstract

Judges for the inaugural Karmakar Medal for Scientific Ethics:

Shubhangi Karmakar, Editor-in-Chief, TSSR Volume VI; Reviewer, Journal of Medical Ethics (BMJ)

Emmet Ryan, Connected Editor, Business Post 

Abstract:

Artificial Intelligence- The Future of Medicine, or a Dangerous, Overhyped Idea?
Albert Yee, Fourth Year, Medicine

Ever since AI-powered Watson beat 74-time—winning Ken Jennings on Jeopardy in 2011, artificial intelligence has been envisioned as a viable technology of the imminent future. AI has attracted interest in the healthcare industry because of its potential to reduce error in clinical decision-making and of allowing hospitals to handle larger patient volumes. AI differs from available clinical decision support tools in that it can amend its diagnostic and treatment algorithms with experience; currently, CDS tools are programmed on static coding.

Since the US Food and Drug Administration has approved its first AI medical device for use in 2018,1 several questions warrant answers:

1. Could the development of AI for healthcare violate patient confidentiality?
2. Can AI adapt to new treatment guidelines?
3. Can AI exacerbate health disparities?
4. Is AI safe for healthcare? Will it require supervision?
5. Who is responsible for the decisions made by AI?

Arguments will be made in favour of continuing to develop AI for healthcare and of delaying the deployment of AI in healthcare for high-risk decisions until there are satisfactory solutions to the listed questions.