It's Not A Bad Thing, Say Doctors As Patients Turn To AI-Led ChatGPT For Opinion
Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT are transforming how we use healthcare and if used wisely, it can empower patients and support doctors
In the middle of the night, a notification buzzed on my phone—the final report of my blood tests had arrived. Anxious but unable to make sense of the complex medical jargons, I turned to ChatGPT for help. I uploaded the report and asked for an analysis.
To my surprise, ChatGPT broke down the details in very simple language. It not only explained the results but also suggested possible treatment options and listed some of the best doctors in India for the identified deficiencies. That night, I found myself in an extended conversation with AI–asking it a series of questions, almost like I would ask a doctor.
Of course, I knew I was speaking to an AI tool, not a qualified medical professional. Yet, when I later discussed the findings with my doctor, I was amazed to see that much of what ChatGPT had explained matched the medical advice I received.
My experience isn't unique. Just last month, I came across a news story about a woman in Paris, Marly Garnreiter, who credited ChatGPT with identifying the possibility of her having cancer—before any medical expert had confirmed it.
Curious to know if more people had similar experiences, I reached out to doctors—and the response was overwhelming.
Doctors Confirm The AI Trend
When News18 contacted Dr Satya Prakash Yadav, Director of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Medanta Hospital, he immediately acknowledged the trend. 'Yes, it's happening," he said. He recalled a case of a child from a village in Uttar Pradesh suffering from bone-marrow failure.
'I asked the family how they found me, and the father replied—'I asked ChatGPT, and it told me to meet you'."
'Not only did ChatGPT tell him about the diagnosis, but also treatment, and where he could find treatment. AI is very powerful," Yadav recalled and added, 'AI uses information available on the Internet to give you an answer. It would be highly accurate if lots of data were available about a topic, and very wrong if very little or no data were available. It's 100,000 times faster than Google."
Dr Swapnil M Khadake, head, critical care at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, noted that the growing popularity of AI health apps like ChatGPT is changing how patients engage with doctors. He shared his experience with patients. 'People now come to us having already discussed symptoms and potential diagnoses with these apps. Some even arrive with specific questions or preconceived notions, all shaped by what the apps have told them."
While this evolution makes healthcare more accessible, it also presents new challenges.
Doctors are now navigating not just misinformation from internet searches, but also AI-generated content that may not always be accurate.
Balancing Technology & Professional Expertise
'This ChatGPT trend reflects the direction healthcare is heading," said Dr Khadake. 'Medical professionals will increasingly encounter patients who consult AI tools before seeing a doctor. Our job is to correct misconceptions, ensure accurate understanding, and educate patients about the limitations of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis."
Doctors now need to balance the benefits of AI with the importance of their own medical expertise. As AI tools become more common, it's important to understand how they can help—without replacing the role of real doctors.
'By collaborating with patients who use these tools, doctors can offer more personalised and informed treatment plans," Khadake added.
Similar experiences were shared by other experts.
Sample this instance shared by Dr Maninder Dhaliwal, an expert in paediatric pulmonology at NCR-based Amrita Hospital. 'A few months ago, I diagnosed a six-year-old with asthma. The parents were anxious but receptive, and we started treatment."
At review, he said, parents came in with thoughtful questions. 'What's FeNO? What's IgE? I was pleasantly surprised. They shared that they had a chat with AI and now to them it all made sense: why I asked certain questions, why he was earlier given nebulisation, why we chose this treatment, why inhaler is important etc."
Dhaliwal says it doesn't mean parents don't trust him; it only means they want to be more informed and that is good. 'I have accepted AI as a reality and have moved forward, but with caution. I honestly don't have a problem if patients read up or chat with online tools about their illness. It shows they're curious and involved in their own care," Dhaliwal said.
Can ChatGPT Outperform Doctors?
A small study reported by The New York Times found that ChatGPT actually outperformed human doctors in some diagnostic tasks. The study showed that ChatGPT scored an average of 90 per cent in diagnosing medical conditions based on case reports, compared to 76 per cent for doctors who used the chatbot and 74 per cent for those who didn't.
But there are several other studies too that warn against its blind usage.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan believes that while technology like ChatGPT is helpful for professionals, it should be used as a supportive tool, not a standalone diagnostic source. 'AI can help broaden a clinician's thinking by suggesting possibilities they might not immediately consider—similar to ordering an additional lab test," he said.
top videos
View all
However, he cautioned against patients relying solely on ChatGPT or Google for self-diagnosis. 'At the end of the day, what a patient really needs is clarity, peace of mind, and reassurance—which only a trained human professional can truly provide."
In short, AI like ChatGPT is transforming how we use healthcare, but it's not a replacement for medical professionals or doctors. If used wisely, it can empower patients and support doctors. One thing is clear—the future of medicine isn't man versus machine but it's their collaboration.
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 12, 2025, 12:40 IST
News india It's Not A Bad Thing, Say Doctors As Patients Turn To AI-Led ChatGPT For Opinion
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
5 Hair Oils That Protect Your Hair From Heat And Styling Damage
Last Updated: One of the most effective ways to restore your hair health after all damage is by opting for a good hair oil. Read on to find out about different oils and their benefits. From blow-drying and curling to colouring and tight hairstyles, our hair goes through a lot every day. While conditioners and serums help a bit, there is one age-old solution that works wonders: hair oiling. Oils can nourish your scalp, protect your strands, and reduce the damage caused by daily styling. But not all oils are the same; some just make your hair shiny for a while, while others heal and protect. Here are five powerful hair oils that do much more than just add shine. Coconut Oil Coconut oil has been used for generations, and good reason. It is rich in lauric acid, which helps reduce protein loss from your hair. This means less breakage and stronger strands. It sinks into the hair shaft better than most oils, making it perfect for people who regularly style or colour their hair. Jojoba Oil If your scalp feels itchy, flaky, or dry from constant styling, jojoba oil can help. It is very similar to the natural oils our scalp produces, so it balances oil levels and keeps your roots healthy. Amla Oil Amla oil (from Indian gooseberry) is packed with Vitamin C and has long been used in traditional Indian hair care. It strengthens your roots, encourages growth, and can even help slow down early greying. Tip: Use it once a week. Warm it slightly, massage it into your scalp, and wash it out after an hour. If the scent is strong, mix with a bit of lavender oil. Argan Oil Known as 'liquid gold,' argan oil is ideal for people who regularly use straighteners or curling tools. It is full of Vitamin E and antioxidants, which smooth your hair and control frizz without weighing it down. Sweet Almond Oil Sweet almond oil is lightweight and full of good nutrients like magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. It is perfect for reducing breakage from tight hairstyles and gives your hair a soft, smooth finish. Tip: Apply a few drops to damp hair after washing, or mix it into your conditioner for extra smoothness. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 15:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Fauja Singh Dies At 114: The Marathon Legend Who Ran On A Simple Plant-Based Diet
Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, passed away at 114. The runner always advocated the benefits of adopting vegetarian food. Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, passed away at 114 after a tragic accident in Jalandhar, Punjab, where he was hit by a vehicle. Despite his remarkable life, Singh's secrets to longevity were humble: a simple vegetarian diet, regular exercise, a positive mindset, and a strong sense of purpose. He often highlighted the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, noting that vegetarians tend to outlive meat-eaters by six to ten years on average. Fauja Singh's Nutritious Vegetarian Diet In a 2013 interview with Fauja Singh, affectionately known as 'The Turbaned Tornado,' shared his secrets to running marathons well into his 100s. Having completed nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013, including the London Marathon at 101, Singh attributed his remarkable endurance to a simple formula: a vegetarian diet and daily walks or jogs. As he put it, 'People call me 'the Turbaned Tornado' – I'm the oldest marathon runner in the world… I eat only vegetarian foods – I'm told that vegetarians tend to live an average of six to 10 years longer than meat-eaters do. But I also walk or jog every day. Age may bring wisdom, but if you want stamina, endurance, and a lifetime of good health, turn to nutritious vegetarian foods." Sharing The Benefits Of Vegetarian Eating Fauja Singh expressed his desire to inspire others to adopt a plant-based lifestyle, saying, 'I hope to inspire others to eat healthful, plant-based meals. I can't dictate what others eat, but I want to share the benefits of vegetarian eating with everyone who is willing to listen. I've been predominantly vegetarian my whole life. In the Sikh religion, we eat to live, not live to eat. In Punjab, the green belt of India where I'm originally from, most people eat what they grow – I attribute my longevity to simple Punjabi vegetarian foods, such as chapati, dal, sabji and saag." view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 12:33 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Kalonji Vs Jeera: Which One Is Best For Hair Growth?
Last Updated: Kalonji and jeera are both used in hair care to restore hair health and bring back the shine and strength. Find out which of these spices is more suited for your haircare needs. The desire for long, healthy-looking hair is a common aspiration shared by many individuals. They incorporate natural hair care advice into their routines to promote hair growth. When it comes to promoting hair growth, two spices stand out – kalonji (Nigella seed) and jeera (Cumin). Both are renowned for their benefits in natural hair care, but which one is more effective? Let's dive into the benefits of each and explore how to use them for hair growth. Kalonji has been used for ages in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern beauty routines for its antioxidant, fatty acid, and thymoquinone content. These properties help soothe an itchy, oily, or flaky scalp, which helps in hair growth. Kalonji strengthens roots, reduces breakage, and promotes long-term hair health. It is a good choice for those with weak roots, breakage, or flaky scalp issues. Jeera Jeera, or cumin, is rich in iron and other nutrients that support healthy hair growth. It is particularly useful for clearing scalp buildup and improving blood circulation. If your hair fall is due to a dirty or clogged scalp, jeera might provide faster relief. While it may not offer long-term strength like kalonji, it is great for a quick scalp refresh. If you have weak roots, breakage, or a flaky scalp, kalonji oil is your best bet. It works deeper and slower, strengthening your hair over time. But if your hair is dull or feels heavy and greasy, jeera can help clean things up and boost blood flow to your scalp. Kalonji: Warm up 1-2 tbsp of kalonji oil, massage it into your scalp for 5-10 minutes using your fingertips and leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse with a gentle shampoo. Repeat this process once or twice a week for best results. Jeera: Boil 2 tbsp of jeera in 2 cups of water, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after washing your hair. Leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Try this process 2–3 times a week. Can You Use Both? Of course, you can use both of these spices together, which complement each other well. Once a week, you can use kalonji oil to strengthen and nourish your scalp. In between, you can use jeera water to keep it healthy. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 12:21 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
