Can Patients Trust AI in Medicine?

The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• Patients want AI to improve their care, but fears of misdiagnosis and privacy breaches loom large.

• Changing tariffs and regulations could impact costs, supply chains, and business operations.

• A custom assistant transforms AI from a simple tool into a personalized productivity powerhouse.

• 78% of consumers prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, boosting eco-friendly initiatives.

• The average physician earns $290,000, but New York’s cost of living eats away at earnings.

• Companies that blindly trust data without context risk making bad decisions.

LOUNGE TALK

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping health care, and while patients recognize its potential to enhance treatment, many remain cautious. Concerns about misdiagnosis, privacy risks, and unintended consequences highlight the need for clear communication. AI is used for tasks like medical imaging, decision support, and even robotic surgery, helping providers work more efficiently. However, biases in AI models can lead to inaccurate diagnoses, especially for diverse populations. Strict regulations and oversight from the FDA ensure AI safety, but transparency about AI’s role in care is crucial. Patients should be informed about how AI contributes to their diagnosis and treatment, as well as their rights regarding personal data. By addressing concerns and demonstrating AI’s benefits, health care providers can build trust and improve patient confidence in this evolving technology.

Trade disruptions, shifting tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainty are set to challenge small businesses in 2025. Unlike large corporations, smaller firms often lack the financial cushion to absorb sudden changes, making preparation essential. Businesses can mitigate risks by diversifying suppliers, keeping a close watch on trade policies, and negotiating contracts that shield against unexpected cost increases. Building a financial buffer ensures resilience against tariff hikes and supply chain delays, while adopting technology streamlines operations and improves supply chain visibility. Collaboration with industry groups can also provide strategic insights and advocacy power. Ultimately, proactive planning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace innovation will help small businesses navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger.

Generative AI is a powerful tool, but frequent users often waste time re-entering the same prompts and uploading background files for recurring tasks. The solution? Custom AI assistants, which store key instructions and files to streamline your workflow. Platforms like ChatGPT’s “custom GPTs,” Claude’s “Projects,” and Google Gemini’s “Gems” allow users to create personalized AI assistants without any coding knowledge. Whether you need help with writing, troubleshooting, productivity tools, or coaching, these assistants can be tailored to fit your specific needs. The process is simple: choose a platform, experiment with its interface, refine your assistant’s custom instructions, and continuously tweak it as you use it. By setting up a personalized AI, users can save time and enhance efficiency, making AI an even more powerful tool in their daily routines.

Ecommerce is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by new technologies and shifting consumer behaviors. Social shopping is booming, with platforms like TikTok and YouTube leading the charge in seamless purchasing experiences. Voice commerce is also on the rise, with brands optimizing for voice search and integrating voice assistants into their apps. Sustainability is now a top priority for consumers, pushing businesses to adopt AI-driven inventory management and eco-friendly practices. Immersive shopping experiences, powered by AR, VR, and the metaverse, are making online purchases more interactive and reducing return rates. Finally, hyperlocal marketing is gaining traction, allowing brands to tailor promotions and product offerings to specific regions for a more personalized shopping experience. Businesses that embrace these trends will gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving ecommerce landscape.

Physician salaries in New York are among the highest in the country, with some specialists earning well over $500,000 annually. However, when adjusted for the city’s soaring cost of living, high taxes, and malpractice insurance costs, those impressive figures don’t stretch as far as they might elsewhere. While top earners specialize in high-demand fields like urology and orthopedic surgery, the average physician salary sits at $290,000—far from luxurious in a city with skyrocketing rent and living expenses. New York also ranks as one of the worst states for doctors due to its overburdened healthcare system, physician shortages, and rising Medicare costs. Many doctors are burned out, citing poor working conditions and insufficient incentives to stay. Efforts to improve conditions include better licensing policies and workforce expansion, but systemic challenges remain. Despite the prestige of practicing in New York, many physicians are rethinking their long-term careers in the state.

Data-driven decision-making is a priority for many organizations, but misinterpreting data can lead to costly mistakes. In a recent episode of HBR On Strategy, Professors Michael Luca (Johns Hopkins) and Amy Edmondson (Harvard) discuss how leaders can avoid these pitfalls. Their framework, outlined in the Harvard Business Review article “Where Data-Driven Decision-Making Can Go Wrong,” emphasizes the importance of understanding biases, context, and limitations when analyzing data. Companies that rely too heavily on analytics without proper interpretation risk making flawed strategic decisions. The podcast explores best practices for using data effectively, ensuring that insights drive business success rather than misinformation.

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QUICK BITES

• 6 ways to spot and capitalize on emerging social media trends.

• How responsible AI protects the bottom line.

• How to make every dollar of your marketing count.

• How doctors’ words can make or break patient care.

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