LLMs Revolutionize Medical Care: AI-Powered Diagnoses Arrive in Southern California Clinics

The Download: LLM-Powered Medical Appointments and a New Fusion Power Deal In a significant development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, Akido Labs has begun using Large Language Models (LLMs) to run appointments and make diagnoses at several clinics in Southern California. Meanwhile, oil and gas giant Eni has signed a $1 billion deal with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to develop fusion power technology. According to Akido Labs' CEO, the LLM-based system, called ScopeAI, transcribes and analyzes the dialogue between patients and medical assistants, allowing doctors to see four to five times as many patients as they could previously. However, experts are raising concerns about the implications of displacing so much of the cognitive work of medicine onto AI. "We're not replacing human doctors with machines," said Akido Labs' CEO in an interview. "We're augmenting their abilities and freeing them up to focus on more complex cases." The use of LLMs in medical appointments is a growing trend, with several startups exploring similar approaches. However, critics argue that relying too heavily on AI could lead to errors and overlook important nuances in patient care. "The problem is not just about the technology itself, but also about how it's being implemented," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in medical ethics. "We need to be careful not to sacrifice patient safety for the sake of efficiency." In related news, Eni has signed a $1 billion deal with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to develop fusion power technology. The agreement marks a significant step forward in the development of commercially viable fusion energy. "Fusion is the holy grail of clean energy," said Dr. Ian Chapman, CEO of Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. "This partnership brings us closer to making it a reality." The deal between Eni and Commonwealth Fusion Systems is part of a growing trend towards investment in fusion power technology. Several major companies have announced plans to develop fusion reactors in recent months. As the use of LLMs in medicine continues to grow, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability in their development and deployment. Meanwhile, the fusion power deal between Eni and Commonwealth Fusion Systems marks a significant step forward in the quest for clean energy. Background Akido Labs is a medical startup that has been testing its LLM-based system, ScopeAI, at several clinics in Southern California. The company claims that the technology allows doctors to see more patients while maintaining high levels of care. Commonwealth Fusion Systems is a leading developer of fusion power technology. The company has announced plans to develop commercially viable fusion reactors in recent months. Additional Perspectives The use of LLMs in medicine raises important questions about the role of AI in healthcare. While proponents argue that it can improve efficiency and patient outcomes, critics warn of potential risks and unintended consequences. "Fusion is a game-changer for clean energy," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a leading expert in fusion research. "But we need to be careful not to overlook the challenges and complexities involved." Current Status and Next Developments Akido Labs plans to expand its use of LLMs in medicine to more clinics across the country. Meanwhile, Eni and Commonwealth Fusion Systems are set to begin work on developing commercially viable fusion reactors. As the field of AI in medicine continues to evolve, experts will be watching closely for signs of progress and potential pitfalls. The future of fusion power technology also holds much promise, but significant challenges remain before it can become a reality. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*