Medical artificial intelligence (AI) has moved beyond the stage of proving its potential and must now establish itself as a practical tool for solving problems in clinical settings. The goal is to build an integrated care system that benefits both healthcare professionals and patients.
In a recent interview with News1 at the AITRICS office in Gangnam, Seoul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kim Kwang-jun assessed the current state of the medical AI industry. He explained that while technological competition remains important, real-world applicability has become the key competitive advantage.
Kim, who also serves as a professor of geriatrics at Severance Hospital, emphasized that AI will complement the structural limitations of healthcare and serve as a tool to enhance physicians’ decision-making capabilities.
Industry reports from Monday indicate that AITRICS has developed an AI solution that predicts patient deterioration early. The company aims to provide a real-time clinical tool that supports healthcare professionals’ decision-making, moving beyond simple data analysis.
AITRICS’s technology focuses on comprehensively analyzing patients’ vital signs and test data to detect potential deterioration in advance. The key is identifying subtle changes that healthcare providers might otherwise miss.
Kim noted that in the past, medical AI was evaluated based on research outcomes or academic papers. Now, the most critical factor is how useful it is in actual hospitals. He added that AI isn’t meant to replace doctors; it’s a tool to help them make faster and more accurate decisions.
He further explained that there are limits to how much data a person can interpret in real-time. AI’s role is to analyze vast amounts of data simultaneously and alerts them to risk signals.
Kim continued that ultimately, the value of AI lies not only in its accuracy but also in its timing. The crucial factors are how quickly it can provide warnings and how effectively it can motivate healthcare professionals to take action.
The Real Barrier to AI Adoption is Workflow, Not Technology
While experts believe AI may soon surpass being a mere medical assistance tool and could even replace some physician roles, the adoption of medical AI in healthcare remains slow. This lag is due to various factors, including unclear legal responsibilities, lack of information and infrastructure, regulatory constraints, and gaps in trust and education among healthcare professionals.
Drawing on his background as a physician, Kim aims to create products that seamlessly integrate into clinical workflows, including electronic medical record (EMR), prescriptions, and patient monitoring.
He emphasized that no matter how advanced an AI system is, it won’t be used if it disrupts healthcare professionals’ workflows. It must integrate smoothly with hospital systems and be user-friendly. It must also consider factors like trust and usability.
Kim elaborated that implementing medical AI isn’t just about supplying software; it’s about integrating into the hospital’s care processes. Close collaboration with healthcare providers is essential.
While eyeing the global market for medical AI, Kim views international expansion as a crucial growth strategy. He noted that each country’s healthcare systems and regulations differ, so competing solely on technology is challenging. Establishing local partnerships and securing clinical data is key. It’s approaching this from a long-term perspective.
Currently, AITRICS is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO). Last September, the company selected KB Securities as its underwriter and has begun preparations for the listing, targeting early next year.
In conclusion, Kim reaffirmed the essence of the medical AI industry. He stated that while medical AI is still in its early growth stage, one thing is clear: the focus is shifting towards being field-centered. AITRICS aims to be a company that drives real change within this trend.