Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly proving its value in medicine, extending beyond imaging analysis to identifying therapeutic targets for rare diseases. Nearly 80% of healthcare institutions now utilize AI-driven technologies, with investments in AI delivering a return on investment (ROI) within an average of 14 months. As the next generation of medical professionals enters the field, acceptance of AI tools among doctors is also rising.
“AI is currently the hottest topic in medicine, and not just medicine. It can be applied across almost every medical discipline. It’s already embedded in many medical devices through various algorithms, often without our realization. The key now is how extensively we use it, how well we validate it, how truly useful it proves to be, and how it enhances the work of medical professionals,” says Dr. Tomasz Maciejewski, Director of the Mother and Child Institute in Warsaw, speaking to Newseria.
AI’s Market Impact and Growth Projections
According to Grand View Research, the global AI market in medicine generated $19.27 billion in revenue in 2023. By 2030, its value is projected to exceed $188 billion, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 38.5%.
A study by Microsoft-IDC (March 2024) found that 79% of healthcare providers currently integrate AI technologies, with an investment return period of 14 months. For every dollar invested in AI, institutions generate $3.20 in revenue.
One of the fastest-growing segments in medical AI is AI-powered medical imaging. Mordor Intelligence projects that this sector will reach $5.86 billion in 2025, and grow beyond $26 billion by 2030.
“The potential of AI lies in freeing up medical professionals from administrative burdens while also accelerating their work. A procedure that once took four minutes could soon take just one minute or even 30 seconds. AI also acts as a knowledge base for doctors, helping them manage the overwhelming amount of medical data being produced,” explains Dr. Maciejewski.
AI’s Role in Diagnosing Rare Diseases
The Mother and Child Institute has been running its AI and Medical Technology Innovation Department for several years, focusing on coordinating AI initiatives, collaborating with businesses, and launching joint projects.
AI is showing great promise in improving diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for rare diseases. A key challenge remains late diagnosis, leading to the so-called “diagnostic odyssey,” which can take an average of eight years. As a result, many patients reach specialized medical centers only in advanced stages of illness.
One of the main barriers to early detection is the low diagnostic awareness among primary care physicians. AI can assist doctors by identifying potential rare diseases based on non-specific symptoms.
“For a general practitioner who is unfamiliar with a specific medical condition, helping a patient can be extremely difficult without proper support. AI algorithms can deliver crucial insights within seconds. Many of us already rely on generative AI as a rapid information retrieval tool, much like advanced search engines,” Maciejewski explains.
AI tools can identify genetic mutations with 90% accuracy, enabling pre-symptomatic detection of rare diseases. Additionally, AI accelerates the discovery of disease-triggering factors and the development of innovative therapies.
Growing Acceptance of AI Among Doctors
Doctors are increasingly open to using AI, though some reservations remain.
“Of course, there is some reluctance because AI is still unfamiliar to many. Some specialists fear that AI might replace their jobs, but this is not possible since medical decisions and diagnoses still require human authorization. However, surveys show that younger doctors increasingly expect AI and modern technologies to be integrated into their workplace. Around 50-60% of respondents believe AI should be standard in their medical environment,” Maciejewski notes.
AI in Prenatal Diagnosis and Heart Defect Detection
In January 2025, the Mother and Child Institute in Warsaw hosted a training session as part of the project “AI in the Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) – Future Practical Applications.”
The training educated doctors on AI’s role in prenatal echocardiography (ultrasound) and how it can assist obstetricians and diagnostic specialists in detecting congenital heart conditions in unborn children.
Conclusion
AI is no longer just a theoretical concept in medicine; it is actively transforming diagnostics, treatment, and patient outcomes. With a growing investment return rate, a high adoption rate in healthcare institutions, and increasing acceptance among medical professionals, AI is poised to become an essential tool in modern medicine—especially in areas where early diagnosis and advanced imaging are critical.
