2 min read

Dr. ChatGPT

ChatGPT recently passed all three parts of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). I'd say that's impressive, given ChatGPT has barely been with us for three months, and the average medical student typically takes around 2-3 years to complete the entire USMLE process.

After reading about ChatGPT's recent medical accomplishments, I started pondering how it could help me better understand my recent lab results:

It turns out that ChatGPT isn't only good at being a health translator, but there are ways it could help doctors improve the patient experience and increase efficiency.

What's The Future?

If you've ever spent a considerable amount of time in a health system, you'd know there's a lot of room for improvement. Luckily there's a future where ChatGPT might be able to assist with some improvements:

One example of how GPT can be used in medicine is the creation of virtual assistants for patients. These assistants can provide personalized recommendations and advice to patients based on their medical history, current symptoms, and other relevant factors. For example, a virtual assistant could suggest over-the-counter medications or home remedies for a patient experiencing a cold or flu or provide information on managing a chronic condition such as diabetes. These virtual assistants can be accessed through a variety of platforms, such as websites, mobile apps, or even voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. This can be especially useful for patients who live in rural areas or have difficulty accessing health care, as they can get personalized recommendations and advice without having to physically visit a health care provider.

Another potential use of GPT in health care is in the creation of personalized treatment plans for patients. By analyzing a patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and other factors, a GPT-powered system could generate a customized treatment plan that considers the patient’s specific needs and preferences. This could be especially useful for patients with complex or rare conditions that require specialized care. For example, a GPT system could be used to recommend a specific combination of medications or therapies that are most likely to be effective for a particular patient based on their medical history and other factors. This could help reduce the risk of adverse reactions or other complications and ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care for their needs. - KevinMD.com

In the future, ChatGPT doesn't replace medical expertise; however, it does provide a damn good extension for that expertise, which would benefit society as a whole.