The Teddy Bear Knows

Kids will be AI natives. Their teddy bears will answer every question. The “why” we asked our parents a million times will actually be answered with the world’s knowledge. Empowered, they then will be expected to act creatively. Or be bored.

Patients today are similarly empowered. The world’s medical knowledge is at their fingertips before they go to the doctor. And the doctor is similarly empowered. The unknown is what is best for you individually to do about each calamity. Therein lies the value of the experienced doctor. Or parent, in the teddy bear answer case.

Judgment, when all the data is in, defines wisdom. And judgment combined with creativity will distinguish the successful going forward in an information-filled world. How you prepare yourself and your children today for this reality will determine whether AI agents rule or are ruled. If you just followed the advice given by AI agents for almost any musculoskeletal injury today, you would never recover fitter, faster, and stronger than you were before you were injured (our goal for every patient we see). Directions, prescriptions, and guidelines don’t make superior outcomes. Motivation, combined with insight creatively applied, does.

So for every child you encounter, every injured friend you meet, and every injury you suffer, base your guidance on best practices supported by the most credible references. But apply your helping hand only after looking into their eyes or your mirror, understanding who they and you are, and mutually setting lofty goals together. We live in a world of augmented intelligence, which presents the best opportunity to deliver remarkable performances that improve our world. May the augmented forces be with you.