Practically Speaking
Fall 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various industries, including medical research. The Donaghue Foundation, dedicated to advancing innovative healthcare solutions, is learning the potential of AI in contributing to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical research for practical benefit. In this article, we delve into the pros, cons, considerations, challenges, and opportunities of AI in medical research, aligning with the Donaghue Foundation’s mission, values, and goals.

Pros:

• Accelerating Data Analysis: AI has the ability to process vast amounts of medical data swiftly and efficiently, enabling researchers to extract meaningful insights and identify patterns that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
• Personalized Medicine: Leveraging AI algorithms, researchers can analyze individual patient data to develop personalized treatment plans, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and reducing adverse effects.

Cons:

• Ethical Considerations: The use of AI in medical research raises ethical concerns regarding data privacy, informed consent, and potential bias in algorithmic decision-making standards.
• Limited Generalizability: AI models trained on specific datasets may lack generalizability to diverse populations, leading to disparities in healthcare outcomes.

Questions:

• What strategies can be employed to address the concerns about data privacy and security when using AI in medical research?
• How can the foundation support researchers in integrating AI technologies into their studies and ensure that they have the necessary resources and expertise?
• What are the most promising areas within medical research where AI can have the greatest impact, and how can the foundation prioritize funding in these areas?
• What measures can be implemented to address potential biases and disparities that may arise from the use of AI in medical research?
• How can the foundation encourage transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI algorithms in medical research?

**For testing purposes, the Foundation used generative AI to write this article.  Were you able to tell? If so, how did you know? If not, now that you know AI was used, do you trust the information shared in the article? We would love to hear your feedback on using AI tools to generate content and any thoughts you have on AI use in medical research and healthcare delivery.  To share your comments, please contact us at office@donaghue.org.