AI and the Future of Healthcare: Balancing Technology with Human Connection

Welcome back to another episode of Relocalizing Health! Today, host Dave Chase dives deep into the opportunities and challenges AI brings to healthcare, joined by digital health pioneer Dr. Jay Parkinson. Together, they explore a future where technology and community-driven care intersect, asking the big questions about how AI can support, rather than replace, the vital human relationships at the core of medicine. Jay shares stories from his unique journey, from being one of the first iPhone-enabled physicians making house calls, to innovating virtual primary care with Sherpa, and now leading Automate Clinic, where he’s working to train AI models to think more like doctors. As they sift through possibilities and pitfalls, Dave and Jay unpack what truly makes care excellent, which elements must remain human, and how AI might transform both the daily experiences of clinicians and the health journeys of patients. They also tackle AI’s role in addressing the broader determinants of health, beyond pills and procedures, into the realms of social connection and community resources. With insights for both clinicians embracing change and everyday people eager to understand what’s ahead, this episode is a candid, forward-thinking look at the evolution of healthcare. So, whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this conversation is designed to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire the kind of creative thinking that just might change the system for the better. Let’s get started. Timestamps: 00:00 "Transforming Healthcare with Technology" 04:21 Revolutionizing Telehealth: Consistent Doctor Access 07:12 Optimizing Healthcare with AI 11:13 AI in Holistic Healthcare Solutions 13:23 Health vs. Medical: A Future Perspective 18:56 AI Enhancing Health Conversations 20:55 Rising Risk in Healthcare Analytics 24:14 Focus on Basic Primary Care 27:32 Curiosity Transforms Healthcare Learn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/