Generative artificial intelligence has been in the spotlight over the past year and its accessibility has led to an increase in its utilization. But what is it and what are potential ways that it can be used in vascular surgery? The following article is written in the form of an interview with a  large language model, specifically ChatGPT.  

Dr Hager: I am a physician preparing to talk to other physicians without an understanding of what generative AI is. Craft an explanation to present to them using 100 words or fewer.

ChatGPT: Generative AI is like a virtual creative assistant. It’s a computer program that learns from vast amounts of data and can generate new content, such as text, images, or even music, that resembles human-created work. Think of it as a digital artist that can paint, write, or compose based on patterns it has learned. In healthcare, it can assist in medical research, data analysis, and even help automate tasks like medical note generation. It’s a tool that has the potential to revolutionize how we process and utilize information in the medical field, improving efficiency and expanding possibilities.

Dr Hager: ChatGPT, introduce yourself to my audience.

ChatGPT: Hello, I’m ChatGPT, an AI language model created by OpenAI. I’ve been trained on a wide range of topics and information up until September 2021. My primary function is to assist with answering questions, providing information, and engaging in conversations on various subjects. Whether you need help with research, writing, or just want to chat, I’m here to assist you to the best of my abilities. Please feel free to ask me anything, and I’ll do my best to provide you with accurate and informative responses.

Generative AI has the potential to make significant contributions to vascular surgery, particularly in the context of venous disease:

1. Treatment Recommendations:AI can analyze vast datasets of patient records, medical literature, and imaging data to assist vascular surgeons in making more informed treatment decisions. It can provide personalized recommendations for treatment options based on the patient’s unique condition, medical history, and the latest research.
2. Simulation and Training:AI-powered simulations can help train surgeons in complex procedures, allowing them to practice and refine their skills in a risk-free virtual environment. This can lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications.
3. Image Analysis:AI algorithms can enhance the analysis of medical imaging, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, by quickly identifying and measuring key parameters related to venous disease. This can aid in early diagnosis and monitoring.
4. Patient Education:Generative AI can generate easy-to-understand educational materials and explanations for patients, helping them better understand their condition, treatment options, and post-operative care.
5. Research Assistance:AI can assist researchers by analyzing vast datasets to identify trends, potential risk factors, and novel treatment approaches in the field of venous disease.
6. Workflow Optimization:AI can automate administrative tasks, streamline patient data management, and assist in appointment scheduling, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.
7. Telemedicine Support: AI-powered chatbots can provide 24/7 support for patients, answering common questions, scheduling appointments, and offering guidance on post-operative care.

While AI has great potential in vascular surgery, it’s important to emphasize that it should be used as a complementary tool to assist healthcare professionals rather than a replacement for their expertise and judgment. Additionally, rigorous validation and adherence to ethical and regulatory guidelines are crucial in implementing AI solutions in healthcare.

JVS-VL is going open access in 2024. Dr. Ruth Bush talks about the transition & explores what it means for readers, authors, and reviewers, and gives a timeline for these changes.

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“Culture, culture, culture, culture, culture … What the heck does that mean? … I don’t care about culture… I don’t care if they like each other. I want to win. I’ve been on some teams where the quarterback didn’t like the receiver, but they darn sure made harmony when the ball was snapped.”

When I first read those words recently from Deion Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Famer-turned-coach with the University of Colorado Buffaloes, it got my attention, to say the least. I mean, who doesn’t care about culture? 

But culture is one of those words. Ask six people to define it, and you’ll get twelve different answers. Many times hard to describe, but always easy to feel. 

Culture is the way an organization gets things done. It propels people from me to we, from self-interest to shared interest. It’s the organizational atmosphere enveloping purpose, vision, values, assumptions, behaviors at scale—and ultimately results. It fills the white space around formal plans, structures, systems, mindset, and abilities—in short, it’s an organization’s everything. 

Ironically, despite its pervasiveness, Korn Ferry’s research suggests it’s the most underrated success factor in business.

Now, let’s get back to Deion Sanders…

A two-time Super Bowl winner, Sanders has earned his nickname “Prime Time.” His lightning-fast speed and swagger were second only to his unique style of play and larger-than-life personality. Now Coach Prime (as his players call him) is bringing that same electricity to his leadership at Colorado, a football program that for years has been mired in mediocrity.

But not anymore.

“You believe now? … Do … you … believe!?”

With those words, Coach Sanders called out the doubters after leading Colorado to an undefeated start that’s been the talk of this college football season. 

And that’s largely thanks to what Coach Sanders is doing—and unabashedly in his own way. He’s actually forging a new culture—not that he embraces that term. He simply oozes it with candor and confidence and lives that conviction. 

Let’s put it this way: the changes he made to his roster in just one season arguably reflect the biggest turnover of talent in college football history. It’s nothing less than a complete overhaul with a new blueprint that touches everything. 

Culture starts at the top and cascades everywhere, forming the left and right boundaries that keep everyone moving toward the goal line. 

Culture, particularly in this new hybrid world, is a conversation we’re having frequently these days with our clients across the globe. While the details differ, the discussion often centers around how to propel culture forward. 

And through culture, performance emerges out of distinct differences—not symbiotic sameness.

In fact, as long as people live and work in groups, there’s going to be conflict. We’re human beings—not human doings, and everybody is different. 

Admittedly, all of this may sound counterintuitive. But actually, research reveals teams that are all “kumbaya” do not perform as well as those that embrace conflict. Constructive conflict creates collective genius.

And it’s up to the leader to make that happen—starting with authenticity, belief, and communication.

Authenticity . “The one thing that [Sanders] firmly believes in is he’s going to tell people the truth,” a fellow coach said about him. “He has not done anything since he’s been the head coach that he didn’t say he was going to do.” It comes down to having a say/do ratio of 1-to-1: We do what we say and say what we mean. That’s the kind of honesty that goes to the heart of authenticity.

Belief. When we believe we can make a difference our actions will follow. But if we don’t believe, we won’t achieve. No surprise then, belief ranks high on the agendas of the global CEOs our firm is speaking with. It really is that simple: If you don’t believe, no one else will.

Communication.  Communication is where leadership lives and breathes, and without question culture is shaped by leaders. As Korn Ferry research indicates, it’s in how they talk about the mission, the stories they tell, the key values they articulate, and the heroes they create. It doesn’t stop there. Culture is also influenced by how employees are recognized and rewarded. If leaders talk about the importance of collaboration, but only promote the strivers and Type A personalities, that’s a mixed message. Consistency matters. 

Say it, mean it, act it, believe it … for the love of the game.

PS: Another win last night. Coach Prime and Colorado are now 3-0!