Healthcare leaders highlight ai's role in medicine with human oversight

At an Axios event in Boston on Sept. 10, medical and biotech experts discussed AI's role in drug development and disease prediction, stressing the need for human oversight. Dr. Connie Lehman, founder and CEO of Clairity, Inc., highlighted her company's AI model for predicting breast cancer risks. Yvonne Hao, Flagship Pioneering’s COO and GP, emphasized AI-driven innovation should focus on curing diseases and improving care, while addressing pitfalls. The event, sponsored by Bayer, also saw Hao express concerns over the U.S. losing scientific talent as biotech grows. The FDA is reviewing whether AI healthcare devices should be evaluated like doctors. Dr. Yesmean Wahdan, Bayer’s SVP, noted AI’s potential in cell and gene therapy, precision oncology, cardiovascular health, and women’s health. Boston’s biotech industry and academic institutions have made it a 'great incubator' for health startups, according to Lehman, who urged the city to remain the 'city of choice.' Hao voiced worries about federal research funding cuts, though she emphasized her greater concern for retaining scientific talent. The discussion underscored AI’s growing integration in healthcare, balancing innovation with safety and human involvement.