Google, under the direction of Michael Howell, reinforces its focus on artificial intelligence for the healthcare sector. However, the company asserts that its technology does not replace doctors, but rather enhances their work.
The company Google, led by Michael Howell, its chief Health Officer since August 2025, is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in hospitals around the world, according to expansion.com. Howell, who has experience as an intensive care physician, clarifies that Google's technology does not seek to replace doctors, but to provide tools that improve healthcare.
In his statements, Howell emphasized that it "does not act as a doctor" and that the company's search platforms are designed to connect users with healthcare. He also claims that AI systems are integrated within a framework of quality and safety that includes instructions to consult a doctor.
The head of health at Google highlights the importance of using a solid evaluation framework. "We do not just build models, we build evidence," he stated, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical validation before applying AI in real situations.
In the field of health, Google has developed models such as Med-PaLM, which was the first AI system to pass the US medical licensing exam. This model is used to optimize workflows in hospitals and summarise complex clinical information. Another model, AMIE, is designed to conduct complete diagnostic conversations with patients.
Recently, Google announced funding of five million dollars through Google.org for the Impulse Healthcare initiative in the EU, which will train healthcare professionals to develop their own AI solutions. Additionally, in France, it collaborates with the Institut Curie to advance cancer research and treatment.
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