Machine learning and medicine- a brief introduction

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have advanced rapidly in recent years and now have the potential to change medicine. This review serves as an introduction to AI and the potential it has to change medicine. Specific examples of past milestones particularly in the domain of critical care are presented, including algorithms that have been developed that can interpret chest x-rays or predict clinical outcomes such as extubation failure or ICU mortality. Included is a brief general discussion of what AI is, how it is made, and how physicians will be involved with it. Arguments are then presented as to why AI will likely not leave physicians without a job, including expectations vs. reality, AI still requires human supervision, new discoveries bring new challenges, and AI cannot design itself. Far from displacing physicians, AI, if implemented well, stands poised to automate repetitive tasks, make physicians more accurate, and free them up to spend more time with patients.