IBM workers may soon be asking: “Is Dr. Watson in?”

IBM will make insights from its Watson super computer program available to U.S. employees who are fighting cancer. Watson’s insights of patient data will be augmented with assistance from Best Doctors, a provider of clinical consultation services.

The news came after Watson received high-profile media coverage on Sunday with an in-depth story at the CBS news program 60 Minutes. (Watch a recap at; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blGysq_IMD4 )

IBM, which has aggressively expanded services from Watson in healthcare, including cancer research, made the announcement Tuesday.

Offerings will include:

  • Watson for Oncology
  • Watson for Genomics
  • Watson for Clinical Trial Matching

“For anyone receiving the diagnosis, or supporting a loved one through it, cancer can be overwhelming,” said Kyu Rhee, an MD, the chief health officer of IBM Watson Health. “Now a second opinion staffed by the powerful combination of Watson and world-renowned oncologists in the Best Doctors network is readily available. With this first-ever U.S. rollout of the technology, the full breadth and depth of Watson’s services can benefit an entire population of individuals who need them.”

Through the new program, which will become available as of Jan. 1, 2017, IBMers and family members will be able to access Watson’s oncology data for insights into cancer treatment options.

Best Doctors will collect medical records from patients who agree to participate and then input it into Watson.

Resulting reports will be “reviewed by world-renowned expert oncologists in the Best Doctors network,” IBM says. “The final assessment will be provided to the patient and their treating oncologist.”

“We are delighted to continue IBM’s leadership in employee health and wellness benefits with these new Watson Oncology offerings,” said Barbara Brickmeier, vice president of employee benefits, IBM. “The promise of Watson and IBM’s healthcare moonshot becomes very real and very personal with this announcement.”

Read the full announcement at:

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/50744.wss