By: Daniel Cooper

Over the centuries, the role of the physician has changed significantly, influenced by shifts in society, advances in technology, and a growing understanding of the human body. It’s fascinating to look back and see how much things have evolved. Historically, physicians were the key link between illness and health, using both their medical knowledge and a humanistic approach. In ancient civilizations like Greece, Egypt, and India, medicine was often tied to magic and religion. Treatments were based on folklore or basic herbology, which seem primitive compared to what we use today.

Modern medicine has advanced so much that those early practitioners would be amazed by what we can do now. But as we move forward, the question becomes: what will the physician of the future look like? Science fiction offers some interesting ideas. Think of the medical tricorder from Star Trek, a device that instantly scans a patient, analyzes the data, and recommends a treatment. Or the Dr. Yueh from Dune, diagnosing with just a touch, using seamless, futuristic technology.

While these examples might seem far off, modern tools like point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) aren't that far removed. With POCUS, doctors can use handheld devices to quickly visualize organs and identify issues, giving insights that go beyond what a physical exam can offer. In critical cases—like a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, cardiac tamponade, aortic dissection, or trauma—a quick POCUS scan can be the difference between life and death. Beyond emergencies, POCUS has the potential to save time and reduce costs by cutting down the need for formal ultrasounds or advanced imaging for routine assessments.

At UAB, we've embraced POCUS and made it a key part of our medical education. Our internal medicine faculty sees it as essential for the future of medicine. Through the POCUS scholarship program, residents get hands-on training and learn to use this technology effectively, and I’ve seen how it’s transforming patient care. Residents have diagnosed life-threatening conditions like aortic dissection and acute choledocholithiasis, which has led to quicker treatments and better outcomes for patients.

POCUS is also changing how doctors interact with patients. In our program, residents often review images with patients in real time, which creates more transparency and builds trust. Patients see their doctors as not only compassionate but also skilled and curious about their health.

Of course, there are still challenges to making POCUS universal. While costs are coming down and image quality is improving, there’s still work to do before it’s widely adopted. But the future looks promising. The latest handheld devices are completely wireless, small enough to fit in a pocket, and can transmit images to a smartphone or tablet. It’s easy to picture a future where every doctor carries one of these devices, much like the stethoscope has become a staple of medical practice.

At its core, medicine is a field that’s always progressing, constantly building on the knowledge of the past to push the limits of what’s possible. Just as ancient healers couldn’t have imagined the diagnostic tools we use today, we’re standing at the edge of a new era. Our current technologies, like POCUS, are part of a larger trajectory that will eventually lead to even more advanced—and possibly unimaginable—tools being used in everyday practice. The physician of tomorrow will inherit not only centuries of wisdom but also the innovations we’re using today, as we continue to strive for better ways to heal with precision and compassion.

As a physician-in-training during this exciting time, I feel fortunate to witness and be part of these advancements. The tools we use are changing, but our core mission—to heal and care for our patients—stays the same. As technology continues to evolve, the future holds even greater possibilities for both doctors and the patients we serve.