Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Vet Med

How will Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) change the veterinary industry?

What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to the ability of AI to perform any intellectual task that humans can, and it has the potential to revolutionize industries like healthcare and transportation, bringing significant advancements to society.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an advanced computer program that can understand human language and generate human-like responses. It is a powerful tool that can enable veterinarians to interact with clients in natural and engaging ways and can benefit the veterinary industry through creating customized innovative solutions.  By incorporating ChatGPT into veterinary practice, there is potential for practitioners to improve efficiency, free up time for more complex cases and improve customer service.

What are it’s limitations? Are there risks?

While ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for medical practices, there are risks associated with its use. One of the main concerns is the potential for errors or misunderstanding. ChatGPT may not always accurately interpret or respond to certain questions/situations, which could lead to incorrect information being provided to pet owners. Additionally, there is a risk that ChatGPT could be used as a substitute for in-person veterinary care. This could result in missed diagnoses or delayed treatment for serious conditions. It’s important to carefully consider these risks and to ensure that ChatGPT is used in a responsible and appropriate manner as a complement to existing veterinary services, rather than a replacement for them.

What now?

At the GVMA, we understand that emerging technologies like ChatGPT can be both exciting and daunting for veterinarians. While we can’t control the development or regulation of such systems, we want you to know that we’re here to support you and keep you informed about how these advancements may affect your practice.

We’re always eager to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions, as they help us better understand your concerns and needs. Drop them in the form linked below as this will help us know what questions you have as we develop materials and learning opportunities around this new technology. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we’re always happy to help!


SOURCES:
Introducing ChatGPT, Open AI. 2022
How AI Will Change Vet Med in the Next 5 Years, Dr. Andy Roark, 2022