Pediatric Surgeons.

This job has 18 core tasks. We went through 10 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Pediatric Surgeons actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Prepare case histories.

   AI DOES

   Drafts structured case history text from notes and templates

   YOU DO

   Verify clinical facts and apply surgical judgment to each child's unique situation

2. TASK 02

   Interpret results of preoperative tests and physical examinations.

   AI DOES

   Highlights abnormal test values, summarizes lab trends, and flags potential risk factors in reports

   YOU DO

   Combine exam findings, child's history, and clinical instincts to make the final preoperative call

3. TASK 03

   Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.

   AI DOES

   Drafts schedules, flags supply shortages, and suggests procedure checklists

   YOU DO

   Apply clinical experience and judgment to every real patient decision

4. TASK 04

   Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.

   AI DOES

   Pulls together medical history, flags drug allergies, and summarizes test results in one place

   YOU DO

   Use hands-on exam findings and deep clinical experience to decide if and how to operate

5. TASK 05

   Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.

   AI DOES

   Searches medical literature, summarizes study findings, and flags patterns in surgical outcome data

   YOU DO

   Design real experiments, interpret results in clinical context, and validate techniques through hands-on testing

6. TASK 06

   Describe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area, to parents or guardians of the patient.

   AI DOES

   Drafts plain-language pre- and post-op instruction summaries and answers common parent questions

   YOU DO

   Read the family's emotions, answer unique concerns, and earn their trust face-to-face

7. TASK 07

   Monitor patient's recovery, making follow-up visits and using postoperative assessment techniques, such as blood and imaging tests.

   AI DOES

   Flags abnormal lab results, helps read imaging scans, and summarizes trends in patient data

   YOU DO

   Examine the child in person and use clinical instinct to decide next steps

8. TASK 08

   Inform parents and guardians of child's health problems and surgical procedures through various channels, such as in-person and telecommunication systems.

   AI DOES

   Drafts plain-language summaries, prepares FAQ sheets, and suggests talking points about procedures

   YOU DO

   Read the room, answer emotional questions, and build trust with scared families

9. TASK 09

   Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.

   AI DOES

   Drafts referral letters, suggests specialist options, and flags cases that match referral criteria in records

   YOU DO

   Examine the child, weigh the full clinical picture, and talk with the family to choose the right specialist

10. TASK 10

    Consult with patient's other medical care specialists, such as cardiologist and endocrinologist, to determine if surgery is necessary.

    AI DOES

    Summarizes patient records and flags relevant clinical guidelines to prep for specialist discussions

    YOU DO

    Make the final call on surgical necessity with other doctors who know the patient