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    February 25, 2025 Message from the Chair

    Emerging Technologies in Health Care—Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

    Joan R. M. Bullock

    Summary

    • Advanced technologies such as AI-powered diagnostics, gene editing, and robotic surgeries will transform health care.
    • Rapidly developing technology will lead to more personalized care and allow health care professionals to predict, prevent, and treat conditions previously considered untreatable.
    • Significant legal, ethical, and societal questions must be addressed to ensure these tools benefit everyone safely and equitably.

    The start of a new year is often a time for fresh beginnings and resolutions, especially when it comes to improving our health. Many of us set goals to exercise more, eat better, or adopt new habits to enhance our well-being. Technology can play an important role in helping us achieve these goals.

    For example, I take regular walks while wearing my Fitbit, which records my steps, distance walked, energy burned, heart data, and cardio load. I faithfully check these metrics to assess my progress (or lack thereof) and make adjustments to improve my health. I remain fascinated by how a small wearable device can provide such valuable insights into my well-being. Of course, you don’t need to be a techie to appreciate how technology is impacting our everyday lives in profound ways. Imagine the potential of even more advanced technologies—AI-powered diagnostics, gene editing, and robotic surgeries, for example, all transforming health care on a much larger scale.

    From wearable devices like mine to innovative medical tools, technology is revolutionizing how we approach health and treat diseases. These innovations advance healthcare professionals’ ability to personalize care, predict and prevent illnesses, and treat conditions previously considered untreatable. Notwithstanding, with these advancements come significant legal, ethical, and societal questions that must be addressed to ensure these tools benefit everyone safely and equitably.

    One critical area of concern is legal oversight. Regulatory agencies, like the FTC and the FDA, must keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Data privacy laws, such as HIPAA, play a vital role in protecting sensitive health information. Still, the rise in cyberattacks underscores the need for even stronger cybersecurity measures. Additionally, determining accountability when technology fails—whether through a misdiagnosis by an AI tool or a surgical robot malfunction—adds another layer of complexity.

    Ethical considerations are equally important. Who has access to these advanced treatments, and how do we ensure underserved communities aren’t left behind? Bias in AI algorithms can inadvertently lead to disparities in care, and patients must fully understand and consent to the use of these technologies in their treatment. Balancing innovation with fairness and inclusivity is essential.

    Beyond individual concerns, these technologies impact society at large. Public trust is critical for widespread adoption, which means developers and health care providers must prioritize transparency and accountability. Technology also changes the roles of health care workers, creating new skill demands as well as concerns about job displacement.

    As I’ve seen firsthand with my Fitbit, technology can play a transformative role in health and wellness. As we embrace even more advanced innovations, we must approach them thoughtfully. By fostering robust legal frameworks, addressing ethical challenges, and considering societal impacts, we can ensure that emerging technologies fulfill their promise to improve lives—safely, fairly, and for everyone.

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