In a recent opp-ed for Newsweek, AI optimist and Former Head of Go-To-Market for Open AI Zack Kass highlighted the very real applications AI promises as a tool to reduce inequality in healthcare.

As disparities in care continue to disproportionally affect minority groups, and systemic barriers remain in place that ensure poor health outcomes, it’s clear that foundational medical practices need to be updated.

While Kass is quick to point out that AI is not a quick fix and need to be used ethically and judiciously, its ability to process large sets of data quickly and efficiently offers a way to provide custom treatment plans and identify issues human doctors may be unable to pick up on, such as early indicators of chronic illnesses. Its potential as a diagnostic tool, real-time translator, and symptom monitor would mean an increase in patient health and satisfaction, especially among marginalized groups that have suffered from lack to access to health care.