CM Abreu Q&A: Chokshi on AI in public health
Abreu asks about AI's potential role in public health. Chokshi acknowledges both potential harms from technology and potential benefits for improving access to care, advocating for a level-headed appreciation of both.
Now I have two set of questions on artificial intelligence.
What are some specific ways you see the Board of Health and the health department potentially using AI to impact public health outcomes and public health education?
Thank you.
This is something that I have been thinking about.
Again, I will sort of check the responsibilities of the Board of Health to say that I'm not aware of any current ways in which that will intersect with the Board of Health's jurisdiction or with amendments to the health code.
With that said, speaking as a doctor and public health professional myself, I think we have to hold in our hands both the idea that AI and technology
you know, to the prior question, could have some health harms that we need to be cognizant of, but also that there may be some ways in which using artificial intelligence could improve access to care
or help us ensure delivery of care to people who most need it.
So I think we have to have a level-headed appreciation of both the harms and the potential benefits.
Well, you answered my question on the harms, so that eliminates that second question.