Valentina Busik: An Aspiring Dermatologist with Groundbreaking Ideas for the Doctor’s Office of the Future
Valentina Busik, a rising dermatologist at the University Hospital of Gießen, stands among the nine finalists in the "Miss Germany" competition. On Saturday, February 22nd, at Europa-Park Rust, the winner will be determined. Busik aims to impress the jury and the audience, who can already participate in the initial round of voting, with her Artificial Intelligence (AI) for physicians. However, this is only one of the 27-year-old’s many innovative ideas.
As late repatriates from Kazakhstan, Busik’s parents brought her to Germany when she was still a child. At the time, she suffered from a kidney condition and required medical attention. However, the problem was initially overlooked by pediatricians, and her parents felt helpless due to their lack of medical knowledge. It was only with the help of a friend who was a doctor that the urgently needed surgery was finally arranged, says Busik. When her parents told her the story later, she decided: "I will do better."
During her studies and subsequent work, she repeatedly witnessed the crucial importance of effective communication between doctors and patients in fostering trust and a sense of security. However, at the Skin Cancer Center of the University Hospital of Gießen, there were typically only 15 minutes to convey potentially life-changing cancer diagnoses to patients.
In response, Busik developed a tool that enables physicians to create informative videos for their patients using AI avatars—easily understandable and, if desired, featuring the doctor’s own image and in the patient’s native language. Patients can access the videos repeatedly, even in half-speed if necessary. These videos are intended to lighten the workload for physicians, allowing them to focus on essential questions during consultations, such as how patients are coping with the diagnosis and whether they require support from psycho-oncologists—topics that might otherwise quickly fade into the background, says Busik.
Her goal: "No one should ever leave a doctor’s office feeling helpless," as she describes in her presentation. The doctor already has additional ideas in the works: an AI that can transcribe summaries during doctor-patient consultations and analyze patient data, and cobots that can prioritize prescriptions and appointments in the doctor’s office using a traffic light system, just to name a few.
"Miss Germany" has evolved since 2019 from a beauty pageant into an award for women who take responsibility, as stated on its homepage. Accordingly, the finalists represent diverse causes and advocate for them, as Busik explains. In participating in the competition, she seeks attention for her project. "You also need supporters who contribute to the project, whether through commitment or investment." For her AI for doctors, Busik is currently looking for interested medical practices; she has not yet founded a company for her ideas.
Beyond Superficiality: Innovative Ideas for the Doctor’s Office of the Future
Valentina Busik, a dermatologist with a passion for improving healthcare, aspires to revolutionize the doctor’s office of the future. Her groundbreaking ideas leverage technology to enhance communication, streamline processes, and empower both doctors and patients. Notably, she emphasizes the importance of empathy and patient-centered care, ensuring that patients never feel lost or alone in their medical journey.
Busik’s personal experiences have shaped her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare. Growing up as a late repatriate from Kazakhstan, she witnessed firsthand the challenges that language barriers and cultural differences can pose in accessing medical care. This realization ignited within her a desire to bridge these gaps and ensure that everyone receives the support and understanding they need.
Artificial Intelligence: Unlocking Potential for Personalized Care
Busik’s innovative use of AI in healthcare addresses a critical need for more efficient and personalized patient communication. Her AI-powered video platform empowers physicians to create educational videos tailored to each patient’s individual needs. These videos can be easily understood, even by patients with limited medical knowledge or language barriers. Additionally, the videos can be viewed repeatedly, at the patient’s own pace, ensuring that they fully grasp the information provided.
Empowering Physicians, Enhancing Patient Care
Busik’s ideas extend beyond creating informative videos. She envisions an AI-driven system that can assist physicians with various tasks, such as summarizing consultations, analyzing patient data, and prioritizing appointments. By automating these tasks, physicians can free up their time to focus on what truly matters—providing compassionate care to their patients.
Patient-Centered Care: Putting the Patient First
At the heart of Busik’s philosophy is a deep belief in patient-centered care. She recognizes that every patient is an individual with unique needs and concerns. Her ideas are designed to foster open communication, reduce anxiety, and ensure that patients feel supported and empowered throughout their medical journey.
A Call for Support: Paving the Way for Innovation
Busik’s vision for the doctor’s office of the future requires collaboration and support. She seeks partnerships with medical professionals, investors, and organizations that share her commitment to improving healthcare. Together, they can transform her innovative ideas into tangible solutions that will benefit both patients and healthcare providers.
A Finalist with a Mission: Inspiring Change
As a finalist in the "Miss Germany" competition, Busik has a platform to showcase her ideas and advocate for better healthcare for all. Her participation is a testament to her dedication to using her voice and influence to create positive change in the medical field. By sharing her vision, she inspires others to rethink traditional approaches and embrace innovative solutions that empower patients and advance the practice of medicine.
