Exclusive Interview| AI is a tool, not teacher; can guide, not replace clinical reasoning: D Nageshwar Reddy

Hyderabad: The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare sector is crucial, says chairman of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, cautioning patients against misusing it like Google for self-diagnosis. He urged young doctors to look at AI as a tool, as an assistant, not an authority.

Patients are relying on chatbots for self-diagnosis of disease, which is a dangerous trend as they are coming with their diagnosis to hospitals. Young doctors must not let AI decide for them, they have to rely on their medical knowledge, evaluate symptoms, and bedside practice, he says.

"Don't allow AI to become an authority over your medical knowledge' is the message to young doctors," says Dr Reddy.

In an interview with NewsMeter, Dr Nagehwar Reddy explains how AI can revolutionize healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Excerpts:

NM: What is the role of AI in healthcare when it comes to diagnosis? How effectively will it help in identifying the disease?

Dr Reddy: AI plays a critical role in early diagnosis, especially in fields like gastroenterology, where detecting diseases at an early stage can prevent complications. AI-powered imaging, for instance, has shown remarkable accuracy in detecting colorectal cancer, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel conditions at an early stage.

At AIG Hospitals, we have successfully integrated AI-assisted endoscopy and colonoscopy to identify polyps and precancerous lesions that could be missed by the human eye. AI’s role is not to replace the doctor but to enhance accuracy and help standardize diagnoses across different levels of healthcare infrastructure in India.

NM: Will this then add to the patient’s bill, as diagnosis is already a huge expense for patients?

Dr Reddy: On the contrary, AI can reduce the financial burden of patients by making diagnosis more efficient and precise, thereby avoiding unnecessary tests and delayed treatments.

For example, in gastroenterology, AI can help predict disease progression in conditions like fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and pancreatic disorders based on existing scans and blood tests, reducing the need for multiple invasive procedures.

At AIG Hospitals, AI is leveraged for practical solutions in healthcare. In collaboration with the Indian School of Business (ISB), we have developed a six-month AI in healthcare course to train practicing doctors. One of the key projects from this initiative, which is now being implemented, is an AI-based NAFLD diagnosis system that uses earlier reports and metabolic health parameters to detect and manage the disease more effectively. This innovation will help streamline early detection, minimizing the need for costly late-stage interventions.

NM: How will AI work when it comes to treatment? Will doctors tend to get dependent? Or will it facilitate them to understand the treatment process better? How do you see it, especially with young doctors who are very tech-savvy and rely more on technology for quick answers?

Dr Reddy: AI will act as a decision-support system, guiding doctors toward the best treatment protocols while ensuring personalized medicine. For young doctors, AI can serve as a knowledge accelerator, helping them make informed decisions faster. However, AI should be seen as an assistant, not an authority—clinical judgment, experience, and human intuition will always remain central to medical practice.

In gastroenterology, AI-based algorithms are already helping doctors predict patient responses to treatments for conditions like H. pylori infections, Crohn’s disease, and liver cirrhosis, allowing for tailored therapies.

To further drive AI-based advancements, we have also established a dedicated Center for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation at AIG Hospitals. This center is now actively working on practical AI solutions that improve patient care while keeping costs in check. These initiatives ensure that AI is integrated in a cost-effective and impactful manner, ultimately benefiting both patients and doctors.

NM: In hospitals, bedside practice is still considered the best way to understand the condition of diseases and the impact of treatment. What will be the impact of AI on bedside practice?

Dr Reddy: AI will enhance bedside practice, not replace it. While bedside assessment remains the gold standard for understanding a patient’s condition, AI tools can augment decision-making in real time.

For instance, AI-driven wearable monitors can track vital parameters in ICU patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and predict deterioration before visible symptoms appear. This helps doctors intervene at the right moment, reducing complications.

However, the human connection between doctors and patients cannot be replaced. Empathy, reassurance, and the art of clinical examination will always be fundamental to medicine.

NM: While senior doctors have age and experience on their side, young doctors are the ones who look up to technology for answers. How do you counsel young doctors to use these new mediums effectively?

Dr Reddy: The key message to young doctors is: AI is a tool, not a teacher. It can guide, but it cannot replace clinical reasoning and experience.

Young doctors should use AI for:

* Data analysis to enhance decision-making

* Pattern recognition in imaging and lab results

* Staying updated with the latest guidelines and clinical advancements

It is important to have a balanced approach—leveraging AI for accuracy and efficiency while honing clinical intuition through bedside practice and case discussions.

NM: Patients worldwide have used Google consultancy to diagnose and treat their diseases. Do you find a similar pattern emerging with AI? If so, what is the word of advice you would give to them?

Dr Reddy: Yes, just like Google searches, AI-based symptom checkers and chatbots are becoming common. While they offer basic guidance, they cannot replace a doctor’s expertise.

Our advice to patients is to use AI for awareness, not for self-diagnosis. Many conditions, especially in gastroenterology, such as IBS, GERD, or stomach ulcers, have overlapping symptoms, and only a doctor can differentiate and provide the right treatment.

At AIG Hospitals, we have deployed MIRA (Medical Information Robot at AIG)—an AI-powered system designed to answer patient questions effectively. While MIRA can provide general health information and guidance, it is not a substitute for a doctor’s consultation. Instead, AI tools like MIRA should be seen as an educational aid, helping patients understand their conditions better and communicate more effectively with their doctors.

Instead of relying solely on AI, patients should use it as an additional tool to ask the right questions to their doctors and participate actively in their treatment plans.