Advancement of Artificial Intelligence for Family Medicine Research

The growth of data and computer technology are paving the way for artificial intelligence (AI) to transform health care. Family medicine is the foundation and entry-point to the Canadian health care system, and AI applications applied in family medicine have the potential for widespread benefit. However, family medicine leadership is needed to mitigate potential harms and maximize successes. The Mitacs fellow, Mahzabeen Emu, will contribute to ongoing AI-related initiatives at the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Currently, the CFPC has been engaged in an investigation of AI in family medicine with the TechForward program, supported by Associate Medical Services and led by the TeachForward Fellow Jaky Kueper. The Mitacs Fellow will contribute to the expansion of the AI investigation for family medicine practice, education, and research. More specifically, the Mitacs project will develop a framework comprising AI work currently performed in Canada specific to family medicine research, and including considerations on further work that could be performed given near-term capabilities of AI and the work and values in family medicine, particularly supporting the importance of the patient-doctor relationship and the provision of compassionate care. The framework will be used to guide future research and involvement of the CFPC in supporting a positive future of AI for family medicine.

Faculty Supervisor:

Salimur Choudhury

Student:

Partner:

College of Family Physicians of Canada

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Lakehead University

Program: