I'm a medical student with an exciting idea to create something that uses AI to double-check prescriptions in an automated way. To bring this idea to life, I learned that I'll need to understand how APIs work. Unfortunately, I'm completely new to programming and have no idea where to start. I have some time—about two months each year for the next two years and then four years of internship to really focus on it. By the time I open my clinic, I want to have this program ready. Can anyone guide me on what I should learn to get started with using APIs like OpenAI's or Twilio for WhatsApp integration?
3 Answers
An API, or Application Programming Interface, lets different software communicate with each other. It’s like the connection point for data transfer. For your project, you’ll likely want access to a medication database through an API. There must be several out there that could cater to your needs, especially for medical students. Have you considered using existing systems like OpenAI's models for this? They're not designed for medical advice, but they can help organize drug information if you hook them up properly.
You might need to provide some initial data, but definitely check if they have medical datasets already integrated. It'll save you a lot of setup time!
Hey, I know it sounds like a huge task, but keep in mind the legal side. If you're planning on using this tool in any capacity, especially with patients, you’ll definitely need to consult some legal folks to avoid liability issues. What’s your budget like for building this? You might find some paid APIs that are worth it, like DrugBank, but keep in mind they can be pricey.
I’m not sure yet about the budget since I’m still a student, but maybe I could look into free options too. I just want to build something that’ll help me with drug interactions. In Egypt, there might not be many tools like this available yet.
You’re right; if this isn’t common in Egypt, developing something locally could really fill a gap. Just make sure you’re covered legally if you share your tool!
You need to think about where you’re storing your data first. If you want to keep it on your computer, that's one thing, but if you're considering using a server, it’s a whole different ball game. It sounds like you might be looking into check drug interactions, so understanding what database you might use is key. Have you thought about what kind of database to work with?
Honestly, if you're planning to keep the data on your PC for now, I’d suggest starting with SQLite or something simple like that. But if you think you'll need more room, a server setup might save you the hassle in the long run.
Yeah, if you're just a student, sticking with local storage like your PC might be easier while you're learning. You could start building your database and see how it goes!
That's exactly what's been on my mind! So if I use something like OpenAI as an API, will it have the information I need? Or do I still need to feed it the data myself?