The Ouroboros Effect: How AI Threatens Human Intellect. Guest: Prof Blackford Middleton

Prof Blackford Middleton joins us in the PulsePod studio to discuss his philosophising on the intersection of AI and healthcare, and his new publication The Ouroboros Effect: How AI Threatens Human Intellect. LinkIn this episode of Pulse, Louise and George explore the hottest topics in digital health, from groundbreaking AI diagnosis studies to the collapse of a high-profile health startup, and news from UK, AU and NZ. Here’s what we cover:Professional Identity: When Machines Outperform DoctorsWe revisit a JAMA study showing ChatGPT outperformed doctors in diagnosis, even when clinicians had access to the tool. The debate heats up as commentary pours in, questioning professional identity, training gaps, and the cultural impact on medicine. Link‘Doc in a Box’ Fails: Lessons from Forward Health’s CollapseForward Health, a $650M-backed US health startup, closed abruptly, leaving patients and employees in limbo. We discuss the pitfalls of tech-first healthcare models, investor errors, the importance of clinician and patient advisory roles, and the future of primary care.NZ Sets a Goal for Digital CareNew Zealand aims for 10% of care delivered digitally by mid-2025. The timing is ambitious, but is the target?Health Data as National Infrastructure: The UK’s VisionA new report calls for treating health data as critical national infrastructure. We delve into its recommendations for a national health data strategy, governance, and patient benefit, reflecting on global implications for health data ecosystems. LinkShareByDefault: Australia's Health Data RevolutionAustralia’s Health Minister introduces a bill mandating the sharing of pathology results and imaging through MyHealthRecord. What does this mean for patients and clinicians?Finally: Independent Evaluation of Generative AIIn the US the Healthcare AI Challenge Collaborative has been established to comparing the efficacy of generative AI tools for healthcare. They will produce public rankings of 9 commercial tools before Xmas. Follow Blackford Middleton on LinkedInVisit Pulse+IT.news to learn more, engage in this rapidly growing sector, and subscribe to breaking digital news, weekly newsletters and a rich treasure trove of archival material. People in the know, get their news from Pulse+IT – Your leading voice in digital health news.Follow us on LinkedIn Louise | George | Pulse+ITFollow us on BlueSky Louise | George | Pulse+ITSend us your questions [email protected] by Octopod Productions | Ivan Juric