“Everyone should savour the experience of embarking on a transformative journey once–it broadens horizons, fosters resilience, and instils a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of life.” – Dr. Mikael Hartman
As debate rages on about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—will it be a force for good? Or does it portend a dystopian future?—it is people like Dr. Mikael Hartman who tip the scales in favour of the former.
Dr. Hartman, who hails from Stockholm and is now based in Singapore, has been practising breast surgery for more than 15 years. Alarmed by the exponential rise in breast cancer among Asian women, and confounded by the lack of inaction for early detection and treatment, he felt compelled to raise awareness and develop tools to improve the situation.
In 2014, Dr. Hartman went on a “transformative motorcycle journey” that spanned 23,000 km from Singapore to Sweden to raise awareness about breast cancer across Asia. The ride led to the establishment of the Asian Breast Cancer Research Fund, which supports breast cancer-related research endeavours across Asia. “This initiative underscored the power of collective action and the profound impact of community-driven efforts,” says Dr. Hartman.
As the founder of med-tech startup Fathom X, a health AI spin-off company from the National University of Singapore and the National University Health System, he was also instrumental in developing FxMammo. FxMammo is a revolutionary AI-powered breast cancer screening solution that helps improve diagnoses while cutting diagnosis time to a few minutes.
Tested in top universities and hospitals across Asia, and currently regulatorily approved in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, the AI tool is said to significantly reduce the false positive rate by over 20 percent and false negative rates by over 38 per cent, giving more opportunity for early detection.
How do you see the work for breast cancer awareness evolving in the next five years?
I anticipate substantial advancements in breast cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. With continued technological innovation and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, I foresee the emergence of personalised therapies tailored to individual patient needs. Furthermore, I anticipate significant progress in early detection techniques, leading to improved survival rates and better outcomes for patients.
What is a major challenge that your industry faces?
As an advisor to the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) in Singapore, I am acutely aware of
challenges regarding access to quality breast cancer screening and care. In many regions, individuals face barriers such as limited resources and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. However, organisations like BCF play a crucial role in addressing these challenges through their comprehensive support programs, advocacy efforts, and community outreach initiatives.
How do you handle professional setbacks?
Embracing failure has been integral to my approach. Trust me, I have failed a lot. But I envision the end results, focusing on the picture that I see. By constantly keeping the goal in mind, I’m able to navigate setbacks with resilience and determination. I view failure not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in your career?
One of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve received in my career is to foster curiosity and maintain a questioning mindset. These principles have been instrumental in driving my exploration of innovative solutions and my continuous efforts to challenge conventional practices, especially in the field of breast cancer research and diagnostics.
Photography by Franz Navarrete / Hair & Makeup by Greg’O