New Head of Uruguay's National Academy of Medicine Tackles AI, Misinformation Challenges

Uruguay's National Academy of Medicine (ANM) is entering a new phase of reflection and consolidation as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Under the leadership of its newly elected president, nephrologist Óscar Noboa, the academy is poised to address the complex and evolving landscape of modern healthcare. Noboa's vision extends beyond traditional medical practice, encompassing critical contemporary issues such as the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence, the pervasive threat of health misinformation, and the undeniable impact of climate change on public health.

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The ANM reaches a moment of maturity. It is a young academy for the region and for the world: many academies were 19th-century projects.

Noboa stressed the importance of the ANM remaining a relevant and active institution. He highlighted the need for the academy to continuously assess its relationship with the broader community and its advisory role to public and private entities, including the Ministry of Public Health and Parliament. The goal is to ensure that the ANM not only upholds the legacy of distinguished medical professionals in Uruguay but also actively contributes to the advancement of scientific research and the dissemination of vital health information. This includes preserving the history of Uruguayan medicine through digital repositories and fostering the creation of new knowledge through awards and scholarships.

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We have to constantly ask ourselves if we are advising the Ministry of Public Health, Parliament, or private sectors appropriately, and also identify relevant health problems in Uruguay.

A significant focus for Noboa's presidency will be the push for continuous medical education and recertification. Recognizing that medicine is a constantly evolving field, he advocates for mandatory updates in knowledge and competencies. This is particularly crucial in Latin America, where Noboa notes the alarming rise of "garage faculties" – institutions offering substandard medical education, which he describes as a form of "scam." Uruguay, with its strong tradition of medical training, must remain vigilant against such threats to professional standards.

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My main objective is that the ANM is alive and can express what its members experience.

From Uruguay's perspective, as articulated in El País, the ANM's role is vital in navigating these challenges. The academy serves as a crucial think tank and advisory body, providing a national perspective on health policy and scientific advancement. Noboa's emphasis on AI and misinformation reflects a local understanding of how global trends impact Uruguay. While international media might focus on the technological marvels of AI, Uruguayan experts are concerned with its practical application in healthcare and its potential to exacerbate existing inequalities or spread falsehoods. The ANM's commitment to rigorous scientific standards and ethical practice is paramount in ensuring that Uruguay's healthcare system continues to serve its citizens effectively, grounded in reliable knowledge and sound medical judgment.

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Medicine cannot be practiced without permanent updating of knowledge and skills.