Will Technologists Replace Doctors?
Exploring a Healthcare Future Redefined by Quantum Computing
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to permeate countless enclaves within the healthcare sector, the focus is beginning to shift to another incredibly powerful computer-based innovation that may hold even greater potential than any other medical technology advancement ever discovered. Quantum computing, a concept that is as enigmatic as it is extraordinary, is rapidly emerging as a critical variable in potential solutions to many of humanity’s most complex problems; none the least of which exist in the healthcare sector.
In the context of healthcare, why does this quantum computing matter and how will it change anything? Well, imagine the possibility of being able to sequence the billions of base pairs of the human genome at a rate faster than anything imaginable, the possibility of simulating millions of molecular interactions containing multiple variables simultaneously, or the possibility of modeling contact tracing between every living human being on the planet during a pandemic with incredible, almost frightening accuracy. Not convinced? Technologists are already experimenting with exercising quantum computing to remove ‘noise’ from medical imaging such as X-rays and MRIs, to identify maladaptation in human genetics (to discover diseases and illnesses earlier), and to optimize vaccine distribution in areas where quantity is low, but demand is critically high. In short – quantum computing opens the door to medical advancements that are simply not achievable by human beings alone.
When viewed through this lens, it is fairly easy to imagine a world where diseases are cured faster, medicines have fewer side effects, medical imaging becomes hyper-detailed, treatments lead to more positive outcomes, and we as a civilization gain a deeper understanding of human life as we know it. It may sound like a cliché to say that “the possibilities are endless,” but seemingly impossible tasks such as curing Alzheimer’s disease or reversing the spread of cancer become instantly more feasible when stacked against the immense processing capabilities of quantum technology.
Warning: Throughout the next four paragraphs I am going to explore how quantum computing actually works, and it is going to get a bit technical, but hang in there.
Traditional computing (or computing as we have known it for the past half-century) is based on one of the simplest principles known to man: dichotomy. To put it simply; having two entities represent polar opposites within the same construct. In computing, these entities are better known as “binary”, which is represented as collections of 1’s and 0’s. Computer processors can translate these unique strings of 1’s and 0’s into images, videos, audio, mechanical motion, etc., and this binary language has long been the framework behind almost all digital technology. To understand quantum computing, we first need to understand the foundational building blocks of this binary framework.
Generally speaking, a 1 in binary represents an “on” state which can otherwise be considered a “high voltage” state. A 0 in binary represents the opposite: an “off” or “low voltage” state. Just as standard light switches allow and/or constrict the free flow of electrons throughout a circuit based on a given position, so do the digital bits in binary systems. The simplicity behind this construct is quite elegant, yet there is one crucial underlying principle, and that is that there are only two acceptable states of any given system at any given time – on or off.
The theory of quantum computing reimagines these fundamental truths within digital technology and makes possible the usage of a new type of bit; called a “qubit” (short for quantum bit). Qubits can exist in two states at once. Well, not really. Theoretically speaking, qubits can satisfy an almost infinite number of states at once; and could at any time represent a pure 1, a pure 0, or any point on a Bloch sphere between the 0 and the 1 position. This concept of uncertain or fluctuating states is aptly termed “superposition” which basically means that a qubit can be defined as any value taken at various points on a spectrum between 0 and 1.
As qubits begin to interact with one another, “entanglement” occurs. In essence, entanglement can be defined as any relationship between two or more entities (such as particles in theoretical physics or bits in quantum computing) that become linked to the point wherein a change in the state of one has an immediate impact on the other(s). The boundless, yet concrete cause-effect relationship between qubits in quantum computing is what makes the whole concept so complex.
Now, we can put the technical exposition behind us and focus on the theoretical…
To understand the superposition and entanglement concepts more clearly and to associate the core principles with a more palatable example from history; we can take a look at the ‘Schoedinger’s Cat’ thought experiment, in which a cat and a radioactive atom are placed in a sealed container together. With no way to see inside the container, the cat can be considered both dead and alive (superposition) by an outside observer due to the entanglement between the cat and the radioactive atom. All other variables equal; if the atom in the container has decayed then the cat can be considered dead, but if the atom has not yet decayed then the cat could be considered alive. Within this construct, the cat could also be considered various degrees of “sick” along a wide spectrum of relative health which is dependent on the rate of decay that the radioactive atom undergoes. With the container closed, it is impossible to know the state of the atom, and therefore impossible to know the state of the cat. It is only after the container is opened and the state of the cat is observed that a definitive answer can be determined, thus solidifying the states of both from that point forward.
Yes, it is all a bit confusing, so let us try to tie this theory back to practical, real-world computing.
If tasked with solving a maze, a traditional binary computer (the ones we use each and every day) would only be capable of exploring one path at a time. If that path did not result in successful completion of the maze, it would return to the beginning, start a new path, and then another, and another… until the task was satisfactorily completed. A quantum computer on the other hand could explore every path within the maze simultaneously and could actually ‘learn’ to avoid the paths that do not lead to fruitful results – in essence being able to omit testing certain paths based on unsuccessful prior attempts (and complex analysis). This adaptation can be further enhanced using machine learning and AI capabilities, but that is a separate conversation altogether.
Such promising innovations beg the question: is there a conceivable future wherein the need for human medical professionals is no longer needed? The simplest answer is “yes and no” (an apt binary answer). Cynics and skeptics oft see this tech-driven future as a hyperbolized sci-fi fanatical reality, however, not everybody is so convinced. We have already witnessed how technology can surpass human capabilities with miraculous devices such as the Da Vinci® Machine by Intuitive and AI-driven nursing robots like Moxi® from Diligent Healthcare. We know that computers make fewer mistakes when compared to humans and that computers never need to rest, never go on strike, never get sick, and never complain about working conditions. So why wouldn’t we embrace this potential reality? If we can take the most complex robots known to man, pair them with the fastest quantum computers, and teach them to learn using advanced, adaptive AI models – all aimed at improving the quality and duration of human life – why not?
To bring this conversation back to reality; regardless of how the future plays out, it is unlikely that the need for skilled doctors or healthcare workers will ever truly fade, but it is not too far-fetched to consider the possibility that their overall role in healthcare is likely heading for some serious maturation. The most probable change in basic assumptions will be in regard to how doctors and machines will inevitably learn to interact in symbiosis. Right now, doctors utilize technology as a tool to aid them in carrying out treatments, but in the not-so-distant future, it is possible (if not probable) that the technology itself will be capable of executing treatments on its own, under the passive observation/audit of trained medical staff. Not only will this transformation result in better patient treatment with fewer mistakes, but it will have the added benefit of freeing up doctors and medical staff to focus on research, holistic patient care, and professional growth. The lattermost will be crucial, as doctors will likely need to have strong technical backgrounds as well as medical. To summarize, healthcare workers will still be essential, but in an ever so slightly unique way.
In this hypothetical world, new essential key workers will also emerge in the healthcare sector and become critical stakeholders in the support and prolongation of human life. These new players, of course, are the technologists behind the innovative equipment and computing models deployed within the industry. These experts, responsible for the creation, training, maintenance, and support of quantum technology, will be considered paramount members of the medical staff, but this is not necessarily a new evolution. Today, medical practices are already employing experts in computer science and engineering to support existing technology and ensure the smooth operation of modern equipment. The key differentiation here pertains to the degree to which technologists will impact the future of patient treatment. For instance: is there a world where they will ever be authorized in the operating room during complex surgeries? Will they have the ability to analyze patient records for the sake of feeding AI learning models? Will they have the opportunity to interface directly with patients and provide recommendations on their care based on quantum feedback? It is certainly reasonable.
Now, for those who may be questioning the validity of quantum computing or doubting the possibilities therein – the healthcare industry has already begun experimenting with human-less treatments/surgeries. Although there is always plenty of room for improvement, the results are promising. The human race is sitting on the precipice of a technological revolution that will redefine the possible – and strides are already being taken as companies like IBM® and Google® are designing and testing massive supercomputers capable of supporting long-term, sustainable quantum processing. That is to say that the quantum space race has already begun. What is utterly amazing is the rate at which these new innovations are occurring- with massive breakthroughs happening on almost a daily basis. But is this enough?
Unfortunately, not everything surrounding quantum computing is all rainbows and butterflies. Research and development in the quantum computing realm requires an unspeakable amount of funding to conduct, and once functional units are operational, the resource requirements to keep these supercomputers running are astronomical. Additionally, wider public acceptance (with a marked decrease in regulatory red tape and federal restrictions) will be needed to fight innovative inertia to ensure that this technology can be used to its maximum potential. Finally, in order to realize a potential future where quantum technology can penetrate critical infrastructures such as healthcare, defense, and finance, massive advancements in the fields of mathematics, programming, theoretical physics, manufacturing, and computer science need to occur. This precondition also underlines an increase in demand and the necessity for skilled laborers and innovators to support expeditious growth.
Ultimately the most important thing that the public can do at this point in time is to keep an open mind. Quantum computing, much like AI and the emergence of early robotics before it, has been met with a fair amount of resistance from technological iconoclasts. Calls for new regulations, restrictions on usage, and banning the technology altogether have stymied the industry’s ability to make meaningful discoveries in the field. Although persistence ensues, unnecessary contention (and subsequent bureaucracy) is drastically hindering effective long-term progress. That is not to say that control over the process is not essential, but it ultimately needs to be balanced with a desire to promote advancement. To put it simply, we need to be willing to take risks – not only with the implementation of modern technologies but with the standards and processes of the healthcare infrastructure as we know it.
With every passing day, we unknowingly inch towards a more idealistic and utopian future, and quantum computing represents nothing but untapped potential in that regard. In all actuality, it may just hold the secrets to longer lives, shorter illnesses, and drastic reductions in pain. With that level of potential, we would be negligent not to embrace what this remarkable technology has to offer.
