The lighter side of AI scribe: Thoughts from a recent convert
Introduction by OntarioMD
OntarioMD (OMD) is excited to share this excellent blog by Dr. Ted Jablonski about his experience with an AI scribe. His experience that aligns with OMD’s change management approach with community-based clinicians for the adoption of digital health tools, AI scribes being one of the newest tools available to Ontario clinicians. Successful adoption of new technology isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about understanding context, meeting people where they are, and adapting to different workflows and needs. These are the principles that shape the way OMD staff work with clinicians every day. OMD’s services to Ontario clinicians who are adopting a new tool, or need help using an existing tool better, are FREE! Don’t hesitate to ask for our help!
If you need help with AI scribe or any other digital health tool, please contact us at support@ontariomd.com.
The following article is reproduced with permission from The Medical Post.
Originally published on July 31, 2025, on CanadianHealthcareNetwork.ca (the Medical Post’s website – subscription required).
Author: Ted Jablonski
I’ve jumped on the bandwagon. AI scribe RULES!!
When you have set yourself up for success with the correct program, favourable EMR and appropriate templates, stencils, macros and shortcuts—to name a few—there are amazing efficiencies to be had. AI scribes are remarkable time-savers. I have fallen hard. I am addicted.
ATTENTION: All those charting at home, on EMR at 11 p.m., struggling to keep up—this blog is for you, if you have time to read it. I use an AI scribe, so I even have time to write it!
Since AI scribes hit the Canadian medical scene, I’ve watched my colleagues fall into five broad categories. Here’s a light-hearted taxonomy of the scribe-curious, scribe-obsessed, and scribe-averse among us.
Tech-savvy tigers—on the prowl and devouring whatever they can
Not only are they early adopters—these code-writing docs might have built their own computers as teens and programmed their own EMR as adults. These geeks have test-driven every new technology and are so far ahead of the curve that AI is already boring and old. They were virtual before COVID and use every gadget they can. They do their software updates before prompted. The practice of medicine is a hobby that allows them to check out every new electronic feature out there. If we could just get them off their Nintendo Switch 2, they might even do more!
Eager early adopters—tech wannabes buzzing
While this MD may not be the most technologically advanced, they make up for this by being super keen. They have waited patiently and tried out a few free versions when they became available—mostly on relatives and the vast number of test patients they have created on their EMR. These early adopters are keen to talk to their patients about this new feature and, while the purpose is to gain consent, they really want to show off with a printed copy of the visit note for every equally engaged patient.
Watch-and-see types—the Scribe-curious
This MD has watched their colleagues get excited about a lot of things they later abandoned, having been burned before by fads that fizzled. As the scribe has seemingly stuck so far, and this MD is watching their colleagues leave 47 minutes earlier most days (give or take), the curiosity has grown. They have read a few College publications and a CMPA article on the medico-legal ramifications of consenting. They are slowly warming up to how they might incorporate a vetted AI scribe into their practice—perhaps in 2026.
The reluctant—AI? Not if I can help it
Still grieving the switch from paper to EMR, this doc resists change like it’s contagious. They will only use this technology if it is forced on them—and they are convinced this is unlikely to happen, at least before they retire. They daydream about the golden era of medicine, when patients actually respected their doctors. When history taking and a careful physical exam were more important than a CT or MRI scan. They don’t need AI, which only makes MDs lazier. The medical world is slowly going to hell in a hand basket. They long for a simpler time . . .
Conspiracy theorist—Scribe? Over my dead solar panel
If a Canadian doctor could practice fully off the grid, this physician would be first in line. The doctor-patient relationship is sacred, and most, if not all, technology is an erosion and violation of this pact. This MD refuses to get a NEXUS card, as retinal scans and fingerprints are required. They don’t have any social media accounts and use snail mail whenever possible. They want no part of Google searches, cloud storage, or any tracking technology of any sort. The profession of medicine has been severely corrupted, and their weekly letter to the president of their College is a chronicle of all the warnings they have for doctors and humanity at large. AI scribe is just another head of Medusa that needs to be cut off. Big Brother is not only watching, he is listening!
Do you see yourself in any of these embellished profiles? AI scribes seem to have brought out the best—and the worst—of our medical community. Devilish or angelic, one thing I can say: it does save time. And time is one of the most precious commodities that the medical profession deals with today.
It’s time . . .