The digital revolution changes what we do, the genetic revolution changes who we are. The digital revolution is non-controversial, and hyped with enthusiasm. This is in contrast to the genetic revolution which is almost always underplayed by those involved, scared of public hysteria and over-regulation. The Digital Revolution Computers will bring extraordinary improvements in imaging and other diagnostic aids, as well as allowing virtual consultations and even remote surgery. However the real impact will strike to the very core of what it means to be a doctor today.
Medical knowledge is too vast for human brains.
The days of doctors being allowed to make decisions without consulting robots are coming to an end. It is already the case that computers are better at making some diagnoses than most physicians. In future any doctor failing to consult the digital expert will risk being sued for negligence. And every day the digital expert will improve. Current medical training is caught in a late twentieth century timewarp, based on the notion that every doctor can carry in his or her head on the day of qualifying enough information to practice safely for many years.