At a conference last week, I watched an obstetrician-gynecologist demonstrate her AI avatar. As I understood it, the patient can log into the patient portal to view lab results and instead of having a static report, the AI avatar who looks like and talks like the physician (but is not), explains the results. I can see the advantages here as my own patients have sometimes told me about being unable to sleep because they couldn’t understand their results and how they have to deal with the agony of waiting for their scheduled clinic appointment. I can also appreciate how this AI avatar is a boon for patient education as it will always gives a consistent explanation. After all, it is never tired, hungry, or upset.
Watching the demonstration, I tried to imagine myself as the patient. And honestly, I would rather that my own physician talk to me rather than her avatar. What do you think? It was disconcerting to say the least, watching the avatar on the screen and looking at the speaker on stage. It does look and talk like her! But as with any video now that we see online, we keep guessing, is it real or is it AI?
Let’s talk about the issues on BlueSky at the #HealthXPH chat later, 14 March 2026, 9 pm Manila time.
T1. How can we ensure patients distinguish AI avatars from real physicians without eroding trust in health technology?
I can imagine how at the next follow up visit, a patient might say, “You said …” As it was the avatar who said, I will not have any memory of that. How awkward will that conversation be! Does that mean I know have to watch what my avatar said to this patient so we could be on the same page?
T2. Do avatar designs (e.g., race, gender) unintentionally reinforce stereotypes or sway patient decisions in consultations?
If I were to design my avatar, would it be me in a white coat with perfect hair and makeup? My experience has fortunately been favorable with patients who find me first on Facebook and watch my videos before coming to the clinic. I have been told, “Mas maganda ka sa personal, Doktora.” While I should probably bask in that comment, my thought bubble says, so do I look ugly online? Hahaha!
T3. How might AI avatars change the human connection in doctor-patient relationships?
This is really an interesting question. Will interacting with the AI avatar make patients feel more engaged or less engaged with their doctors?