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Watch: MAM President Recounts Time ChatGPT Helped With Diagnosis

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Recently elected President of the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) and paediatrician Patrick Sammut has spoken about the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical field.

“Personally, I’ve already started experiencing the power of AI in my work, and I think it’s incredible. At the end of the day, it’s a tool – and its value depends on how it’s used,” Sammut told Lovin Malta.

Lovin Malta sat down with Sammut to discuss his vision for the union, which had been under the same leadership for the past 24 years.

Sammut explained that AI can address gaps caused by human limitations. While it’s not a replacement for medical professionals, it can supplement knowledge and enhance performance. He noted that AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data and generate results rapidly goes beyond what the human brain can achieve.

However, he warned that it’s important to understand the processes AI uses to arrive at its conclusions.

“If AI presents you with a solution, we shouldn’t take it at face value or assume it’s correct. We still need to use our critical thinking and analyse how it got there,” he said.
Sammut stressed that AI will never replace doctors, as a vital part of the profession is the human-to-human interaction that provides patients with comfort and trust. Still, he believes the potential benefits of the technology can’t be ignored.

“I recently attended a conference where it was said that, in the future, doctors will fall into two categories: those who have embraced AI in their practice, and those who have been left behind.”

ChatGPT As A Diagnostic Tool

Expanding on the topic, Sammut recalled a personal experience in which ChatGPT helped him reach a diagnosis.

He had a young patient presenting with unusual symptoms, and after several diagnostic tests, the team still couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

Then, the patient’s father messaged Sammut with a suggestion – explaining he had reached that conclusion using ChatGPT. Sammut reviewed it, agreed it was a strong possibility, and proceeded with treatment based on the proposed diagnosis. Within a week, the child had recovered.

“At the end of the day, we have human limitations, and we should acknowledge them. Using the tools available – like AI – can ultimately benefit our patients.”

Full interview out soon

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Ana is a university graduate who loves a heated debate, she’s very passionate about humanitarian issues and justice. In her free time you’ll probably catch her binge watching way too many TV shows or thinking about her next meal.

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