Dear Readers,

In an era where technological buzzwords fly faster than medical diagnoses, artificial intelligence (AI) has become the ultimate conversation starter – and stopper. It's a phrase that simultaneously promises miraculous breakthroughs and sparks deep-seated apprehensions. But beneath the headlines and hyperbole lies a far more nuanced reality.

Let's be frank: AI is not a singular, mystical technology waiting to revolutionise healthcare overnight. It's a complex mosaic of computational approaches, each with their own strengths, limitations, and potential. From natural language processing that can interpret medical notes to machine learning algorithms capable of detecting subtle patterns in diagnostic imaging, what we call "AI in healthcare” is actually a diverse toolkit of technological innovations.

Given the hype and controversy surrounding the technology, it’s easy to understand why many remain sceptical of, if not hostile to, the idea of using AI in healthcare. The very nomenclature is problematic. "Artificial Intelligence" conjures images of sentient machines ready to replace human medical professionals. But as this issue's contributors illustrate, the reality could not be more different. 

As we dive into this issue, I invite you to approach these discussions with an open mind – one that recognises both the incredible promise and the necessary caution that should accompany any transformative technology. It isn’t perfect, but it can help us be better, and do better. 

Until next year,

Eloise McLennan
Deep Dive editor