Artificial intelligence (AI) is radically transforming medicine. From faster diagnoses to personalized treatments, the technology is entering hospitals, laboratories and practices around the world.
1. Faster and more accurate diagnosis.
A prominent example is Google DeepMind, which developed an algorithm capable of detecting more than 50 eye diseases from scans, with an accuracy similar to that of the best ophthalmologists.
In oncology, IBM Watson for Health has been used to analyze medical histories and recommend personalized cancer treatments.
2. Personalized medicine.
The company Tempus uses AI to analyze clinical and genetic data, with the aim of recommending therapies tailored to each cancer patient. This allows two people with the same type of cancer to receive different treatments according to their molecular profile.
3. More efficient drug development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies such as BenevolentAI and Insilico Medicine applied AI to identify compounds with antiviral potential. This reduced months of research to just weeks. Today, Insilico already has drugs in late-stage clinical trials developed entirely with AI.
4. Robots and assisted surgery.
The da Vinci AI-assisted surgical system is used in thousands of hospitals worldwide. It enables minimally invasive operations to be performed with high precision, reducing recovery times and the risk of complications.
5. Disease prediction and prevention.
In cardiology, Oxford University developed an AI model that analyzes heart MRI scans to predict heart attacks up to 10 years before they occur.
Likewise, platforms such as Ada Health offer self-diagnosis apps that help millions of people identify symptoms and receive immediate medical guidance.
6. More accessible health care.
In Africa, the startup mPharma uses AI to manage drug supply chains and ensure access to drugs in communities where there was previously a shortage.
In Spain, hospitals such as Gregorio Marañón (Madrid) are already experimenting with medical chatbots that answer patients’ basic questions and relieve the burden on emergency rooms.
7. Radiology without human error.
AI already outperforms many radiologists in detecting abnormalities in X-rays and mammograms. In the UK, a Google AI system detected breast cancer with 11% fewer false negatives than doctors.
8. Mental health and well-being.
Platforms such as Woebot use AI-based chatbots to offer immediate psychological support. These assistants help patients with depression and anxiety receive daily guidance, bridging the mental health gap.
9. Intelligent rehabilitation.
AI applied to prostheses and exoskeletons is revolutionizing patient recovery. For example, NeuroRPM analyzes neural signals to help people with Parkinson’s disease monitor their evolution and adjust therapies.
10. Hospital management and cost reduction.
Hospitals already use AI to optimize operating room schedules, available beds and internal logistics. This not only reduces waiting times, but also lowers operating costs and improves patient care.
Conclusion.
AI is no longer just a futuristic prop: it is a tool present in hospitals and laboratories. From Google to local startups, the technology is helping to save lives, shorten times and lower costs in medicine.
The challenge now will be to ensure that these innovations reach all patients, regardless of their country or socioeconomic status.
