Serial entrepreneur Munjal Shah is launching a startup called Hippocratic AI, which aims to utilize large language models (LLMs) for non-diagnostic healthcare applications, such as chronic care nursing, dietitian services, and patient navigation. Shah, with a background in AI and machine learning, sees a significant opportunity for generative AI in healthcare, particularly in addressing the global shortage of healthcare workers. By deploying LLMs that can communicate knowledgeably and empathetically, Hippocratic AI hopes to manage tasks like chronic care management by asking patients about their medication, appointments, and other daily needs. These AI systems are designed not to diagnose but to assist with patient engagement and support, which are critical in managing healthcare staffing shortages.
At the HLTH 2023 conference, Shah described generative AI as a groundbreaking technology that is still underhyped despite its potential. He contrasted it with classifier AI, highlighting the former’s ability to create new content rather than merely categorizing existing data. Shah emphasized the importance of training LLMs to communicate effectively with patients, incorporating feedback from medical professionals to enhance their interaction style. The overarching vision for Hippocratic AI is to provide “super staffing,” allowing AI to spend unlimited time with patients, thus alleviating the burden on human healthcare workers and expanding access to care despite the current workforce limitations.
