It seems you can’t turn around these days without bumping into some information or opinion about AI – artificial intelligence. Next week’s issue of Economist (published today) carries a cover story about the risk to the global economy if there’s a major correction to AI stocks, because of their “stratospheric share prices.” “It would be one of the most predicted financial implosions in history,” according to Economist. Then there’s debate about whether AI will take jobs away from humans, or whether it will make humans more productive. Or both.
AI is migrating into the veterinary profession in a myriad of ways. It is already well established in medical records – converting recorded exam conversations into medical notes, a major time-saver. It is being built into PIMS, the computer systems veterinarians use, to yield more and better management data. AI-assisted technology is being developed to reads radiographs, or to prepare radiographs so veterinarians can make better, faster diagnoses. There are other AI-powered diagnostic tools. And one company has even announced an AI tool that can predict the likelihood of canine diseases as much as 6 years in advance, using clinical exams, environment, dog breed, and lifestyle. A major benefit, according to the company, is to “adjust treatment plans, exercise, or diet plans” to minimize the risk. Sounds like the ultimate in preventive medicine.
Regardless of how AI evolves in veterinary medicine, I’m betting that it will play a much bigger role in helping veterinarians make better, faster decisions, than making the decisions for them. Meanwhile, it seems prudent to not overload your portfolio with AI stocks, just in case.
John Volk
English 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Chinese