AI professionals set to save lives with new medical technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being utilised in almost every aspect of life, as organisations across multiple industries look to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their processes using the latest machine learning technology. 

One sector in particular that stands to benefit from this is healthcare.

Experts predict that using AI to screen patient records and analyse data can prevent 22,000 cancer deaths by 2033 by helping diagnose patients before reaching the fatal stages. Former British Prime Minister, Theresa May, backed the use of AI as a “new weapon” in diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia. 

Mrs May said, “late diagnosis of otherwise treatable illnesses is one of the biggest causes of avoidable deaths. And the development of smart technologies to analyse great quantities of data quickly and with a higher degree of accuracy than is possible by human beings opens up a whole new field of medical research."

Mrs May’s vision for AI to be used to save lives is already being researched heavily across the globe, as technology companies look to find innovative solutions to medical research and prevention. 

Digital diagnosis 

A study published by US technology company NVIDIA showed that deep learning technologies drop error rates for breast cancer diagnosis by 85%, while Stanford University researchers have built an algorithm to diagnose skin cancer; capable of recognising 2,000 different diseases. 

As well as deep learning and data science to cross-reference data, AI and machine learning technologies are being trialed and implemented to diagnose and prevent illness in other innovative ways. 

AI chatbots, such as Babylon Health, are able to compare symptoms against a database of diseases and recommend how a patient should proceed, based on the symptoms and patient history. Founder of exClone, an AI chatbot provider, Riza Berkan believes, “five years down the road, I wouldn’t be surprised if you have to speak to a chatbot before seeing a doctor.” 

Aside from chatbots, wearable technologies (similar to connected fitness devices) are being deployed to monitor heart rates, provide information on cholesterol levels and advice on vitamins and supplements needed to maintain healthy levels. 

AI professionals to pioneer the future of medicine

While it is still early days in the development of AI diagnostic tools, there are rapid advancements taking place and the possibilities of these technologies are potentially revolutionary. 

But in order for technology businesses to continue to innovate and develop these “new weapons” Mrs May has called for, AI professionals will need to be at the forefront of the research and development phases. 

Medical technology companies are clamouring for data scientists, AI researchers, machine learning experts and big data engineers to develop these new technologies. With AI talent in short supply, sometimes up to 10 roles for one qualified professional, AI experts are set to cash in with high salaries and exciting work in a rewarding industry.  

 

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