AI Technology in Plastic Surgery Practice | S18 Ep91

AI can transform plastic surgery practices, but its value depends on thoughtful implementation, patient privacy, and clinical oversight. Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities to improve practice efficiency, patient communication, and clinical workflows, but successful implementation requires more than adopting new technology. Understanding how to use AI effectively, protect patient information, and evaluate its limitations is essential to integrating these tools responsibly into plastic surgery practice. Host Diana Yoon-Schwartz, MD, welcomes David Staughton, an Australian business consultant and specialist practice advisor with more than 30 years of experience in business development and operations. Staughton shares practical approaches to incorporating AI into everyday practice, from writing effective prompts and creating office protocols to using AI-powered medical scribes, developing patient education materials, and supporting marketing efforts. The conversation also explores emerging applications in surgical robotics, imaging, and clinical decision support, alongside concerns about data privacy, inaccurate AI-generated information, and professional accountability. Together, they examine how surgeons can begin exploring AI while maintaining clinical oversight and prioritizing patient care. Topics Discussed Getting started with AI tools Writing effective prompts Using AI medical scribes Streamlining administrative workflows Creating patient education and marketing materials Exploring AI in imaging and robotic surgery Protecting patient data and privacy Recognizing AI limitations and inaccuracies Key Takeaways Start with practical applications. Explore routine administrative tasks before expanding into more complex workflows. Improve your prompts. Provide clear context, instructions, and expectations to generate more useful responses. Streamline documentation. Evaluate secure AI medical scribes to support consultations and clinical recordkeeping. Customize your workflows. Review AI-generated protocols and patient communications to reflect your practice's standards. Protect patient information. Assess privacy safeguards and avoid entering identifiable patient data into unapproved tools. Verify AI-generated content. Check clinical information, references, and recommendations for accuracy before use. Bonus Resources Specialist Practice Excellence – AI for Plastic Surgeons – AI tools, applications, and educational resources for plastic surgery practices. David Staughton – Business consulting information and additional resources related to AI, practice management, and professional development. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.