Last November, when OpenAI released their generative  pre-trained transformer AI model—ChatGPT—into  the public domain, it quickly became the world’s most  celebrated chatbot. And while the GenAI Large Language  Model (LLM) was by no means a new technology,  public exposure to ChatGPT’s user-friendly interface— and proficiency in producing outputs seemingly  indistinguishable from human-generated content— fueled astonishment, imagination, and trepidation  across the globe. 

Virtually every day, or so it seems, we see and hear  influencers in the media making dramatic predictions  about the seismic impact that GenAI will have on  society—ranging from solving the totality of the world’s  problems—or, on the flip side—marking the beginning of  the end of human civilization. 

Yes, there is a lot of noise out there.

The purpose of this article is twofold. First, to pause for a  moment, cut through some of the noise, and take a cleareyed view of the potential benefits and risks we should  anticipate with GenAI as it applies to medical research. 

Secondly, and of the utmost importance, is to provide  a feasible, focused framework around the areas where  GenAI will best serve the interests of healthcare and  improve the lives of clinical trial participants and patients.