It’s that time again to renew my medical certificate for my private pilot’s license. Although I haven’t clocked enough hours to maintain the actual license to fly, I’ve always kept my medical record up to date, just in case I find the perfect Fieseler Storch for sale.
Having gone through radiculomyelitis (spinal inflammation due to neuroborreliosis) 20 years ago, I still bear the scars and signs in my spinal cord and left temporal lobe. It took a year to learn how to walk again, but I managed, grateful for every single step.
My medical renewal process involves booking a brain and spinal MRI, followed by blood and urine tests. I analyze the results myself before consulting a specialized aviation doctor. While I’ve studied radiology enough to recognize most changes, I can’t help but question if this is how healthcare should operate in the 21st century.
These services are costly and well-rendered, but each provider (MRI, lab, doctor) performs a one-time analysis and then waits for my next checkup in two years. In this hyperconnected world, I now have a repository of 11 MRI scans, lab results, and doctors’ notes. The only ones continuously interested in my well-being are.. myself and my family.
With all the computing power used for distributing cat videos and creating AI-generated content, I expect to have a Health Digital Twin of my body. This twin would continuously work with a machine learning agent, correlating my newest measurements from any sensor, like a smart ring or watch.
We have the infrastructure, medical know-how – and the fiscal budget crisis in healthcare services in most countries. What we need is a sea change in healthcare processes – holistic, evidence-based, and real-time. No one should receive fire-and-forget service anymore, as it leads to inefficiency and, in healthcare, often deadly results.
However, a significant challenge lies in re-educating existing doctors and nurses to embrace this new era. The transition to using Human Digital Twins will require not only technological advancements but also a shift in mindset among healthcare professionals. Continuous education and training programs will be essential to help them understand and trust these new tools, ensuring they can effectively integrate them into their practice.
Moreover, networks and cloud infrastructures can be engineered to be reliable enough for life-and-death tasks. With advancements in cybersecurity, data encryption, and robust cloud services, we can ensure that the data driving Human Digital Twins is secure, accurate, and always available when needed.
Human Digital Twins, with lifetime sustainability, should already be here in terms of technology readiness. However, we still need to change the mindsets of doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers.
Imagine a twin that not only reminds you to take your medication but also predicts potential health issues before they arise, based on continuous data analysis. This is the promise of Human Digital Twins – technology that integrates seamlessly into your life, providing proactive, personalized care. It’s not just an assistant; it’s a revolution in how we approach health and wellness.
It’s time to advocate for a healthcare revolution. Let’s push for policies and practices that embrace the potential of Human Digital Twins. No more fire-and-forget healthcare. We deserve continuous, integrated, and personalized care -now.
//Pasi
