Synopsis

Advances in cognitive computing are redefining human work. After IBM’s Supercomputer Watson crushed human champions at the quiz show Jeopardy, IBM turned to making Watson the world’s best oncologist. Will the next generation Watson replace clinicians altogether, or will we be protected by our unique combination of cognitive and physical skills? In the era of cognitive computing, our challenge is to remain the innovators, introducing the next generation of disruptive technology. As the purveyors of the future, how we will continuously advance patient care while maintaining the vitality of our professions? Drawing close to the first anniversary of Epic Go-Live at RCH, it is timely to consider the power and limitations of computers.

Speaker

Steve Shafer is Professor of Anesthesia at Stanford University and Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at University of California at San Francisco. He was editor in chief for Anesthesia and Analgesia and is one of the world’s best known academic anaesthetists. His professional interests include clinical pharmacology of intravenous anaesthetic agents with a focus on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling. This expertise led him to be a key expert witness at the Michael Jackson manslaughter trial. He also has a keen interest in computing and software development, holding executive positions in several software development companies.