Canada (English)
Envisioning the future with attention to detail. The role of the Software CTO
We must identify controversial issues. In order to build a complex system that seamlessly integrates technology, data, and people, while ensuring security and innovation in line with strict medical industry standards, it is critical to address inconsistencies and anticipate potential obstacles that could slow down or make the diagnostic process less efficient.
A cross-functional role to ensure innovation and security
About a year ago, Esaote introduced a new cross-functional role to ensure the reliability and quality of its platforms. This individual is responsible for liaising with industry experts, healthcare institutions, technology partners, and internal functions to support the company’s development. Benedetto Carollo joined Esaote as Software CTO (Chief Technology Officer) after having gained international experience in different market sectors, which allowed him to have access to a wide range of scenarios and solutions while maintaining vertical expertise in several strategic aspects of high-tech research companies. “My primary role is to lead and oversee the development and implementation of software solutions within the company. I have two main responsibilities: to oversee the development of the brand’s distinctive architectural framework and to select the most appropriate technological tools to implement it, considering the cost and strategic constraints set by the company. Understanding both market demands and the company’s internal needs is essential to both activities, and this is perhaps the most stimulating part of the job because it makes me think about the relationship aspects,” Carollo explains. “Building and maintaining relationships is all about how to inspire trust in different contexts.”
How human communication makes its way into devices
“Over the years, Esaote has built a strong and reputable brand, which makes it easier to obtain credit in B2B contexts. On the other hand, communicating with people, which is both a complex and vital part of my work, requires more direct and personal experience, because it allows you to experiment on a cultural level, questioning everything you took for granted because you were used to seeing it work in other environments or situations. Sometimes you just need to show that you keep your word. However, to hear everyone’s point of view, it may be necessary to make a decision that temporarily excludes some of these perspectives. This does not mean that they will be overlooked; in fact, they will provide valuable input that will influence future decisions. Once an idea or opinion has entered the process, it remains at work in the process itself.” The harmonization of different regulations is another issue that requires a decision-making figure. “In the medical technology sector, adherence to regulations and standards is paramount. It is necessary to ensure that the software is flexible enough to incorporate health regulations at both international and local levels. Software must be continuously trained and updated to ensure compliance with security regulations and standards, and this process must include the design, management, and development phases.
Artificial Intelligence and neural models
Today, among many other topics, the application of Artificial Intelligence raises controversial issues, and we still need to identify the optimal approach to ensure that the relevant needs are addressed within the diagnostic process. “I always prefer to talk about neural patterns. There are some clear advantages to mimicking the human brain in terms of endurance and precision over time: think of how doctors dealing with constant emergencies can get tired by the end of the day, and this is because they use human abilities that software does not have (i.e. consciousness and the ability to interpret). This can result in a higher risk of losing concentration when placing the probe, for example. The artificial version of the human brain can help create an alert, as if it were an ever-vigilant assistant.” From this perspective, it is up to doctors to figure out what is best in any given situation, and to know the difference between what is right and wrong, helpful and harmful, true and false. However, doctors have another advantage, which is access to a tool whose capabilities are still largely untapped. “We are beginning to realize that the only way to achieve exponential results from a model designed to process big data and able to withstand fatigue is to harness people’s ingenuity and imagination. It’s a creative alliance driven by each healthcare team.” Therefore, the machine incorporates the expertise of a professional who is well suited to a work group and encourages commitment, but who is not independent or autonomous when it comes to care and prevention processes.
An overview of inconsistencies
The software must be flexible enough to respect the patient’s sense of identity while staying current with scientific advances in the field of biological research, including gender medicine and DNA discoveries. All of these aspects need to be considered in conjunction with the cultural aspects of identity. Here, too, it is crucial to identify inconsistencies and controversial issues so that they can be resolved in advance rather than having to be addressed by the doctor. Human error cannot be eliminated, and if we look at the history of science, it would be like eliminating a potential for development. “We all make mistakes, including me. But what matters most is having built a commitment to goals that are collective rather than individual, and having a reliable network of people who are attentive enough to notice when something is not working or deviating from the desired path. This is a path that can be corrected, which is why it’s so important for people to have the courage to express their doubts or to put forward alternative proposals. I can safely say that at Esaote, this critical skill is strongly present, nurtured and embraced by all employees, from the youngest developer to the most experienced manager.” The integration of Artificial Intelligence into biomedical devices is designed to provide healthcare teams with a continuous and tireless “observer” that can assist in alleviating some of the cognitive burden on doctors in light of today’s aging population and, consequently, increasing the prevalence of frail patients. Nevertheless, the significant creative potential and problem-solving abilities of these digital extensions that will shape our future still depend on human intuition and judgment.
