Artificial intelligence in medicine

Abstract

Various types of artificial intelligence programs are already available as consultants to physicians, and these help in medical diagnostics and treatment. At the time of writing, extant programs constitute “weak” AI—lacking in consciousness and intentionality. With AI currently making rapid progress in all domains, including those of healthcare, physicians face possible competitors—or worse, claims that doctors may become obsolete. We will explore the development of AI and robotics in medicine and examine the “Emergency Medical Hologram,” a strong AI program (presented as being as fully “conscious” and motivated as the humans whose form he mimics) who serves as ship’s doctor on Star Trek: Voyager. We will also briefly explore the issues pertaining to AI in the medical field and will show that weak AI not only should suffice in the demesne of healthcare but may actually be more desirable than strong AI.