Medicine and artificial intelligence: Milan conference examines the human relationship in care
The relationship between technological innovation and doctor-patient care was the focus of “Will the future of medicine still be human?”, a conference organised by the Italian Catholic Doctors’ Association and held on 7 November 2026 at Fondazione Ambrosianeum in Milan, according to a statement from the organisers.
The meeting addressed the opportunities and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence, personalised medicine and the organisation of healthcare services. Alberto Cozzi, president of the association’s Milan branch, warned against reducing medicine to a purely technical activity and argued that listening, human relationships and partnership with patients must remain central to care.
According to the statement, Adriano Pessina, a professor of moral philosophy at Milan’s Università Cattolica, discussed the simulation of human qualities and the responsibilities that must remain identifiable within the care relationship. Giorgio Bordin, president of the Medicina e Persona association, highlighted the limitations of managing healthcare complexity solely through standardised procedures.
Eleonora Tobaldini, director of the University of Milan’s specialist training programme in Community Medicine and Primary Care, stressed the importance of continuity of care in managing chronic conditions. She called for multidisciplinary, personalised care pathways involving patients and their caregivers.
Alessandro Aiuti, deputy director of the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, outlined the opportunities offered by treatments tailored to patients’ genetic and biological characteristics, while also addressing access barriers and inequalities. Carlo Costantini, medical director of Opera San Francesco per i Poveri, presented the experience of its outpatient clinic, focusing on the needs of people facing illness, poverty and isolation.
The Archbishop of Milan, Mario Delpini, emphasised listening, closeness and respect for personal dignity. The organisers said they intended to develop collaboration with faith-based and secular healthcare associations, medical education institutions, political representatives and public institutions.