On this episode of FYI, Director of Next Generation Internet Research Frank Downing and Analyst Ali Urman interview Dr. Issam El Naqa, the founding chair of the Department of Machine Learning at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. El Naqa shares his journey from electrical engineering to spearheading innovative uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical physics and oncology. This episode explores how AI technologies not only support but significantly enhance diagnostic and treatment processes in healthcare, particularly in the complex field of oncology. Tune in as we examine the practical and potential applications of AI in transforming patient care and treatment efficiency.

"What the algorithm is going to do is going to look at the history of similar patients that went through that process. We recognize every patient is unique. Every patient needs may be different. And this is where there is a lot of uncertainty with the prediction that their algorithm is going to do it." - Dr. El Naqa

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. El Naqa's transition from electrical engineering to medical physics
• The integration of AI in enhancing diagnostic imaging and treatment planning
• AI's role in medical physics, historically and presently
• Discussion on the evolution of AI tools in medical applications
• Examining AI's effectiveness in non-invasive cancer treatments
• How AI supports personalized patient care in oncology
• AI in the optimization of medical processes and patient management
• Future perspectives on AI's role in healthcare from Dr. El Naqa
• The balance between AI capabilities and human expertise in medicine