Talking To Your Doctor About AI

From Frustration to Framework: A Better Way to Talk About AI With Patients

The "Dr. Google" of yesterday is the "Dr. AI" of today. If you've had a patient arrive with a stack of printouts from ChatGPT or Gemini, you know the feeling. It can be frustrating to spend precious appointment time debunking misinformation when you need to be focusing on real-time care.

From a patient's perspective, they feel their agency has been lost when their research and interest in their own health is quickly dismissed. I've heard a medical professional who dismissed their patient's research with a simple, "Did you go to medical school to even understand what you are asking? Ask you're question once you do." Sadly, we all can think of a doctor who would give this type of response.

But what if we see this differently? This trend isn't just about a new source of questionable advice; it's a sign of heightened patient engagement. Patients are curious, proactive, and trying to understand their health using the tools available to them.

Instead of waiting to react, we can lead.

By proactively establishing a framework for discussion, we can guide this curiosity and reinforce our role as their trusted expert. Imagine initiating the conversation about AI before they even ask. You could establish expectations by covering three simple points:

How is AI used within your medical ecosystem? Briefly, explain if and how AI tools (like those for reading scans or analyzing data) are used in your hospital.

How does it help with patient care? Clarify how these tools support, but don't replace your clinical judgment in making decisions about their care.

How do you think patients should use AI? Offer your professional guidance on how patients can use AI tools safely, perhaps for summarizing information or drafting questions for their next visit.

This simple, proactive approach transforms the dynamic from a potential debate into a trusting partnership. It channels patient curiosity productively, reduces clinician frustration, and builds a stronger therapeutic alliance.

Let's turn a point of friction into an opportunity for connection. I'd love to chat about this with you if this is something you and/or your healthcare setting is looking to explore.