<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a previous column on how artificial intelligence is on the verge of dominating large workflows in healthcare without a human being involved, concerns were raised about the implications for the nature of healthcare. Critics argue that the push for efficiency through AI threatens the profession itself.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recent examples illustrate this concern, such as Kaiser Permanente's use of AI to evaluate nurses' productivity, empathy, and tone of voice. Some nurses reported that this led to significant changes in the care they provided, with one nurse feeling pressured to end a call with a patient experiencing suicidal thoughts prematurely.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In response, nurses have organized protests, including circulating petitions and striking under the slogan, “Trust nurses, not AI.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">California has also taken steps to address these issues. On October 1, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1979 into law, which mandates that healthcare professionals maintain independent professional judgment and prohibits autonomous AI from performing licensed medical work without human oversight. The law also requires that AI-generated patient messages be clearly identified.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Conversely, the federal administration is easing oversight of AI in healthcare. In January, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the use of clinical decision-support software, and in July, the FDA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services participated in a closed-door demonstration for AI healthcare companies.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While one might expect that AI would free up time for healthcare professionals to engage more with patients, the reality has often been the opposite. Financial pressures frequently lead to an increase in patient volume rather than improved patient interaction.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Christina Farr noted that approximately 75% of health-system IT leaders prioritize revenue cycle management for AI implementation. The New York Times reported that AI is contributing to rising healthcare costs, as it often leads to more complex patient diagnoses, resulting in higher reimbursements for hospitals.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bishop Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, remarked that the increasing reliance on AI in healthcare is contributing to systemic issues within the healthcare system.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In a previous column, a vision for integrating AI into healthcare was promised, focusing on justice for vulnerable populations with limited access to care. The American Association of Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of 86,000 physicians by 2036, exacerbating the existing lack of healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To ensure access to primary, mental, and geriatric care, it is argued that AI may need to play a role, especially if current trends continue. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel's recent proposal in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests incorporating autonomous AI into healthcare workflows, potentially without human involvement, to address these access issues.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, this raises the question of whether such an approach compromises the essence of medicine, which is fundamentally human.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Dr. Kristin Collier from the University of Michigan School of Medicine highlighted the importance of human connection in healthcare during a recent talk. She shared a case of a patient with heart failure who frequently required hospitalization, emphasizing that her understanding of his situation stemmed from their long-term relationship.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Collier expressed concern that AI-driven workflows could diminish the human aspect of healthcare, exacerbating the ongoing trend of dehumanization. She noted that medical professionals often begin their careers focused on patient relationships but may shift toward a more clinical, impersonal perspective as they advance in their careers.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The AI revolution presents critical choices about the future of healthcare. Collier pointed out that those drawn to medicine typically seek to care for individuals, yet the push for autonomous AI could undermine the fundamental human relationships that are central to healthcare.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Addressing the significant issue of healthcare access for vulnerable populations requires building new institutions that prioritize in-person, human interactions. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Encouragingly, new medical schools are emerging, particularly those in the osteopathic tradition, which emphasize the importance of human connection in healthcare. These schools are gaining popularity due to their lower cost and their focus on comprehensive training that includes physical touch and communication skills.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The osteopathic philosophy views individuals as integrated beings, considering body, mind, and spirit. As the healthcare landscape evolves, there is a renewed interest from the Catholic Church in addressing the upcoming physician shortage and the changing nature of medical practice.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During Collier's talk, the founding dean of a new medical school at Benedictine College stated, “We are building the school she is calling for.” Additionally, plans are underway for a new Catholic osteopathic school from the Franciscan Health Alliance.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">AI can be a valuable tool in healthcare, but those advocating for its implementation must demonstrate that it enhances human interactions rather than detracts from them. It is essential that AI does not compromise clinicians' judgment or the critical human touch in patient care.</p>