Rod Parsa

Current state of large language models in medicine Large language models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) systems focused on the generation of natural language. The field of oncology is well-positioned to benefit from the incorporation of LLM technologies, especially given its emphasis on the synthesis of diverse data types such as clinical, imaging, laboratory and genomic reports integrated with the psychosocial elements of patient-centred medicine.

Key Points Question In response to patient questions about cancer on an online forum, how do conversational artificial intelligence chatbots compare with licensed physicians across measures of empathy, response quality, and readability? Findings In this equivalence trial, after controlling for response length to 200 patient questions, 6 oncology physician evaluators consistently rated chatbot responses higher in response empathy, quality, and readability based on style of writing.

When we arrived on campus at McMaster University to begin our medical studies, we were both anticipating some feelings of alienation. Pushing 30 years old and having switched into medicine from unrelated fields, we didn’t quite fit the mould. And yet, we were confident in what we brought to the table: experience, perspective, focus. Professional and graduate programs in Canada have long touted values that promote diversity of experience.