OpenAI's Karan Singhal on how he's driving ChatGPT health advancements

June 18, 2026 - 20:10

OpenAI researcher Karan Singhal is at the forefront of the company's effort to make ChatGPT a more reliable source for health and wellness information. With millions of users now turning to the chatbot each week for medical guidance, Singhal's work focuses on improving the accuracy and safety of its responses.

Singhal, who joined OpenAI after years of work in machine learning and healthcare, leads a team dedicated to refining how the AI handles health-related queries. The goal is not to replace doctors but to provide helpful, evidence-based advice for common concerns like symptom checks, medication questions, and lifestyle tips. OpenAI has emphasized that ChatGPT should clearly state its limitations, reminding users to consult professionals for serious issues.

The push comes as more people use AI for quick health answers. Singhal's team trains models on curated medical data and works with clinicians to reduce errors. They also test responses against guidelines from trusted health organizations. While critics worry about misinformation, Singhal argues that with proper safeguards, AI can bridge gaps in access to basic health knowledge.

OpenAI plans to expand these features, potentially adding personalized wellness plans and reminders. For now, Singhal says the focus remains on building trust. "We want people to feel confident asking ChatGPT about their health, but also know when to see a human," he said in a recent interview. The effort marks a significant step in AI's role in everyday healthcare.