AI in radiology is extending beyond enhancing diagnostics. It’s reshaping the field into a proactive specialty. In a recent episode of “Medical Imaging Matters”, hosted by AHRA, Alexander McKinney, MD, Chair and Professor of Clinical Radiology at the University of Miami Health System, explored how AI is driving radiology’s evolution from a diagnostic discipline to a new speciality coined by Dr. McKinney: preventive radiology.
Historically, radiology has focused on diagnosing conditions after symptoms appear. With AI, radiologists are now playing a more proactive role by identifying at-risk patients before major health issues arise. Dr. McKinney described how clinical AI is helping flag conditions that might not have been the primary reason for an exam but could significantly impact a patient’s long-term health.
“Instead of just reacting to findings, we’re now identifying risks before they become critical. AI is allowing us to be preventive rather than just diagnostic.”
One of the most impactful applications of AI in radiology is the ability to flag incidental findings For example, Aidoc’s AI can identify coronary artery calcifications on a routine CT scan, which can signal a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
By leveraging AI to highlight these findings, radiologists can work alongside primary care physicians, cardiologists and other specialists to develop early intervention plans, helping at-risk patients receive the care they need before a condition progresses.
This preventative approach also represents a shift in how radiologists engage with both patients and clinical colleagues. AI-powered insights are bringing radiologists out of the reading room and more closely into the patient’s care journey, allowing better collaboration with referring providers to ensure timely follow-ups and improved patient outcomes.
This shift is changing how radiologists are perceived within health systems. Instead of being seen as behind-the-scenes specialists, radiologists are now taking on a more active role in guiding patient management.
The integration of AI into radiology was only the beginning. As technology advances, the scope of preventive radiology will continue to expand, helping healthcare providers anticipate and mitigate risks across a wide range of conditions.
Dr. McKinney emphasized that the key to success lies in collaboration between radiologists, AI developers and clinical specialists to ensure that AI-driven insights translate into meaningful patient interventions.
“Radiologists are no longer just diagnosing. We’re directing care, ensuring that patients receive proactive, targeted treatment before their conditions become life-threatening.”
Watch the full discussion with Dr. McKinney in the video below to learn more about this upcoming approach of AI in radiology.
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