Many Filipinos turn to Google or Facebook groups when they feel unwell. They crowdsource symptoms, ask for advice, and sometimes self-medicate.
It’s quick but not always reliable, which is why responsible use of technology matters.
This was the focus of “DATA: Digital Skills, Advancing Technology, and Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare,” a forum hosted by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) on August 29, 2025, at the UNILAB Bayanihan Center.
The event explored how AI can be redefined and maximized in medicine, while also tackling medical content creation, digital tools, and everyday wellness.
“Being aware of the opportunities and challenges of social media, mobile apps, and AI is very important,” said PCCP President Dr. Jubert Benedicto. “Used wisely, these tools help us communicate better and deliver meaningful messages to the communities we serve.”
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From Artificial to ‘Assisted’ Intelligence
Pulmonologist and intensivist Dr. Hean Ooi framed AI not as a tool to replace doctors, but as a form of “assisted intelligence.”
“In the medical landscape, AI is being used to improve clinical efficiency and operations, gain new insights, and even help in pulmonary risk predictions,” he explained.
AI powers chatbots and other advancements, such as X-ray readers, allowing doctors to save time and discover new ways of caring for patients.
“Take the COVID-19 as an example,” Ooi added. “Vaccines were developed faster thanks to technology.”
Dr. Cristina Maranion, also an academician at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), offered another take on how AI can be harnessed in medical education.
“We can only achieve its full potential if we use it correctly,” she noted. “Carefully crafted prompts and recommended apps, such as Gemini, Elicit, and ChatPDF, can make medical research faster and more convenient.”
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The Doctor’s Digital Toolbox
So what’s inside a doctor’s digital toolkit today? Some crowd favorites include:
- Canva for quick medical illustrations and handouts
- Life in the Fast Lane (LITFL) for clinical topics and a vast X-ray library
- SeriousMD for teleconsults, HMO tracking, and even vaccine scheduling
- Asthma.com for monitoring symptoms and treatment progress
- Breathe Free Network for easy-to-understand patient education videos
- Bottom Line for concise summaries of landmark trials and evidence-based medicine.
Even the PhilHealth portal, which streamlines claims and IDs, was praised as a small but meaningful digital upgrade.
These aren’t just conveniences. For many doctors, they’re lifelines that allow them to work smarter and spend more time where it matters most: with patients.
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Smart Wellness in Daily Life
It’s not only experts who are reaping the benefits of these innovations.
Patients can now use wearables, health apps, and AI-powered trackers to guide daily choices — reminding them to take medicine, spotting irregular heart rates, or suggesting stress-relief exercises when life gets hectic.
“AI and digital tools go beyond the clinic, helping everyone make smarter choices,” said PCCP Council on Sleep Chair Dr. Patrick Gerard Moral.
Despite available medical services, many Filipinos still rely on social media for health guidance.
“Our kababayans like to self-diagnose,” Katherine Magsanoc of Joyful Wellness and the Philippine STAR noted. “I’m pretty sure some of us here are members of health groups on Facebook because we rely on tips and advice online.”
While these communities offer comfort and connection, they also pose risks when misinformation spreads unchecked.
Collaboration is the Cure
This is why cross-sector collaboration is crucial between doctors, tech developers, educators, and yes, even media. Together, we can make sure the digital space becomes a source of clarity rather than confusion.
Events like DATA are a reminder that the future of healthcare is already here. It is powered by innovation, guided by compassion, and at its best when technology and humanity work hand in hand.
DISCLAIMER
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
