Episode 7: Artificial Intelligence in Women’s Health

Aug 12, 2023 | Podcast

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence in Women’s Health. But before we dive in, I want you to take a slow deep breath. You might not realize it, but we’re already using artificial intelligence in our daily lives. If you use Alexa, Siri, or even have a self-driving car with AI features, you’re already interacting with this amazing technology. So, relax, it’s gonna be okay.

Now, in this episode, I’m going to use a lot of dance examples to help us understand artificial intelligence better. Imagine AI as your dance partner, equipped with fancy technologies to learn how to dance in sync with you. Just like when we learn a new dance move, we have to start with the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence.

So, what exactly is artificial intelligence? Artificial intelligence is the field of teaching computers and robots to mimic how we humans think and act. It’s like having a dance partner who mirrors your every move so that you both look good on the dance floor. AI mimics human intelligence, and the aspect it relates to the most is mathematical and logistical intelligence, which requires precision and coordination.

Now, let’s break down the components of AI’s intelligence in our language:

1. Learning: AI watches and learns new skills, just like a dancer learning new moves. It practices until it gets it right.

2. Perception: Just like how we use our senses to become aware of the music and move accordingly, AI uses its senses (sight, hearing, touch) to be in tune with the data it processes.

3. Reasoning: Like a choreographer deciding on dance moves, AI makes logical decisions based on the information it receives.

4. Problem-Solving: When a dancer faces a problem during a routine, they find the most effective solution. AI helps solve problems by finding the best solutions based on data.

5. Communication: Language is essential for AI to communicate effectively. It learns different ways to communicate through various sources of data.*

Let’s add this insight now: The episode begins by reassuring listeners that AI is already a part of their lives, through devices like Alexa and Siri. The host discusses how AI can be seen as a dance partner with advanced technology, helping to understand and address health challenges. The episode touches on ethical dilemmas and data challenges in the field of AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding foundational concepts. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of AI and women’s health.

Now, let’s introduce some key vocabulary terms related to AI:

Neural Networks: These algorithms work like choreography for our dance partner AI. They use data like images, text, and sound to create smooth, harmonious routines.

Machine Learning: AI becomes skilled dancers through machine learning. It learns from data, making decisions and performing tasks without constant guidance.

Next, we explore how AI is revolutionizing women’s health:

1. Detecting Breast Cancer: AI uses data from mammograms and learns to detect breast cancer masses, sometimes outperforming humans.

2. Mental Health Support: AI chatbots like Alexa serve as virtual coaches to help with anxiety and depression.

3. Fertility Journey: AI uses a combination of electronic health records, medical imaging, and health apps to predict the best time for embryo implantation, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

While AI shows immense promise in women’s health, we must also address ethical dilemmas surrounding data sets and privacy. AI relies on vast amounts of data, such as electronic health records, medical imaging, and even social media, to improve its performance.

Just like a skilled dancer who draws inspiration from various sources to create beautiful routines, AI combines different data sets to improve healthcare outcomes. However, we must ensure data privacy and ethical use of AI in mental health and fertility journey applications.

AI has immense potential to positively impact women’s health. As we continue dancing with this technology, let’s remain vigilant in addressing ethical concerns and providing safe, supportive platforms for patients.

Author

  • Brandi Sinkfield

    Dr. Brandi, is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist, who was inspired by her mother, a registered nurse who graduated with a degree in information technology. Through tough love and support from her father, extended family, and friends she attended Case Western Medical School and received her M.D. She completed residency training at Cleveland Clinic and dual fellowship training at Stanford Anesthesiology in Perioperative Management and Digital Health. Growing up she experienced the lack of transparency, shame and secrecy surrounding women’s health and body confidence driving her to imagine a pathway for her own daughter and other women to access information that empowers them and inspires confidence.

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