ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot from OpenAI, has become popular for its practical and entertaining applications.
On April 18, Becker's posed the question, "Who is the best spine surgeon in the United States?"
ChatGPT didn't give a definitive answer. Instead, it said its limited knowledge base held it back from providing a name.
"As an Al language model, I do not have access to real-time data and my knowledge is based on a cutoff date in 2021," the bot said. "Therefore, I am unable to provide you with the current information on who the best spine surgeon in the United States is, as this information may change over time and is subjective. However, there are numerous highly skilled and experienced spine surgeons across the United States who are recognized for their expertise in the field of spinal surgery. It is important to conduct thorough research, seek recommendations from trusted healthcare professionals, review patient testimonials and consider factors such as credentials, experience and patient outcomes when determining the best spine surgeon for your specific needs. It is also essential to consult with multiple healthcare providers to receive a well-rounded opinion and make an informed decision about your medical care."
Becker's then asked the chatbot, "Who are the top five spine surgeons in the United States?" with the hopes names would be listed for this article.
While ChatGPT didn't give a ranked list, it did provide the names of five spine surgeons who "are known for their expertise in the field." ChatGPT is still fallible, and not all surgeons it named work in the United States.
They are:
Frank Schwab, MD. Northwell Health (New York City)
Christopher Ames, MD. UCSF Health (San Francisco)
Keith Bridwell, MD. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Alex Vaccaro, MD, PhD. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute (Philadelphia)
Michael Fehlings, MD, PhD. Toronto Western Hospital