AI in Healthcare: Reflections on Harari’s Nexus and My Own Journey with Technology and Diagnosis

I recently attended an author talk by Yuval Noah Harari, where he discussed his newest book, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI. The event included a copy of the book. While it may be called a ‘brief’ history, at over 400 pages of content and nearly 500 total, the hardback version is quite bulky—so so I’m discouraged from toting it with me and have only managed so far to dip into it so far.

Despite this, the discussion left me thinking about AI's role in healthcare. For those who have read the book or heard him speak, you’ll know that Harari mainly delivers a cautionary tale. He suggests that information has always been a double-edged sword, used by societies and political organizations for both good and ill. His work examines how networks of information have unified and controlled populations, from witch-hunts and Stalinist purges to today's resurgence of populism. He also raises urgent questions about our current era, especially the potential existential threat posed by AI and automated systems.

While Nexus focuses on information networks throughout history, Harari suggested that AI could revolutionize various fields, including healthcare—this was the part where I leaned in (quite literally, as I was in the third row from the top). He highlighted some key areas where AI could transform healthcare:

AI-Assisted Diagnostics

Harari discusses how AI could enhance diagnostics, possibly outperforming human doctors in early disease detection. He mentioned that many people already consult AI for symptom checks and care advice. I count myself among them. He noted (though most of us were already keenly aware) that access to family physicians is increasingly difficult. It’s not just those wishing to access to physicians facing long wait times—my own GP surgery has been doing its best, but when the soonest they can offer a blood draw appointment is 3? weeks out, would you blame this patient for building a prompt in ChatGPT??

Problems arising after removal of my gallbladder, whilst not imminently life-threatening, are painful and require a series of tests, each one able to be scheduled after the last has been booked, completed and results shared with the GP, who then can be booked anew, at which time they are expected to absorb those results alongside previous ones in addition to symptoms and health history.? That is a lot to expect of a human GP with a typical 10-minute appointment slot.? And it’s a lot to expect of this patient to be, well... patient.? The diagnostic journey began in mid-July and here we are 3 months (a quarter year) later in what appears to be the midpoint of the diagnostic process.

Meanwhile in moments, a few prompts into my AI platform have informed me of the most likely diagnoses, tests that are normally recommended to inform a final diagnosis, symptoms to look for which would escalate the need for urgency in dealing with the problem and importantly, what to do to minimize the symptoms.? Of course I prefer a clinician in the loop, but I have found AI to be invaluable and instantaneous at helping me get to the bottom of my symptoms, control what I am able whilst reassuring me that clinical results very out of norm are likely something to deal with rather than die with.

Data Analysis and Personalized Medicine

Back to the book… Harari explores how AI could analyze massive datasets, uncovering patterns humans might miss. This could enable highly personalized treatments based on an individual's health history. I believe this potential extends beyond diagnostics into prevention. At Zonder , part of our aim is to prevent worsening chronic illness by tailoring care to each patient’s behaviors, attitudes, and subtle shifts in symptoms—even those imperceptible to human detection. While I won’t dive into specifics (some of this will become part of our proprietary system), AI will make it easier for us to study large datasets to predict, for instance, the most likely triggers for an individual's asthma exacerbation, allowing us to intervene sooner.

Efficient Healthcare Management

AI also offers the potential to streamline healthcare administration, from managing patient records to optimizing hospital resource allocation. This could lead to more efficient care delivery. In my work with Zonder, I’ve interviewed many clinicians, and it’s clear that healthcare admin is in desperate need of improvement. It’s consuming a significant portion of NHS resources and can be frustrating for clinicians who want to practice at the “top of their license” (a phrase that comes up often). They’d much rather focus on patient care than on data entry and follow-up tasks to ensure separate systems are communicating. This is a topic I’ll revisit in due course.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you used AI in your own healthcare journey, or do you have ideas for how AI could make a difference? Share your experiences in the comments.

Marking My Place

This past week marked my ‘Zincaversary’—one year since I joined Zinc 's Venture Builder program for prospective founders aiming to improve the health of people and the planet. It also means that for me, my co-founder, and cohort colleagues, the formal accelerator program wraps up this month, officially launching us from the feathered nest. My next edition will be a reflection on the highlights and challenges of my first year as a venture-backed startup founder. After that, I plan to pause this newsletter as a regular feature. Until next time!

This week’s

• Lowlight: My own frustration and empathizing with others’ trying to navigate a health system that is struggling to keep up.
• Highlight: Interviewing candidates for our open Respiratory Nurse position. If you ever need a lift in your spirits, have a chat with a nurse (or twelve). They are some of the loveliest, most admirable people on this planet.
• Ask: Know any skilled respiratory nurses with at least 4 years’ experience in respiratory care in general practice, particularly independent prescribers? Please direct them to our job advert !

Founder Perspectives from the Cohort

A Founder’s Story – Marjo Palanee , is now focusing the spotlight of her blog on under-represented founders and their startups whilst offering her services in building communities on social media. I highly recommend her workshops!

Air Aware Labs - providing personalized health insights from air pollution data

Kuma Health - transforming immune mediated disorders care through personalized medicine

Deep Roots - Securing additional revenue streams for farms and building resilient supply chains through agroforestry

Ultra BiOmics - improving your metabolic health

Smart Shift Energy - empowering consumers to reduce their home energy costs