Bias in Emergency Medicine Artificial Intelligence: When Artificial Intelligence Needs a Check-Up (ADIEM Sponsored)

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potent tool to augment emergency medicine. However, the efficacy of AI is significantly marred by underlying biases, which, if unaddressed, can perpetuate systemic inequities and potentially endanger lives. This pressing issue underscores the dire need for a robust understanding and remediation of bias in AI applications within emergency departments.

This didactic delves into the realms of AI in emergency medicine, elucidating the sources and implications of bias, alongside practical strategies for mitigation. Through an engaging blend of evidence-based presentations, interactive discussions, and real-world case analyses, participants will be navigated through the critical contours of AI bias and its overarching impact on patient care. A focal point will be the scrutiny of algorithmic biases in predicting patient deterioration, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment allocations, fortified by insightful reflections on recent advancements and regulatory frameworks.

Attendees will depart with a solid grasp of the multifaceted nature of bias in emergency medicine AI, empowered with actionable insights to foster a culture of equity and inclusivity in AI deployments. They will also be equipped with a framework to critically assess and refine AI applications within their respective domains, promoting safer and more equitable patient care in emergency settings. This didactic aims to catalyze a paradigm shift, urging the medical community towards a more conscientious and informed application of AI, ensuring that the promise of AI in enhancing patient care is fully realized, sans bias.

Presenter:

  • Donald Apakama, MD MS
Authors

  • Donald Apakama, MD, MS

    Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai

    Dr. Donald (DJ) Apakama Jr. (He/Him/His) is a pioneering figure at the intersection of Emergency Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, and Human Health. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai Beth Israel and the Mount Sinai Hospital, where he has established himself as a leading force in leveraging data science to improve healthcare outcomes.

    Dr. Apakama pursued his medical degree at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, earning his M.D. with a distinction in clinical research. He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he also served as Chief Resident. Committed to advancing his knowledge at the nexus of healthcare and data science, upon graduation he completed a T-32 Clinical Research Fellowship and is currently completing an M.S. in Biomedical Informatics at Oregon Health and Science University.
    Dr. Apakama's professional accolades, which include being an NIH Diversity Supplement and a Mount Sinai Biomedical Laureates Awardee, underscore his dedication to excellence and diversity in healthcare.

    Beyond his clinical excellence, Dr. Apakama's research focus on the social determinants of health (SDOH) and their impact on minority populations has garnered him international recognition. His innovative approach, utilizing Natural Language Processing and Large Language Modeling, aims to unveil links between social needs and adverse patient outcomes, making significant strides toward reducing health disparities. Additionally, Dr. Apakama's current research is exploring the use of LLMs for the extraction of negative descriptors in electronic medical records (EMRs) to better understand and address the social factors impacting patient outcomes. As a mentor, educator, and researcher, he is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of medical professionals, particularly advocating for the representation of BIPOC doctors. Continuing his mission to educate and innovate, Dr. Apakama recently launched “STAT AI: an Emergency Medicine Podcast” alongside colleague Dr. Ethan Abbott, where they explore the dynamic intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Emergency Medicine, bringing cutting-edge discussions to the forefront of medical and public discourse. STAT AI is available on all major platforms.

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