Applications of ChatGPT and Large Language Models in Medicine and Health Care: Benefits and Pitfalls

Andrew A Borkowski; Colleen E Jakey; Stephen M Mastorides; Ana L Kraus; Gitanjali Vidyarthi; Narayan Viswanadhan; Jose L Lezama

doi:10.12788/fp.0386

Applications of ChatGPT and Large Language Models in Medicine and Health Care: Benefits and Pitfalls

Fed Pract. 2023 Jun;40(6):170-173. doi: 10.12788/fp.0386. Epub 2023 Jun 16.

Authors

Andrew A Borkowski^{1

2

3}, Colleen E Jakey^{1

2}, Stephen M Mastorides^{1

2}, Ana L Kraus^{1

2}, Gitanjali Vidyarthi^{1

2}, Narayan Viswanadhan^{1

2}, Jose L Lezama^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, Florida.
² University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa.
³ National Artificial Intelligence Institute, Washington, DC.

Abstract

Background: The use of large language models like ChatGPT is becoming increasingly popular in health care settings. These artificial intelligence models are trained on vast amounts of data and can be used for various tasks, such as language translation, summarization, and answering questions.

Observations: Large language models have the potential to revolutionize the industry by assisting medical professionals with administrative tasks, improving diagnostic accuracy, and engaging patients. However, pitfalls exist, such as its inability to distinguish between real and fake information and the need to comply with privacy, security, and transparency principles.

Conclusions: Careful consideration is needed to ensure the responsible and ethical use of large language models in medicine and health care. The development of [artificial intelligence] is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet, and the mobile phone. It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care, and communicate with each other. Bill Gates1.