AI is revolutionizing medicine: opportunities and ethical challenges!

AI is revolutionizing medicine: opportunities and ethical challenges!

In the latest podcast episode of “We Are TUM”, published on February 14, 2025, experts discuss the diverse applications and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Braun, CIO and Vice President for Digitalization and IT Systems at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Prof. Dr. med. Alena Buyx, Professor of Ethics in Medicine and Health Technologies, will provide insights into TUM's new AI strategy. Ben Lenk-Ostendorf, research associate in the field of educational technology, complements the discussion with aspects of didactic concepts and training for teachers.

A central theme of the episode is the current use of AI in research and teaching. The experts highlight successes in medical research and the relevance of ethical issues in the context of AI research. Given the increasingly complex challenges in healthcare, AI is becoming increasingly important.

Opportunities of artificial intelligence in medicine

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare by using machine learning to process medical data. According to IBM, this technology aims to improve health outcomes and patient experiences. The integration of AI into modern healthcare systems primarily includes supporting clinical decisions and analyzing medical images.

AI tools offer professionals quick access to relevant information. AI is used particularly in medical imaging, where it analyzes CT scans, X-rays and MRIs for lesions. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend and led to innovative testing of new AI technologies.

Ethical challenges and regulatory framework

However, the rapid development of AI in medicine also brings with it ethical challenges. Data protection, patient autonomy, and bias and inequalities are key issues that need to be addressed. The integration of AI requires a clear regulatory framework to gain the trust of patients and professionals and ensure the quality of the data.

Particularly noteworthy is the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists, physicians, ethicists and patient representatives. In order to develop data protection-compliant solutions, guidelines and standards are required. These should ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly, as the reporting on das-wissen.de is analyzed.

Experts agree that AI can transform the medical landscape if technological possibilities are balanced with ethical requirements. The balance between the opportunities of technology and the needs of patients is at the heart of this discussion. Only through responsible use can the integration of AI into medical practice be successful.

For further information on this topic, please refer to the detailed consideration of the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in medicine on the websites of the Technical University of Munich, IBM and das-wissen.de.

Dr.-Ing. Alexander Braun and Prof. Dr. med. Alena Buyx address these challenges and demonstrate ways in which AI can help improve patient care while responsibly considering ethical concerns.