Artificial Intelligence – a Tool to Combat Racial Bias

by Jennifer Rojas

The United States health care system is permeated with racial disparities and biases. As physicians, we are inclined to perform several tests to confirm a full diagnosis; however, during this process, racial bias is fairly common. Today, African Americans are less likely to receive necessary examinations than White Americans with similar health issues. Therefore, I ask, what if the health care system developed their own artificial intelligence to help minority groups and reduce racial bias? In my opinion, artificial intelligence (AI) can offer the potential to provide personalized care to all by taking into account the glandular patient differences. With AI, bias can be encoded by modeling choices or within the data itself. This can be used to allow quick access to databases such as Electronic Health Record (EHR) in order to create representative models for diagnosing diseases, predicting adverse effects, and recommending ongoing treatments. AI will serve as a neutral party within the health care system, as opposed to a possible health care provider that portrays racial biases. This will provide an advancement within the system, and likely lead to equal treatment for all populations. Minorities are less likely to possess sufficient health insurance in comparison to the white population. Thus, providing sufficient and necessary examinations without monetary issues such as increasing medical bills is essential. In my mind, the future will consist of multiple AI systems in order to make an optimal impact for all populations. I sincerely hope that AI will be able to aid with solutions and assistance for things such as, administration of birth control at a low cost for all, vaccinations to low-income families, and/or translation services for non-native speakers. If artificial intelligence works as I imagine it, it would democratize health care by boosting access for under-served communities, lowering all costs, and assist with an abundance of other services.