A prescription for artificial intelligence
Amazon adds video telemedicine visits nationwide to its virtual clinic | Aug. 2
I am all for improved access to medical care at an affordable price. Telemedicine is certainly a viable alternative and is here to stay. The worrisome component to what Amazon is doing is the message-based platform. They promote treating 29 medical conditions and refilling 6 different types of medications without ever seeing the patient or the patient seeing the doctor.
Technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, are a given in the future practice of medicine, however, we must be careful in deciding how it is used. Now is the time to decide for messaging-only medical care. For once this method is out in the open, there will be no putting it back in the box.
Messaging-only medical care is purely that. It is using text messages or chatbots to deliver care. If we allow entities to use messaging-only systems, it will be very difficult to vet who is providing or responsible for the care. It might be a qualified doctor, or it might be their high school kid or a robot. Either way, there is no way to convert the interaction into a telemedicine or an in-person visit. Also, even though there may be a “text back” follow-up, these systems do not take care of complications arising from the disease itself or as a consequence to the treatment that was given.
Text messaging care has a place, but I feel that it is best used inside an established doctor-patient relationship.
Michael Cromer, Tampa
The writer is president of the Hillsborough County Medical Association.
Trump pleads not guilty to charges | Aug. 3
I couldn’t help but contrast the photo of Donald Trump — his tie bent in the wind — with Dilbert, the cancelled cartoon whose namesake’s tie was always crooked. I also point to the slang definition of a Dilbert as a trade-off for less-than-stellar social skills. To elaborate: The Dilbert Principle is the promotion of employees to middle management positions despite their lack of leadership skills or aptitude for management. Can you say “Peter Principle”? One was canceled. Will this one be too? Please? Pretty please?
Harriet E. Browder, Clearwater
Which law? Which order?
Praise for Hillsborough state attorney | Aug. 3
Gov. Ron DeSantis claims to support law and order. When he fired Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, his explanation was that Warren had vowed to not follow the laws regarding abortions. Warren’s replacement in a news conference said, “I was asked to bring this office back to basics by making sure we prosecute based on the rule of law, not on political convenience.” Interesting, because DeSantis promises to pardon Donald Trump. I wish our governor would explain himself.
Eileen Stafford, St. Petersburg
Opposites agree
Libertarian has some advice for the GOP | Column, Aug. 7
I’m as far from a libertarian as any rational American can be, and it’s unlikely that I would find much common ground with Eric Olson, the vice chairperson of the Libertarian Party of Pinellas County. But even polar political opposites can find agreement, and our nexus is the futility of Donald Trump for the Republican Party’s nomination for president. As Olson argues, Trump is guaranteed to lose a head-to-head contest with President Joe Biden, and the resulting damage to the Republican Party will be serious. Olson and I agree that Trump will lose because there’s only so much dishonesty and ineptitude that can be absorbed from a candidate. But he will also lose because Biden exemplifies what we can do together for our common benefit. Libertarians love to think they can go it alone. Biden represents a positive form of governance that is the polar opposite of everything Trump stands for. Not only is Biden the exemplar of the best of us, but he also has the political expertise to make government work for people.
Jon Crawfurd, Gulfport
Hillsborough schools cut back on Shakespeare | Aug. 8
Alas, poor Yorick, now get thee not to my lady’s chamber; ‘tis too risqué and risky in yon State of Sunshine.
Ed Bradley, Boynton Beach
Trump’s Jan. 6 trial: We owe it to history | Column, Aug. 7
Columnist Peggy Noonan strolls to the mound with her relaxed style and sweet smile, the quiet confidence of an old pro. She throws some strikes and we’re impressed by her skill. Her strategy unfolds — some curveballs, some high and low balls, just to see if we’ll swing. Trouble is, she’s been playing the same game too long.
Wendy Bailey, Pinellas Park
