Artificial Intelligence in Medical Practice: The Present and the Possible

Medicine is standing at the edge of a transformation as profound as the discovery of antibiotics or the invention of medical imaging. Artificial intelligence that was once confined to research labs and science fiction is now reshaping how diseases are diagnosed, treatments are chosen, surgeries are performed, and care is delivered across the globe.

Artificial Intelligence in Medical Practice: The Present and the Possible is the definitive guide to this moment.

By blending clinical insight, real-world case studies, and cutting-edge technological analysis, this book takes readers inside the algorithms that are quietly, and sometimes controversially, changing healthcare. From deep learning systems that rival specialists in medical imaging to generative AI that can converse fluently about complex diagnoses, this book demystifies how AI works, where it succeeds, and where it falls short.

This is not a book about technology alone. It is about clinicians confronting burnout, and patients navigating fragmented systems. It is about health systems struggling with rising costs and aging populations, while policymakers attempt to regulate tools that evolve faster than legislation can keep pace. With clarity and balance, the book confronts the ethical tensions at the heart of medical AI, while offering a pragmatic set of considerations for responsible adoption.

Spanning data science fundamentals, medical imaging, genomics, surgery, public health, and real-world implementation, Artificial Intelligence in Medical Practice speaks to physicians, trainees, data scientists, health executives, and anyone seeking to understand how medicine is being rebuilt in real time. Through first hand testimonials from today's leaders in American medical practice, this book aims to paint an honest picture of medical AI today and its future potential.

Jacob Gould's interest in medicine began early, inspired by his parents' careers in primary care and emergency medicine. From the lifelong relationships his father built with patients to the lifesaving stories his mother shared from the emergency department, he was struck by the compassion and service at the heart of the profession. As he grew older, he came to understand that many of healthcare's greatest challenges are not purely scientific, but also social and structural.

Jacob studied finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he explored healthcare innovation through an economic and systems lens. His perspective was further shaped through professional experience at organizations including McKinsey & Company. Near the end of college, however, his mother was diagnosed with a rare neurological cancer. Walking beside her through her illness gave him a deeply personal commitment to advancing care for patients with devastating neurological disease.

After graduating, Jacob completed post-baccalaureate studies at Johns Hopkins University, where he conducted research in neurology, neurosurgery, and artificial intelligence. His work has been published in journals including Journal of Neuro-Oncology, JAMA Oncology, and Pituitary, and he has contributed to previous textbooks on artificial intelligence in medicine. He is currently a medical student at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, NY. At NYU, Jacob was selected to a be Lori and Laurence Fink Scholar, for which he was awarded a full cost of attendance merit scholarship.

Bringing together both scientific and structural perspectives on healthcare, Jacob believes artificial intelligence can serve as a powerful force for innovation and democratization in medicine, which is the core idea that inspired this book. Jacob is always open to connecting through various media and research platforms including LinkedIn, X (@jacobgould02), ResearchGate, and Google Scholar.

Arjit Singh is studying neuroscience as an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University pursuing a career in surgery and research. Guided by the Sikh principle of Chardi Kala, a commitment to resilience and optimism, he approaches medicine with a focus on service and patient-centered care. At Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, he volunteers with Child Life Services and Hopkins Community Connection, where he supports patients and families and has developed an appreciation for the human dimensions of care beyond clinical treatment.

Arjit has authored multiple research publications in peer-reviewed journals, including JAMA, JAMA Oncology, and the Journal of Neuro-Oncology. His research includes studying Von Economo neurons using machine learning and imaging analysis to explore their role in social cognition at the Lieber Institute of Brain Development, as well as conducting clinical outcomes research in neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Oregon Health and Science University. Through this work, he aims to integrate neuroscience and data-driven methods to improve individualized and equitable approaches to patient care.

Mohammad Faizan Khan is a recently graduated medical student from Indiana University School of Medicine and a distinguished Bepko Scholar from IUPUI. As a Valedictorian at Eman Schools, he demonstrated a lifelong commitment to academic excellence. A passionate researcher, Mohammad has authored multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, and World Neurosurgery. He is the author of the book: The Clinical Research Handbook: A Practical Guide to Designing, Conducting, and Publishing Clinical Research. Mohammad has also contributed articles to The Neurosurgical Atlas, furthering education in complex neurosurgical procedures. His interests include complex skull base and functional neurological surgery, with a focus on technological innovation and robotics. Dr Khan is currently a neurosurgery resident at University of Cincinnati. Outside of medicine, Mohammad enjoys video games and spending quality time with his parents, siblings, and wife.

Dr Gendreau's passion for neuroscience began in medical school at Mercer University, where he observed a glioblastoma craniotomy alongside a mentor. This experience, combined with the vast unknowns in neuroscience, solidified his decision to pursue neurosurgery. During his training, Julian engaged in clinical research on brain tumors and neurosurgical outcomes. He earned a Master's in Applied Biomedical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, focusing on improving surgical outcomes through machine learning applications. Julian has authored over 150 peer reviewed scientific publications in prominent medical journals. Beyond research, Julian is dedicated to advancing neurosurgery by integrating technology and evidence-based medicine. He is the author of two medical textbooks: The Future of Technology in Medicine: From Cyborgs to Curing Paralysis and The Clinical Research Handbook: A Practical Guide to Designing, Conducting, and Publishing Clinical Research. Dr Gendreau is currently a neurosurgery resident at Oregon Health and Science University. Julian is always open to connecting through on social media and research platforms including LinkedIn, X (@JulianGendreau), ResearchGate, and Google Scholar.

Dr Cohen-Gadol is a neurosurgeon at the ATLAS Institute of Brain and Spine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Saint John's Health Center in Los Angeles, California. He is one of the world's leading neurosurgeons, specializing in complex brain and spine tumors, including meningiomas, gliomas, pituitary adenomas, and acoustic neuromas. He has performed over 7,400 complex brain surgeries, more than any other single surgeon in the United States, with his work meticulously documented in the Neurosurgical Atlas, a renowned global resource often referred to as the "bible of neurosurgery."

Dr Cohen earned his BA in Bioengineering from the University of California, San Diego, followed by his MD from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He completed his neurosurgery residency at the Mayo Clinic, with advanced fellowship training in epilepsy surgery at Yale University and skull base/cerebrovascular surgery at the University of Arkansas. He also holds a Master's in Clinical Research from the Mayo Clinic and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business.

As the founder and chief editor of The Neurosurgical Atlas, Dr Cohen has revolutionized neurosurgical education by providing cutting-edge surgical techniques and innovations. He has authored over 560 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to advancements in fluorescence-guided brain tumor surgery. He is also the founder of AtlasGPT, a leading medical large language model that has been featured in the Journal of Neurosurgery.

He is the recipient of the prestigious Vilhelm Magnus Medal, regarded as the "Nobel Prize of Neurosurgery," recognizing his transformative contributions to the field. Beyond his clinical and academic work, Dr Cohen remains dedicated to mentorship, research, and advancing neurosurgical care through innovative surgical strategies.