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As part of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute’s commitment to keeping pace with the latest scientific and technological developments in the medical field, and under the patronage of Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute and Chairman of the Board, the Institute hosted a distinguished scientific lecture delivered by Professor Dr. Ashraf Dahaba, Honorary Professor at the University of Graz in Austria, Associate Professor at the Chinese Military Medical University, and Consultant Anesthetist at the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom, entitled:
"Artificial Intelligence in Medical Research and Health Cost Management."

During the lecture, Dr. Ashraf Dahaba presented the evolution of artificial intelligence from its early beginnings, starting with the vision of AI’s founding father Alan Turing, and the coining of the term by John McCarthy in 1956. He traced its development through the creation of the first chatbot in 1964, followed by John Searle’s invention of real-time translation chatrooms in the 1980s, the launch of the robot Sophia in 2016, and finally the emergence of modern conversational models such as ChatGPT in 2020.

He also addressed the ethical and cognitive challenges associated with the use of AI, warning against the spread of fabricated or distorted information, especially given that some modern models, such as GPT, can refine their responses based on user interaction and data sources—potentially leading to unintentional misinformation in the absence of scientific oversight.

Dr. Dahaba highlighted the applications of AI in healthcare, particularly in medical cost management, universal health insurance, and accurate diagnostics through the analysis of patients’ medical histories, linking laboratory, imaging, and medication data. Such applications, he explained, contribute to saving lives and delivering effective healthcare at minimal cost.

He further explained that AI systems learn progressively through six stages leading to deep learning, where machines are trained to perform tasks that could replace human input in various domains. Despite these vast potentials, he cautioned against the psychological and educational repercussions of uncontrolled AI use. In 2025, some psychiatric patients were reported to believe that virtual assistants such as Alexa and Siri were living beings, revealing a significant cognitive disturbance. This phenomenon, especially among children who struggle to distinguish between reality and the virtual world, calls for greater supervision and community awareness of the risks of unconscious AI usage.

In an exclusive statement, Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz emphasized that organizing such lectures aligns with the Institute’s strategic vision to strengthen its position as a leading research center that supports innovation and bridges scientific research with practical application. He affirmed that Theodor Bilharz Research Institute remains committed to serving as a link between advanced scientific research and community needs through high-impact initiatives and international collaborations that enhance Egypt’s healthcare system.

He stressed that the integration of AI technologies into medical research is no longer optional but an inevitable necessity to meet the growing challenges facing the healthcare sector locally and globally. He underscored the importance of adopting these advanced tools in a scientifically grounded manner to provide intelligent, precise, and sustainable health services.

Dr. Abdel Aziz also noted that the Institute is keen to host international experts in fields directly related to the health of Egyptian citizens, aiming to exchange expertise, share knowledge, and open new avenues for scientific collaboration with leading international institutions. He added that such events contribute to building a new generation of researchers and physicians capable of utilizing advanced technologies—especially AI—to develop the healthcare system and provide innovative solutions aligned with Egypt’s vision for universal health coverage.

The lecture witnessed remarkable attendance by physicians, researchers, and specialists from various medical and scientific fields. The session featured active engagement and valuable discussions, opening new prospects for collaboration between modern technology and the healthcare sector. Several critical questions were raised regarding the future of AI in healthcare systems and how it can be utilized to improve medical care quality and reduce costs, while emphasizing the need for clear ethical and legislative frameworks to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI.

Attendees expressed their appreciation for the lecture’s balanced and insightful presentation, which combined academic depth with international practical experience, affirming the importance of repeating such events that pave the way for innovation and progress in Egypt’s healthcare and scientific research sectors.