I wrote about the impending age of deep fake videos in medicine and how to tell if a doctor is a digital avatar or a deep-fake. Synthetic healthcare workers are coming, just as we predicted back in 2008, because the number of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals will continue to increase worldwide over the next few decades.
On our platforms, it was widely discussed that the rapid development and implementation of AI algorithms could soon lead to a situation in which a medical AI bot will be a safer option than waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
To refresh your memory, when you are trying to identify a deep-fake human, look out for any unnatural movements of the eyes, facial expressions that do not look natural, and other small details such as hair, teeth, or other small features. Also, make sure to look at the edges to see if there is blurring or misalignment. In the near future, our deepfake-catching techniques could prove to be very useful.
Back to our topic, Synthesia recently approached me with an interesting proposal: would I be interested creating a virtual avatar? Yes, of course! It was impossible to resist.
The original plan was for me to travel to London and work with the team. With my own studio and crew, as well as equipment such as a 4K camcorder and green screen, I was able to complete the project at The Medical Futurist’s HQ. I and my team compiled all the footage needed for the process, without ever leaving our studio.
Synthesia gave me a script that I read and also specific instructions about how to perform. This was the only preparation I needed.
In just a few short days, I had access to a platform that allowed me to use my digital persona. I could dictate text and my avatar would read it out. I can also incorporate music, media or cutscenes into my video. The platform also allowed me to select from over 100 languages/accents.
How do I look?
My digital avatar looks remarkably like me at first glance. This is a testament of the capabilities of technology. After a few moments, it starts to make you feel uneasy. My team unanimously declared that Digital Berci* with a Scottish Accept is creepy.
*Pardon my strange sense of humor – I chose it myself.
My avatar does not blink. It doesn’t blink at all. This is the most eerie part of the whole experience. Its gestures and accent points are also slightly off making it obvious that the technology hasn’t been perfected yet. It’s still exciting to see how a digital avatar functions and looks.
We’ve created a video to show you how convincing this avatar is. You can decide whether I’m speaking or my digital twin. After a few weeks, my digital twin was able to deliver this corporate-style marketing message.
I can already see how could be used in medicine
We are interested in knowing if this technology is suitable for medical use. The answer for now is that live doctor-patient interaction cannot be replaced by a virtual version. The avatar is unable to communicate emotions or empathise with the patient, which is vital in the medical profession. At this stage, patients would find it more comforting to receive a written note from their doctor, without an avatar.
There are some potential uses. I can imagine, for example, using a doctor’s video introduction to create educational materials or recording hundreds of videos instead of spending hundreds of hours before cameras. This medium is faster, cheaper and more efficient if your target audience includes [healthcare] professionals who are looking for new information.
This technology is still relatively new, and it has room for improvement. Digital avatars must be developed further to meet their current limitations. However, they have a lot of potential. We’ll need to figure out their rightful place and the limits of using virtual humans. My digital avatar and myself will continue to explore the fascinating digital world until then.
The Medical Futurist published the post Me and My Digital Twin: A brand new deepfake avatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It may save you money and time over the long term.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. The patient should feel better following treatment.
Doctors should not just focus on treating the disease, but also helping to prevent future ones.
The term “holistic” means considering all aspects of a person’s life.
Is it possible for a holistic doctor to prescribe prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all diseases can be caused by a combination factors. This includes diet, lifestyle, environment stress, stress, emotions, genetics and other health-related issues.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors have become certified in complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine treats the whole person and not only specific symptoms. It focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine is acupuncture as well massage therapy, chiropractic, nutritional counseling, Yoga, and other complementary therapies.
People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It is a healing approach that focuses on prevention instead of treating. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers any treatment or diagnosis that does not use allopathic (conventional), medical practices.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
What to look for in a qualified holistic doctor?
How do I find a good holistic physician?
Only those who are experts in their field can be the best doctors. In this case, we talk about holistic medicine. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. They must understand holistic health, and why you should see a holistic doctor.
In addition to knowing about holistic health, the doctor should have a strong understanding of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga.
Holistic health practitioners will also be able, in most cases, to diagnose and discuss your condition.
You should also inquire if the doctor is certified through professional organizations like The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
If you are looking for a holistic practitioner in your area, check out our directory. You may be able search online to find a holistic physician near you if there aren’t any listed.
Ask your local hospital or doctor to verify if they offer holistic care.
Visit your local library to find books and resources related to holistic health.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Me And My Digital Twin: I Have A Brand New Deepfake Avatar
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/me-and-my-digital-twin-i-have-a-brand-new-deepfake-avatar
Published Date: Tue, 16 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?
The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It may save you money and time over the long term.
What is holistic medicine?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. The patient should feel better following treatment.
Doctors should not just focus on treating the disease, but also helping to prevent future ones.
The term “holistic” means considering all aspects of a person’s life.
Is it possible for a holistic doctor to prescribe prescriptions?
Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all diseases can be caused by a combination factors. This includes diet, lifestyle, environment stress, stress, emotions, genetics and other health-related issues.
These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.
A physician must be able to understand both modern science and traditional methods like herbs and homeopathy in order to understand the effects of each factor on a patient.
Many doctors have become certified in complementary and alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine treats the whole person and not only specific symptoms. It focuses on both the mental and physical aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine is acupuncture as well massage therapy, chiropractic, nutritional counseling, Yoga, and other complementary therapies.
People who use holistic medicine include those who have been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, migraines, infertility, menopause, asthma, autism, and many others.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It is a healing approach that focuses on prevention instead of treating. It encourages people be educated consumers, actively participating in their own health and well being.
Alternative medicine refers any treatment or diagnosis that does not use allopathic (conventional), medical practices.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
What to look for in a qualified holistic doctor?
How do I find a good holistic physician?
Only those who are experts in their field can be the best doctors. In this case, we talk about holistic medicine. This means that doctors must know how to treat their patients holistically, which includes treating them as a whole person rather than just their symptoms. They must understand holistic health, and why you should see a holistic doctor.
In addition to knowing about holistic health, the doctor should have a strong understanding of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga.
Holistic health practitioners will also be able, in most cases, to diagnose and discuss your condition.
You should also inquire if the doctor is certified through professional organizations like The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
If you are looking for a holistic practitioner in your area, check out our directory. You may be able search online to find a holistic physician near you if there aren’t any listed.
Ask your local hospital or doctor to verify if they offer holistic care.
Visit your local library to find books and resources related to holistic health.
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