Doug Farmer

A lot of sensationalism and discussion this past week of whether AI will replace doctors. Here’s a perspective as someone who is entering my 20th year as a Thoracic Surgery Attending in practice and embarked on a surgical career after medical school 30 years ago: ▪️If you define the doctor-patient relationship solely as a series of tasks, then yes, automation and tools such as AI will replace doctors. 🔹However, if the doctor-patient relationship is a longitudinal partnership you make with a patient and their loved ones, that is unique, patient-centered, and delivers extraordinary service, then there is an opportunity as a doctor to both embrace technology and make a difference in the lives of people & communities in need. I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of building clinical practices in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West. I did my surgical training in the Midwest. Some things change. Others don’t. Yes, there are a lot of problems in healthcare. Yes, we can always do better. But this is an important and incredible time in history. We have the ability to connect and learn on a scale our ancestors could not have even imagined. And that continuous learning can be translated in record time to better care. Do the work. Embrace the technology that helps our patients (which is a very high standard of excellence). Stay engaged. Welcome civil discourse and debate. Build a better world for us all. #Leadership

Lots of strange conversations these days. However, wanted to respond to one thread on this platform about not wanting to do extra work (do the bare minimum). If your view of life is through the lens of transactions, you will miss out. Instead of “I won’t do this unless I get this”, embrace the “I’m not sure, but this will add to my learning”. Growth mindset is powerful. #Leadership

Wow…mind boggling stat shared by Dr. @pturnermd @AmCollSurgeons during the @AcadSurgery Founder’s lecture this morning. 25.6% of the surgical workforce are aged 65 yrs or older. #ACS2025