The healthcare sector has seen the rise and continued advancement of AI across the industry, including the orthopedic field.
John Houde, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, N.H., recently connected with Becker's on the future of healthcare technology and AI.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What healthcare technology will change orthopedics the most?
Dr. John Houde: I really think that generative AI will have the most significant impact on orthopedics and on all of healthcare delivery. It is already upon us. There are definitely concerns with its use and incorporation, the biggest being patient data privacy and protection as well as who will "own" the data for healthcare purposes. If we as healthcare providers are diligent, proactive and involved at every step, the power of AI as a tool in our hands to deliver patient specific therapy and to use to increase efficiency and decrease costs is tremendous.
Q: What's one reason orthopedic surgeons should be optimistic about the future?
JH: Orthopedic surgeons should be very optimistic about the future. As a specialty, we have always embraced the use of cutting edge technology and this technology will be positively transformative for our specialty and healthcare. We have also been extremely proactive in advocacy in protecting and supporting our ability and capacity to provide our patients with the care they need and deserve. It’s a very exciting time to be an orthopedic surgeon.The opportunities are incredible. I would encourage all to support advocacy in any way they can.