Will AI Replace Pediatric Surgeons?

Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.

decision support — Treatment goals need clinical accountability and context

Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.

information retrieval — Literature review aided; wet-lab and clinical research human

Consult with patient's other medical care specialists, such as cardiologist and endocrinologist, to determine if surgery is necessary.

interpersonal — Care planning conferral is collaborative clinical judgment

Describe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area, to parents or guardians of the patient.

decision support — Prescribing therapy requires licensed clinical accountability

Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.

interpersonal — Patient care supervision is live clinical leadership

Examine fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents, and diagnose health issues to determine need for intervention, such as surgery.

decision support — AI suggests differentials; clinician examines and owns diagnosis

Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.

physical manipulation — Loading and operating sterilizing equipment by hand

Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.

visual inspection — Patient physical assessment is hands-on clinical work

Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.

decision support — AI recalls protocols; execution and accountability are human

Inform parents and guardians of child's health problems and surgical procedures through various channels, such as in-person and telecommunication systems.

interpersonal — Results delivery needs empathy and clinical judgment

Interpret results of preoperative tests and physical examinations.

visual inspection — Image interpretation assists; radiologist owns diagnosis

Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.

decision support — Medical supply ordering via systems; human approves

Monitor patient's recovery, making follow-up visits and using postoperative assessment techniques, such as blood and imaging tests.

decision support — AI aids chart review; clinical observation of patient is human

Operate on fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patients' functions.

physical manipulation — Surgery is physical and high-accountability

Perform transplantation operations, such as organ transplants, on fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents.

physical manipulation — Surgery is physical and high-accountability

Prepare case histories.

interpersonal — Patient history requires live elicitation and judgment

Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.

decision support — Clinical advice needs licensed accountability and context

Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.

decision support — Clinical referral judgment needs licensed human accountability