Microsoft’s AI can diagnose illnesses faster than most doctors, but it’s not replacing them anytime soon

Microsoft’s latest artificial intelligence tool is drawing attention for its ability to diagnose complex medical cases, with the company claiming it can outperform even experienced doctors. While the technology is still in development, Microsoft’s AI chief is quick to point out that human physicians remain essential for patient care, no matter how advanced the AI becomes.

The AI was tested on more than 300 challenging case studies from the New England Journal of Medicine. It worked by imitating a panel of doctors, sifting through patient data, asking follow-up questions, recommending which tests should be run, and updating its diagnosis as more information became available.