09/15/2026
AI is about to cross a line we have been talking about for years.
And I don't think most people realize how significant it is.
Yesterday, The New York Times reported on the federal government's accelerating efforts to integrate AI directly into medical care, not simply using AI to schedule appointments, summarize records or assist doctors.
We're talking about AI providing therapy, helping diagnose patients, managing chronic conditions and potentially prescribing medication.
After spending today at Tech Week, I've heard this article come up in conversation more than once.
My reaction may be a little different than some.
I've spent years building AI and digital human technology, including technology designed specifically to serve older adults. I've seen firsthand what happens when someone can suddenly access a conversation, information or support at the exact moment they need it.
So I believe the potential here is enormous.
But I also think we're entering the phase of AI where "Can we build it?" becomes a much less important question than:
"When should we trust it?"
There is a massive difference between AI augmenting a doctor and AI becoming the doctor.
There is also another side of this conversation that can't be ignored.
For millions of people, the alternative isn't choosing between an AI therapist and an incredible human therapist.
It's choosing between an AI therapist and a six-month waiting list.
Between an AI health assistant and no access at all.
Between continuous monitoring and seeing a physician for 15 minutes every six months.
That changes the equation.
I don't believe the future is simply AI vs. humans.
I believe the organizations that get this right will figure out where AI should augment humans, where it can safely operate independently, and where a human absolutely must remain in the loop.
And healthcare may become the most important testing ground we have.
Because we're no longer talking about whether AI will change how we work.
We're beginning to decide how much of our lives we're willing to trust it with.
That is a much bigger conversation.
Article: "Trump Administration Moves to Integrate A.I. Into Medical Care Despite Concerns" — Christina Jewett, The New York Times, September 14, 2026.
Trump Administration Moves to Integrate A.I. Into Medical Care Despite Concerns - The New York Times
Federal projects are rolling out A.I. agents that offer therapy and prescribe medicine, raising concerns about safety and the influence of venture capital investors.
