Robby Sikka, M.D., NBA physician and technology innovator, opened the third day of RISE National 2025 with a keynote address on how artificial intelligence can address the aging population’s unique challenges.
Health care is the fourth fastest-growing vertical for generative AI, the third largest market, but the majority of U.S. adults, particularly seniors, don't want an AI provider to replace their doctor. They still want that communication.
So, he urged attendees to think about how AI can make a difference in elder care. It's a digital extension, it's not a replacement. “People, particularly the elderly, want someone to communicate with them directly. They value that. They value that human contact,” he said. Although the changes may be scary for seniors, the technology will allow them to live longer and more satisfying lives if we optimize it for them, he said.
Dr. Sikka said we are at the peak of the AI hype and it’s important for attendees to focus on what isn’t changing: quality, access, and cost. The AI winners in health care will be the organizations that impact all three aspects.
AI is already being used in health care, particularly imaging, where it allows MRIs to be analyzed faster. AI assistants can schedule medical appointments, including those for immunizations, therapy and counseling. It can be used for fall preventions and AI-powered dementia care can analyze video clips to assess the risk of an induvial developing dementia. It can also make care more accessible.
- Form a multifaceted AI committee at your organization.
- Breakdown your day and all the decisions you make and see how AI can help you optimize for each of these
- Think about what isn’t changing more than you focus on what is changing
- Ask questions