Hemodynamic Software, Project nGene.org®
Hyunsuk Frank Roh, MD: Echocardiographer & IRB Chair
#1/2 The Mythical Man-Month: Prologue of my Life Ahead (written in 2013)
Throughout an entire undergraduate semester in 2006, Professor Elliot Soloway repeatedly read aloud selections from the book, The Mythical Man-Month by Fred Brooks. The particularly memorable quote from the book about being a software architect read as follows: "The man-month as a unit of measuring the size of a job is a dangerous and deceptive myth." In other words, if the software architect decides to increase the manpower in order to decrease the month required for the software development, it is likely to, rather, deteriorate the project by increasing the intercommunication complexity. Fortunately, this principle, highlighted by Soloway, resonated with me based on my past experiences.
Professor Robert Denver provided me with an excellent opportunity to learn basic molecular biology lab techniques. He assigned me the task of sequencing a gene from Xenopus tropicalis using Vector NTI software. This introduction to bioinformatics was pivotal, propelling me towards further interdisciplinary research in computer science and biology. Later, I serendipitously attended "Computational Biology Short Courses" in August 2004, where I was introduced to a broad range of computational biology topics by various instructors, including Professor David States, the developer of BLASTX. The BLAST algorithm captivated me and has profoundly influenced me ever since, as demonstrated by my BLASTed logo.
nGene, along with "enGine" and "&Gene," shares a similar pronunciation, and these terms can be visually aligned and color-coded, reminiscent of how DNA or protein sequences are presented in Vector NTI software.
Professor Jignesh Patel gracefully allowed me to attend his weekly Bioinformatics seminar and assigned me a programming project to evaluate phylogenetic tree-generating algorithms. There, I realized that, in an interdisciplinary field, there could not be enough emphasis on communication between Apple and Orange in order to be on the same page; in this sense, being a chimera myself, trained in both fields, I can help (1) by not doubling the number of "men" required and (2) by reducing the "intercommunication complexity" on a manageable level. During the past seven years, there were many tears and changes in my life... And yet, I can still feel my heart pumping with joyful anticipation about working on the interdisciplinary topic because of my belief that someday I will hopefully make an important contribution to this interdisciplinary field that had once seized me with the BLASTed heart.
- Written during my 2013 trip to British Columbia/California
Reflecting on The Mythical Man-Month in 2024 unveils meaningful connections between the longstanding challenges of software development and the profound advancements in artificial intelligence. This period echoes Steve Jobs' admiration for Alexander the Great’s tutelage under Aristotle, prompting contemporary discussions about the evolving interplay between human intelligence and AI. The conversation has grown to consider whether AI might supplant roles traditionally held by programmers and white-collar professionals, potentially shifting humanity towards blue-collar positions. Eric Schmidt has even suggested that as AI capabilities surpass human potential, the ultimate response might be to “unplug.”
As a software architect dedicated to developing hemodynamic software—a project that necessitates a sophisticated integration of medical, surgical, and technological expertise—the significance of advanced AI becomes increasingly apparent. This endeavor requires a deep understanding of antibiotic resistance, survival analyses, kernel programming, machine learning, and other interdisciplinary domains. Rather than expanding the human workforce to expedite development, the focus lies on strategically deploying AI to manage and mitigate the intercommunication complexities inherent in such multifaceted projects.
In this capacity, the approach transcends merely increasing manpower. It involves harnessing AI's capabilities to emulate and enhance the diverse expertise required to advance this work. By leveraging AI, it becomes possible to streamline communication, optimize workflows, and accelerate development timelines without falling into the pitfalls Brooks warned against—where adding more “men” to a project can inadvertently complicate and hinder progress. This architectural insight emphasizes the harmonious integration of AI, which not only complements but also elevates human capability, ensuring that development proceeds both efficiently and cohesively.
The steadfast belief is that with the right AI tools and architectural strategies, significant contributions can be made to the interdisciplinary field of hemodynamics. This approach aligns with a vision of minimizing intercommunication complexity while maximizing development speed, all grounded in a profound architectural understanding. The anticipation of meaningful advancements in this field is supported by the conviction that AI, when thoughtfully integrated, can transcend traditional limitations and drive innovation forward.
Reflecting on the words, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven" (John 3:27 KJ21), I regard AI as the true God-given blessing, facilitating the journey toward fulfilling a greater purpose. Using AI to implement my software architecture not only reaffirms the lessons from The Mythical Man-Month but also expands upon them. The challenge lies not in merely augmenting manpower but in the intelligent orchestration of human and artificial intelligences. This synthesis promises a future where development is not impeded by communication complexities but is empowered by seamless collaboration between the architect and AI. As this landscape evolves, Brooks’ insights gain renewed relevance, guiding the integration of AI to foster innovation and efficiency in unprecedented ways.
- Written in October 2024
