I think that medical AI could be a nice way to get into the AI field for a few reasons:
You’d be developing technology that improves global health by a lot. For example, according to the WHO, “The use of X-rays and other physical waves such as ultrasound can resolve between 70% and 80% of diagnostic problems, but nearly two-thirds of the world’s population has no access to diagnostic imaging.”[1] Computer vision can make radiology more accessible to billions of people around the world, as this project is trying to do.
It’s also a promising starting point for careers in AI safety and applying AI/ML to other pressing causes.
Epistemic status: Tentative thoughts.
I think that medical AI could be a nice way to get into the AI field for a few reasons:
You’d be developing technology that improves global health by a lot. For example, according to the WHO, “The use of X-rays and other physical waves such as ultrasound can resolve between 70% and 80% of diagnostic problems, but nearly two-thirds of the world’s population has no access to diagnostic imaging.”[1] Computer vision can make radiology more accessible to billions of people around the world, as this project is trying to do.
It’s also a promising starting point for careers in AI safety and applying AI/ML to other pressing causes.
AI for animal health may be even more important and neglected.
World Radiography Day: Two-Thirds of the World’s Population has no Access to Diagnostic Imaging