OpenAI wants to build its own healthcare apps, hire exec from Instagram and Doximity to lead

ChatGPT creator OpenAI is now all set to make a significant push into the healthcare sector. According to a report by Business Insider, the company is now planning to build its own

AI-powered health applications

. For this new initiative, OpenAI has also started hiring people. The report by Business Insider also reveal that the company has recruited Daniel Etra, a seasoned executive with experience at both Instagram and Doximity, to lead its healthcare product strategy. This new initiative of the company signals development of a direct-to-consumer and enterprise health tools which will be powered by company’s flagship GPT technology. Along with this, OpenAI is also exploring applications ranging from clinical support to patient engagement, with a focus on safety and compliance.

Why OpenAI is expanding in healthcare

OpenAI’s entry into healthcare comes at a time when generative AI is being used to streamline medical workflows, assist with diagnostics and personalise patient care. With GPT-4 already being tested in clinical documentation and triage tools. The company sees this as an opportunity to build native products which integrate deeply into healthcare systems.Daneil Etra’s background at Instagram gives him consumer tech credibility, whereas his tenure at Doximity (a physical focused social network) adds healthcare domain expertise. Etra’s appointment to lead the healthcare division indicate the company’s seriousness in pursuing this sector. It appears that OpenAI wants to built tools which are both technically advanced and clinically relevant.

The competitive arena

With the decision to expand in the healthcare sector makes OpenAI join the list of tech giants that are working to bring AI into healthcare. Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services have all launched health-focused AI initiatives, but OpenAI’s direct product approach could set it apart.