Dr. Hassan Bakhtiari, chancellor of the Smart University of Medical Sciences, announced that the university is actively working to integrate ethical considerations and lifestyle discussions into the development of artificial intelligence (AI). He stated, "Whenever a new phenomenon emerges, ethical challenges inevitably arise, and they must be addressed alongside technological progress."
Highlighting that every technological breakthrough brings its own set of issues, Dr. Bakhtiari emphasized that AI is no exception. "With AI rapidly becoming widespread and infiltrating every aspect of life, it is vital to give special attention to the ethical dimensions of this technology," he added.
He went on to note, "Today, AI affects nearly every facet of human life. It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t use AI for everyday tasks, and its application across specialized fields continues to expand."
He emphasized that the health sector, both globally and domestically, has seen significant attention with the integration of AI. This raises critical questions: "When AI becomes intertwined with healthcare and begins delivering services, will the ethical issues inherent in healthcare still be respected?"
The chancellor of the Smart University of Medical Sciences posed further questions: "When AI is integrated into various sectors of life, particularly health, what will happen to patient confidentiality and privacy? What about the dynamics between service providers and recipients through AI platforms?"
He stressed that these concerns need prompt answers. In meetings and pre-events organized for the upcoming "Second International Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Sciences," ethics in AI and healthcare was one of the major topics discussed.
Dr. Bakhtiari stated: "Accordingly, the university is pursuing the topic of AI ethics in line with its mission. A dedicated committee will be established, bringing together professors and scholars specializing in AI ethics to address these issues seriously."
He expressed hope that by establishing ethical frameworks for AI, this valuable and effective technology can be utilized optimally while minimizing ethical lapses and undesirable consequences.
Lifestyle and Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Bakhtiari emphasized that every new technology introduces a corresponding lifestyle change. "Undoubtedly, lifestyles will change with the arrival of AI," he said. Since lifestyle directly impacts health and people's behaviors, it is critical that experts in technology start thinking and discussing these changes now.
He added: "Executive officials must also draft necessary guidelines based on the insights of the nation's scholars and intellectuals, ensuring that AI does not negatively impact our way of life." He stressed the need to anticipate and mitigate AI’s potential negative effects on lifestyle, an issue the Smart University of Medical Sciences is taking seriously.
Dr. Bakhtiari remarked: "Like all technologies, AI is a tool that can be used for good or bad purposes. Thus, we should not fear or resist it. Instead, we must understand it thoroughly, adhere to ethical standards, and learn how to align our lifestyles accordingly. By doing so, AI can become a tool serving the well-being of society rather than a cause for concern."
Advancing Smart Healthcare in Line with Ministry of Health Policies
Dr. Bakhtiari explained that the Smart University of Medical Sciences originally began as a virtual university aimed at promoting educational equity and online learning. After a change in its mission, it evolved into the Smart University of Medical Sciences.
He noted that smartification across education, research, healthcare, and public health is now part of the university’s mandate. In coordination with other medical universities and the capacities within the national health sector, the university aims to advance the smart healthcare agenda in alignment with Ministry of Health directives.
Presenting the Latest AI Findings at the "Second International Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Sciences"
Highlighting the tremendous and accelerating progress in AI worldwide, particularly in healthcare, Dr. Bakhtiari noted that AI has a significant role in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Following the successful first congress, the university decided to hold the second event in continuation of its mission. Dr. Bakhtiari stated that this year’s congress has received unprecedented interest from scholars and experts.
One of the key distinctions of this second congress is the presentation of the latest findings and achievements in AI, healthcare, and medical sciences. Given the rapid developments in AI, keeping up-to-date is essential.
He also emphasized the importance of addressing legal issues related to AI, pointing out that whenever a new technology is introduced into society, laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines must be updated to fit societal needs. Otherwise, AI — despite its potential benefits — could become harmful.
Dr. Ba Bakhtiari, the Chair of the Second International Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Sciences reiterated that, in addition to updating AI topics and discussing policy and regulatory frameworks, there will be a special focus on ethical issues related to AI.
He highlighted the role of scholars and researchers in enriching the congress and stated: "We have invited not only our esteemed domestic scholars but also international professors and researchers, including foreign nationals and Iranian expatriates who have made notable achievements in AI."
Dr. Bakhtiari concluded that the presence of international experts will foster connections between domestic and foreign AI specialists. While the preference is for physical attendance, provisions have been made for online participation for those unable to attend in person.
He finally invited all those interested in AI to attend the Second International Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Sciences, which will be held over three days, from May 14 to May 16, 2025, in Tehran at the Iran (Noor Al-Reza) Conference Center.
