Since OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has been a transformative force — a "game changer" — across various sectors. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which are algorithms capable of creating new content such as text, images, music, and videos based on input data, represent one of the most exciting advancements in AI. AI-driven tools and technologies provide tremendous advancement capabilities to humans. If you are unfamiliar with AI terminology, such as "machine learning" and "deep learning," here's a helpful explanation of some basic AI terms.
AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and provide insights is revolutionizing clinical decision-making in healthcare. AI-powered imaging systems can detect diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and retinal conditions with accuracy that matches or exceeds that of human radiologists. For example, deep learning models have demonstrated proficiency in detecting breast cancer in mammograms. Similarly, Google's DeepMind has developed an AI system capable of diagnosing over 50 eye diseases with expert-level accuracy.
AI also facilitates precision medicine by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and medical history. For example, Eric Topol, in his book Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again, discusses how machine learning models analyze vast datasets to predict which treatments will be most effective for specific patients, improving outcomes while reducing side effects. A more specific example is IBM's Watson for Oncology-driven clinical decision-support system that assists doctors by recommending cancer treatments after analyzing medical literature and patient records.
Such clinical decision-support systems also assist with clinical workflow optimization. Students in Stony Brook University's Applied Health Informatics (AHI) program recently worked with AvoMD, a Brooklyn, NY-based startup, on AI-driven clinical decision-support system solutions. Two AHI student teams participated in AvoMD's 2023 hackathon using their AvoBuilder tool to create a clinical decision-support solution. A general discharge checklist, designed by one of the AHI student teams to assist healthcare providers in discharging post-op patients, won the hackathon. This achievement highlights the program's focus on practical, real-world applications of digital health.
The Stony Brook AHI program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, preparing them to lead in the rapidly evolving field of health technology. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies through coursework and industry collaborations, building technical skills while fostering innovation. The program creates project opportunities that provide tangible value to healthcare stakeholders, integrating education with practical problem-solving.
AI is revolutionizing healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy and personalizing treatments. Although challenges like ethical concerns, data privacy, and regulatory frameworks remain, the potential benefits, such as better patient outcomes and reduced costs, make AI integration essential. Stony Brook’s AHI students are prepared to harness AI’s advantages and navigate its complexities, positioning them to impact the healthcare sector. If you are interested in a career in health informatics, our program offers the tools to apply skills to real-world problems and improve patient care. Visit our website to learn more about the curriculum, faculty, and application process.
