The Future of AI & Medicine

Summary:

From the cellular make-up of the human body to rapid detection of life-threatening diseases, AI is advancing all aspects of healthcare. High school is the ideal time to start learning the skills that open the door to this exciting field.

Key Points:

• AI algorithms can predict which cells will most likely be effective in treating a patient's condition.
• AI models can predict the safety and effectiveness of an experimental drug.
• New companies are emerging that can analyze datasets and find life-threatening diseases faster than was ever possible before.
• AI can automate administrative tasks, such as scheduling, billing, and insurance claims, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.
• Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, collaborates with top colleges and universities to provide pre-college online courses that help high school students stay current on the advancements in medicine made possible by AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is permeating all facets of our society. When we consider the game-changing effects it has on medicine, we can't help but be astounded by the advances we see that are only scratching the surface.

In this article, we’ll examine the impacts AI is making, from the cellular makeup of the human body to the rapid detection of life-threatening diseases through its ability to analyze vast datasets quickly. We’ll also review pre-college online courses that can advance the knowledge of high school students and prepare them for the future. Now is the time to learn how to prepare for college while still in high school.

What AI can do

According to Scientific American, here are just some of the ‘miracles’ we’re seeing in healthcare thanks to the emergence of AI:

• AI is revolutionizing cell therapy by allowing researchers to analyze vast amounts of data on how cells work. One benefit of using AI is its ability to analyze a patient's genetic makeup and medical history to predict which cells will most likely be effective in treating their condition.
• Powerful new AI models can comb through datasets to identify promising molecules and predict their interactions with biological targets. Other models can predict how safe and effective an experimental drug is likely to be. Together, these models show great potential in accelerating the drug development process.
• Historically, cancer has been detected by examining tissue samples under a microscope to identify the presence of cancer cells. However, one company has trained its AI models to recognize digitized images of more than 5 million pathology slides. It enhances those images with data on genomes and molecular biomarkers that pathologists haven’t typically considered. The goal? To understand how patients might respond to different treatment options. 
• A 2017 study demonstrated that AI models could accurately identify skin cancer from images as effectively as board-certified dermatologists. Today, AI models can generate a list of the top 5 conditions with the same accuracy as a dermatologist. AI models like this enable doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and administer treatments more quickly and efficiently. 
• AI is enhancing diagnostics with precision medicine, streamlining administrative and operational workflow, and accelerating drug discovery and development. 
  

With all this and more occurring across the healthcare landscape, if you have an interest in the field of medicine, the time to start your journey is now.

Is AI in your future?

In one way or another, AI will be part of everyone’s future. However, if you aspire to a career in healthcare, remember that human expertise remains essential. AI is predicted to augment—not replace—the skills and judgement of healthcare professionals.

The point of this article is not just to acquaint you with the future of medicine and AI, but to encourage you to partner with Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, the top resource for pre-college medical programs. Our partner colleges and universities offer a wealth of pre-college online courses designed to introduce high school students and teens interested in a STEM career to the various degrees and jobs available.

Pre-College Online Courses from Partners of Prelum, Powered by Kaplan

Do you want to learn more about the field of robotics in surgery? Then the Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program is a great choice. Becoming a Surgeon: Skills, Specialties, and Diseases offers insights into diseases of the abdomen. You’ll learn about emerging technologies, such as robotics and digital scanning. You’ll discover the jobs of an OR team and hear from specialists like radiologists and trauma surgeons. 

Prelum partner Rice University, a member of the New Ivy League, provides a pre-college online program course called Engineering: Solving Real World Problems. Through this course, you’ll discover a comprehensive introduction to electrical and computer engineering. Explore the numerous career opportunities available and the exciting advancements in computer science.

If you find the intersection of computer science and medicine fascinating and want to know more, then the Dartmouth Precollege Online Program is for you. Regenerative Medicine: Healing With Science focuses on cell therapies, tissue engineering, and organ regeneration. You’ll experience a lab virtually and learn about the different areas you could be involved in, such as bioprinting, organ generation, medicine, and engineering. Regenerative medicine is revolutionizing the way we treat patients, and AI plays a significant role.

All pre-college online courses offer a flexible format, allowing you to study at your convenience, anywhere and at any time that suits your schedule. Plus, you’ll enjoy the support of mentors who will answer your questions and guide your learning experience. Upon successfully completing your Final Project, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion that you can add to your college application

Keep in mind that AI is not a replacement; instead, it is a set of tools that enhance potential. But like any tool, its real power lies in how we use it. AI can open new pathways for professional growth; starting while you are in high school is imperative for future success.

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 07/18/2025.