1368 Open Access Vol. 73, No. 7, July 2023 Artifcial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in the feld of healthcare to improve the efficiency and accuracy of medical diagnoses, treatment plans, and decision- making. 1 It has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered and improve patient outcomes. There are many examples of the use of artifcial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. One way that AI is being used in healthcare is by developing machine learning algorithms that can analyze vast amounts of patient data and identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent to humans. 2 This can be particularly useful in identifying early signs of diseases or conditions, allowing for earlier diagnosis, treatment, prognosis evaluation, and more. Another application of AI in healthcare is through the use of natural language processing (NLP). NLP systems can analyze electronic medical records (EMR) and extract important information, allowing healthcare providers to access and interpret patient data conveniently. 3 This can help healthcare providers access and interpret patient data more easily, leading to more informed decision-making and better patient care. AI can also be used to assist with tasks such as image analysis, allowing for more accurate analysis and efficient diagnosis of medical images such as CT scans or X-rays. 4 In addition, AI can be used to help automate routine tasks, freeing up healthcare providers to focus on more complex and higher-level tasks that require human expertise. 5 Machine learning algorithms can analyze large amounts of patient data and identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent to humans. 6 This can be useful in identifying early signs of diseases or conditions, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants can help with tasks such as appointment scheduling and medication reminders. 7 Systems that can assist with the automation of routine tasks, freeing up healthcare providers to focus on more complex and higher-level tasks that require human expertise. Predictive analytics systems can forecast patient outcomes and help healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment plans. 8 Personalized medicine systems can help tailor treatment plans to individual patients based on their specifc needs and characteristics. These are just a few examples of the many ways in which AI is being used in healthcare. It is important to note that AI in healthcare is still in its early stages, and the potential applications of the technology are likely to expand signifcantly in the coming years. Risks and Challenges of artifcial intelligence in healthcare However, it is essential to note that AI in healthcare is still in its early stages, and some challenges need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI systems, as mistakes or errors in AI-based decision-making can have severe consequences for patients. 9 Additionally, there are concerns about the potential impact of AI on employment in the healthcare sector and the need to ensure that the use of AI is ethically and transparently implemented. Overall, the emerging role of AI in healthcare has the potential to improve patient care and outcomes signifcantly, but it is important to approach its adoption and implementation with caution and care. One of the main risks of AI in healthcare is the potential for errors or mistakes in the decision-making process. 10 AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on; if the data is biased or incomplete, the AI system may make incorrect or harmful decisions. This can be particularly problematic in situations where lives are at stake, such as in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Another risk of AI in healthcare is the potential for data privacy and security breaches. 11 As more and more patient data is being collected and analyzed by AI systems, there is an increased risk of sensitive information being accessed by unauthorized parties. This can not only compromise patient privacy, but also put patients at risk of identity theft and other forms of cybercrime. There is also the risk that the widespread adoption of AI in healthcare may lead to job displacement and the loss of certain human skills and knowledge. 12 While AI can automate routine tasks and free up healthcare providers to focus on more complex and higher-level tasks, there is a concern that it may also lead to the loss of certain jobs and skills that are deemed unnecessary or redundant. EDITORIAL The Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Farooq Azam Rathore 1 , Muhammad Ahmad Rathore 2 1 Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM), Rawalpindi, Pakistan; 2 Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Correspondence: Farooq Azam Rathore. e-mail: farooqrathore@gmail.com ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4759-0453