AI revolutionizing medicine: Sci-fi made reality at Israeli confab

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Author: WALLA!
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The 2nd annual conference of the organization Lema'anchem was held last week at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where the latest technological developments of artificial intelligence and their applications in the world of healthcare were presented

Judging by the news coming from there, it seems that the sky is the limit: On one hand, the computer has reached a point where it surpasses humans in preventing diseases, diagnosing them, and maybe in the future, treating them; on the other hand, there is no substitute – and apparently there never will be a substitute – for the abilities of a human doctor.

In a groundbreaking conference, the first of its kind in Israel, initiated by the chairman and founder of Lema'anchem, Rabbi Yossi Erblich, senior executives from AI giants from Israel and around the world, leading international scientists, and healthcare leaders, gathered to create partnerships and harness the significant technological revolution of the 21st century for the highest purpose – saving lives, extending life expectancy, and improving quality of life.

Among the organizations that sent their best minds to the conference were Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Check Point, which are at the forefront of artificial intelligence development in the world.

Two years ago, President Isaac Herzog awarded the organization and Erblich the President's Volunteer Award. He sent his blessing to the participants of the conference and said: "There is a clear connection between the capabilities of the Israeli healthcare system and the commitment to innovation and creativity. This is the principle under which Lema'anchem operates for the sake of over 20,000 patients every year. In recent months, you have demonstrated this even more strongly when you stood by the side of wounded IDF soldiers and victims of the October 7 massacre."

"Artificial intelligence has tremendous implications, and this may be the next chapter in human history," added Herzog. "This conference can be an opportunity to understand the significant implications inherent in artificial intelligence. I am delighted to discover that AI giants are fully committed to the topic. I want to thank the one leading this initiative, Rabbi Yossi Erblich, who always does good, whom I had the privilege of awarding the President's Volunteer Award to, as his life's work is dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the most professional assistance and support."

Prof. Ran Balicer, deputy director-general of Clalit Health...