Vaccines Amanda Sicard Vaccines Amanda Sicard

The Resurgence of Measles: A Wake-Up Call for Global Public Health and Pharma

By Michael Bronfman, May 26, 2025

Author assisted by AI

Resurgence of Measles

Metis Consulting Services is continuing our series on unmet medical needs. This week we are looking at what happens when progress and even disease eradication is derailed. For example, let’s look at Measles 

 

Once thought to be on the brink of eradication, measles is making an alarming comeback across the globe. A disease that was largely under control thanks to widespread immunization is now resurging—causing renewed strain on healthcare systems, hospitalizations, and deaths. As cases spike in both developing and developed nations, we are facing a crucial moment: how to respond to a preventable crisis amid growing vaccine hesitancy, logistical gaps, and global inequity. 

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Measles on the Rise 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, global measles cases increased by over 40% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 500,000 confirmed infections and at least 70,000 reported deaths—the highest since 2019. 

 

In Europe and the U.S., localized outbreaks are being fueled by declining vaccine coverage in specific communities. In lower-income countries, fragile health systems and vaccine shortages have contributed to the unchecked spread of the virus. 

 What is Measles? 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus (MeV). It spreads via respiratory droplets and has an R₀ (basic reproduction number) between 12–18, making it one of the most infectious human diseases known. 

 

Symptoms 

  • High fever 

  • Cough and runny nose 

  • Conjunctivitis (red eyes) 

  • Koplik spots (small white lesions inside the mouth) 

  • Widespread red rash 

 

Complications 

  • Pneumonia 

  • Encephalitis 

  • Blindness 

  • Death (particularly in children under 5) 

 

Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)—which provides 97% efficacy after full immunization. 

 Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation 

A Major Barrier to Elimination 

 

Despite the availability of safe, effective vaccines, public trust in immunization has eroded in many regions. This is due to: 

  • Religious or cultural beliefs 

  • Distrust in pharmaceutical companies or governments 

  • Online misinformation campaigns 

  • Political polarization of health policies 

 

In high-income countries, social media-fueled disinformation has been particularly damaging. A 2024 Pew Research survey found that 23% of U.S. adults believe vaccines “may do more harm than good”—a staggering figure with real-world consequences. 

 

Meanwhile, in low-income countries, vaccine hesitancy is often compounded by lack of access, poor infrastructure, and conflict. 

 Uneven Vaccine Coverage: A Global Equity Issue 

The WHO recommends at least 95% immunization coverage with two doses to achieve herd immunity. However, as of 2024: 

  • Global first-dose coverage: 83% 

  • Global second-dose coverage: 74% 

  • Some African and Southeast Asian countries report rates below 50% 

 

This disparity is not just a logistical issue—it reflects deep-rooted inequalities in funding, infrastructure, and international collaboration. 

 

Key Factors 

  • Pandemic-related disruption to childhood vaccination programs 

  • Health worker shortages 

  • Displacement due to war or climate change 

  • Underinvestment in national immunization programs 

 Pharma’s Role: From Manufacturer to Advocate 

 The pharmaceutical industry is uniquely positioned to help stem the tide of measles, and it must go beyond manufacturing vaccines. It must become a vocal proactive partner in public health. 

 

1.  

Scaling Production 

 

Companies like Merck & Co., a major MMR vaccine manufacturer, have ramped up production in response to global shortages. However, production must be matched with fair distribution and nonprofit pricing models in low-resource settings. 

 

2.  

Innovating Delivery 

 

New technologies are in development, including: 

  • Needle-free vaccine patches (e.g., microarray patches) 

  • Thermostable vaccines that don’t require cold chain 

  • Single-dose formulations to improve compliance 

 

These could prove game-changing in remote or conflict-affected areas. 

 

3.  

Fighting Misinformation 

 

Pharma companies must take an active role in: 

  • Funding public education campaigns 

  • Collaborating with NGOs to train community health workers 

  • Partnering with tech platforms to flag and correct false content 

 

Silence in the face of misinformation is not an option. 

 Public-Private Partnerships: A Model for the Future 

The fight against measles must be a collaborative effort. Initiatives like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and COVAX have shown that public-private cooperation can improve access to vaccines. The pharmaceutical industry should: 

  • Offer tiered pricing for vaccines based on country income levels 

  • Support capacity-building in low-income countries (e.g., local vaccine production) 

  • Commit to transparency in pricing and supply contracts 

 

Only by building trust and long-term investment in health systems can we prevent future resurgences. 

 The Case for R&D: Addressing Future Needs 

While the MMR vaccine is effective, measles eradication may ultimately require: 

  • More heat-stable vaccines 

  • Combination vaccines that reduce the number of injections 

  • Improved serological diagnostics to identify immunity gaps 

  • AI-powered outbreak prediction tools 

 

Pharma R&D should be oriented not just toward profit but toward global resilience. 

 The Cost of Inaction 

Letting measles regain a foothold is more than a medical failure—it’s a policy and systems failure. The economic costs are enormous: 

  • Parents miss work to care for sick children 

  • Outbreak response drains public health budgets 

  • Hospitalizations strain already burdened health systems 

  • Long-term disabilities impact productivity 

 

Measles also weakens the immune system for months, increasing susceptibility to other infections. It’s not just a “childhood illness”—it’s a public health threat multiplier. 

 A Path Forward  

The measles resurgence is a warning sign, and it’s also an opportunity. If we act now, we can reverse the trend and prevent future outbreaks. Here’s what needs to happen: 

 

Governments Must: 

  • Counteract misinformation through trusted messengers 

  • Increase funding for immunization programs 

  • Mandate school-entry vaccination 

 

Pharma Must: 

  • Actively advocate for vaccines as a public good 

  • Support delivery innovation 

  • Scale vaccine production and reduce prices 

 

Communities Must: 

  • Educate each other with empathy, not fear 

  • Support immunization drives 

  • Demand transparency and accountability 

 Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now 

 

The rise in measles cases should not surprise us—it is the predictable outcome of misinformation, declining vaccination rates, and global inequality. And it doesn’t have to be our future. 

 

As stakeholders in health, the pharmaceutical industry must lead with ethics, innovation, and compassion. The tools exist. The science is sound. What’s needed now is collective will—before another generation faces the consequences of our inaction. 

 

Is your organization prepared to respond to the global measles resurgence? Contact Metis Consulting Services to learn how pharma partners can accelerate access, education, and innovation. 

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Li-Anne Rowswell Mufson Li-Anne Rowswell Mufson

What Autism is Not

By Michael Bronfman, May 21, 2025

Author assisted by AI

What autism is not

Welcome back to our second article in our unmet needs series: Autism

In our Last post we explored what exactly autism is and this week, we are looking into “What Autism is Not.”

Understanding What Autism Isn’t Caused By

Debunking the Vaccine Myth and Other Common Misconceptions

Let’s talk about autism—but more specifically, let’s talk about what doesn’t cause it.

If you work in pharma or medtech, chances are you’ve come across some of the misconceptions that still swirl around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite decades of scientific research, myths continue to muddy the waters. At the top of that list? The long-debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. (Spoiler alert: They don’t. Not even a little.)

And while we’re at it, let’s also clear the air on some other outdated beliefs, like blaming screen time, parenting, or gluten. Let’s cut through the noise with facts and help our industry—and the broader public—move forward with a more accurate understanding of the autism spectrum.



Let’s Start with the Big One: Vaccines

The vaccine-autism myth started back in 1998 with a now-infamous study published in The Lancet. A British doctor named Andrew Wakefield claimed that the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine was linked to autism. The paper had a grand total of 12 participants. 1 That’s not a typo—just twelve.

The media ran with it. Fear spread like wildfire. Vaccination rates dropped. Measles came roaring back. But here’s the thing:

The study was flawed, unethical, and ultimately fraudulent.

Wakefield’s medical license was revoked. The Lancet retracted the paper.2 And since then, numerous large-scale studies—we’re talking hundreds of thousands of kids—have found no link between vaccines and autism. One of the biggest, a 2019 Danish study, looked at over 650,000 children. Still no connection.3

So why does this myth still have legs? Fear is powerful. But facts are more powerful—if we keep pushing them forward.

Other Things That Don’t Cause Autism

Beyond vaccines, autism has been blamed on a laundry list of things. Let’s bust a few more myths:

1. Parenting Style

Remember the “refrigerator mother” theory from the mid-20th century? The idea that cold or unloving mothers caused autism? Total bunk. It’s not your parenting. Autism has strong genetic roots, not emotional ones.4

2. Trauma or Stress

No, trauma doesn’t cause autism either. Stress can affect development in various ways—but it doesn’t explain the neurological differences we see in autistic individuals.5

3. Screen Time

The potential link between screen time and autism has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. While some research has suggested a correlation between increased screen time and autism-like behaviors, it’s crucial to approach these findings with caution and understand their limitations. For example a review of multiple studies published 2019-2023 was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics. They found that children who spent more time watching screens at age 1 year showed more autism-like symptoms at age 2 years. However, the researchers emphasized that this association does not prove causation and that more research is needed to understand the relationship fully.6

So What Does Contribute to Autism?

While there’s still a lot to learn, we know a few things for sure:

1. Genetics

Autism is highly heritable. Twin studies and genome research have identified hundreds of genes involved in brain development that are linked to ASD. It’s complex, but genetics play a major role.

2. Prenatal Factors

Some prenatal conditions—like parental age-for example, if the father is over age 40- complications during pregnancy, or certain environmental exposures—may increase the risk of autism in genetically susceptible individuals. But these are risk factors, not causes.

The “Spectrum” in Autism Spectrum Disorder

One of the most important things to understand about autism is that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. That’s why it’s called a spectrum.

Some individuals might need 24/7 support. Others might be independent professionals in STEM fields. The diversity across communication styles, social behavior, interests, and sensory experiences is vast.

Here are a few key areas where the spectrum really shows up:

Communication: Some are non-verbal. Others are eloquent but struggle with back-and-forth conversation or reading social cues.

Social Interaction: Some prefer solitude, others crave connection but find social settings overwhelming.

Repetitive Behaviors: From stimming (like hand-flapping) to intense focus on niche topics—these behaviors vary in type and impact.

Sensory Processing: Lights, sounds, textures—what feels normal to one person might be unbearable or barely noticeable to someone on the spectrum.

This variability is exactly why the DSM-5 consolidated various subtypes into one diagnosis—Autism Spectrum Disorder—in 2013.7

Why This Matters in Pharma and Medtech

Whether you’re developing therapies, diagnostics, or digital health tools, understanding the true nature of autism helps you better serve a highly diverse and underserved population. It also helps ensure you don’t inadvertently perpetuate myths through marketing, trial design, or stakeholder education.

Especially in smaller companies, where agility and mission-driven work are your superpowers, there’s a unique opportunity to lead with empathy and science.

Final Thought: Stick to the Science

It’s easy to get caught up in popular narratives, but in healthcare, we have a responsibility to fight misinformation—especially when it leads to public health risks, like vaccine hesitancy.

Autism is not caused by vaccines. Or screen time. Or poor parenting. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition with a genetic backbone and a complex presentation that varies from person to person.

If we want to build a more informed, compassionate world—not to mention better products and services for the autism community—we’ve got to start by ditching the myths and doubling down on the facts.



Want to help reshape how your company talks about autism? Please contact us at Metis Consulting Services. We are  here for it. Let’s raise the bar together.

1. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-on-vaccines-and-autism

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12421889/

3. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(04)16017-0/fulltext

4. https://neurolaunch.com/refrigerator-mothers/

5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6901292/ 

6. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2812722  

7.  https://rxpin.com/2025/02/27/the-evolution-of-autism-diagnosis-from-dsm-iv-to-dsm-5/ 

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Amanda Sicard Autism Spectrum Disorder Amanda Sicard

Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Pharma & Medical Device World

increasing1

Written by Michael Bronfman

Author assisted by AI

Pharma & Medical devices


The team at The Guard Rail (Metis Consulting Services' blog)—your partners in navigating the pharmaceutical and medical device world—is kicking off an exciting new blog series.

We'll be diving into the latest science around unmet medical needs – those areas where smart development can really make a difference. And what better place to start than the current climate and science surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

ASD: A Real Opportunity for Small to Medium Players

ASD is a significant and growing area of unmet medical need. For those of you in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing space, especially the nimble small—to medium-sized companies, this presents a unique opportunity. While the big players might be focused elsewhere, your agility and innovative spirit can truly shine here.

ASD is complex and characterized by a wide range of differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The number of individuals identified with ASD is increasing1, and understanding the latest research is key to continuing to develop effective solutions.


Decoding ASD: What You Need to Know for R&D

Our understanding of ASD has come a long way. Forget old theories—the science now points to a strong biological basis, with genes, brain function, and environmental influences playing crucial roles.

  • The Genetic Puzzle: Think of ASD as potentially involving many different genes and even variations in the number of copies of certain genes (CNVs)2. This genetic complexity offers a whole host of potential targets for future therapies. Keep an eye on genes like MECP2 and SHANK3, which are involved in how brain cells connect. This could be your niche!
  • Inside the Brain: Brain imaging studies are consistently showing differences in specific brain regions in individuals with ASD3 – areas involved in emotions, memory, and decision-making. This opens up avenues for developing drugs or devices that target these specific neurobiological pathways.
  • Environment Matters Too: While genes are important, the environment during pregnancy and early childhood also plays a role. Researchers are looking into things like maternal infections and exposure to certain substances. Interestingly, how the environment can actually change gene expression (epigenetics) might hold clues for personalized approaches4.
  • Busting the Myth: Just a quick but crucial point – the idea that vaccines cause autism? Totally debunked. Solid science has shown no link. Let's stick to the facts5.

The Growing Numbers: Why This Matters to You

The CDC's latest data shows a significant increase in the number of children identified with ASD – from 1 in 150 in 2000 to about 1 in 36 in 2023. This isn't just about better diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria have broadened, meaning more individuals with a wider range of presentations are being recognized. This highlights the spectrum nature of ASD and the diverse needs within this population.

Your Opportunity: Innovation for a Growing Need

For small to medium-sized pharma and medical device companies, ASD represents a chance to be at the forefront of innovation. Your ability to focus, be agile, and pursue novel approaches could lead to breakthroughs in:

  • Targeted therapies: Developing drugs that address specific genetic or neurobiological mechanisms.

  • Medical devices: Creating tools and technologies to aid communication, learning, and daily living for individuals with ASD.

  • Personalized solutions: Leveraging genetic and environmental understanding to tailor interventions.

The landscape of ASD research is dynamic and full of potential. At Metis Consulting Services, we believe that smaller players can make a significant impact. Let's explore how your unique capabilities can address these unmet needs and contribute to a better future for individuals with ASD and their families. Reach out – we're here to help you navigate this exciting journey!

Next issue we will be discussing more in depth about what does NOT cause ASD.




Listen to the Queens of Quality here.

Drop by our LinkedIn page here.

Contact us Hello@metisconsultingservices.com

Visit our newly re-vamped website: metisconsultingservices.com

1 CDC Data and Statistics.Autism Prevalence Studies Data Table https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/data-table.html 

2. Locus-specific DNA methylation of Mecp2 promoter leads to autism-like phenotypes in mice by  Zongyang Lu 1,2,3,#, Zhen Liu 4,#, Wei Mao 5,#, Xinying Wang 5, Xiaoguo Zheng 1, Shanshan Chen 4, Beibei Cao 5, Shisheng Huang 1, Xuliang Zhang 1, Tao Zhou 1, Yu Zhang 1, Xingxu Huang 1,2,, Qiang Sun 4,, Jia-Da Li 5,

3. NIH The Nature of Brain Dysfunction in Autism: Functional Brain Imaging Studies” by Nancy J Minshew 1, Timothy A Keller 2

4. April 2015, JAMA article Autism Occurrence by MMR Vaccine Status Among US Children With Older Siblings With and Without Autism by Anjali Jain, MD1; Jaclyn Marshall, MS1; Ami Buikema, MPH2; et al https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2275444

5.  CDC Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder April 2025 (https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.htm 


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Matlock’s Misguided Take on the Opioid Crisis

Written by Dr. Olivia Fletcher

The Opioid Crisis

Kathy Bates' revival of the iconic Matlock series has brought back the legal drama we all know and love. As much as we love the reboot, the portrayal of the opioid crisis is deeply flawed and misleading. In the pilot episode, Madeline “Maddy” Matlock suggests the attorneys she works with had confidential client information that would have motivated the FDA to take opioids off the market ten years earlier. This claim is both inaccurate and harmful, as it misrepresents the complexities of the opioid crisis and disregards the ethical obligations of attorneys.

The Opioid Crisis: A Complex Issue

The opioid crisis is a multifaceted public health crisis that has devastated communities around the world. This crisis is a result of a confluence of factors, including addiction, overprescribing, inadequate pain management education, and the illicit manufacturing and distribution of synthetic opioids. While opioids are a valuable tool for managing pain when used appropriately and under medical supervision, their misuse and abuse have led to widespread addiction, societal harm, and death by overdose.

Attorney-Client Privilege: A Cornerstone of the Legal System

The principle of attorney-client privilege is fundamental in our legal system. It protects confidential communications, ensuring that individuals can seek legal advice without fear of disclosure. This privilege is essential for the establishment and maintenance of trust in the legal system to facilitate open and honest communication between attorneys and their clients. Attorney-client privilege only allows the attorneys to divulge communications in the case the client intends to use advice from the attorney to commit further crimes.

As a therapist myself, confidentiality and morality don’t always play nicely together. Confidentiality is the province of ethics, not morality. What may seem Right or Wrong in the micro may not align neatly with what is necessary in the macro. Our legal system requires clients to be able to confide fully in their attorneys in order to assist in their own representation. So while a client cannot ask an attorney for advice on how to hide the body of the next person they murder, they absolutely can tell the attorney they plan to murder someone else and the attorney’s hands are tied. This is the strictest confidentiality in our legal system. No other communication is given such broad protections by our courts. Therapists, physicians, clergy, and even spouses have more exceptions.

The Role of the FDA in Opioid Regulation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in regulating the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs, including opioids. The FDA approves drugs for use based on rigorous scientific evidence and requires manufacturers to submit post-market surveillance data to monitor the safety of approved products. If the FDA becomes aware of serious safety concerns, it may take action to restrict or withdraw the approval of a drug. As explained in the book, Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe, the Food and Drug Agents involved in monitoring Purdue Pharma, the company responsible for initially bringing oxycontin to the market, were deeply entwined with the company.

The REMS Program: A Critical Tool for Opioid Risk Management

The Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program is a regulatory tool used by the FDA to manage risks associated with certain drugs. REMS programs can include requirements for prescribers, pharmacies, and patients, such as education and training, monitoring, and restrictions on distribution. Opioids are subject to REMS programs that aim to reduce the risk of abuse and diversion.

The Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) is a program implemented by the FDA to address the risks associated with opioid analgesics. It requires certain actions from healthcare providers and patients to ensure the safe use of these medications.

The requirements of these programs include:

For Prescribers:

  • Education: All healthcare providers involved in the management of patients with pain, including prescribers, nurses, and pharmacists, must complete accredited continuing education (CE) courses on the safe use of opioids. These courses must be based on the FDA's Opioid Analgesic REMS Education Blueprint.

  • Patient assessment: Healthcare providers must assess a patient's risk factors for opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose before prescribing opioids. This assessment should include a thorough medical history, physical examination, and consideration of the patient's social and psychological factors.

  • Treatment plan: If opioids are prescribed, healthcare providers must develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes:

    •      Clear goals for pain management

    •      A risk assessment and mitigation strategy

    •      A plan for monitoring the patient's response to treatment

    •      A plan for tapering or discontinuing opioids as appropriate

  • Documentation: Healthcare providers must document their assessment, treatment plan, and monitoring of the patient's response to treatment in the patient's medical record.

For patients:

  • Education: Patients who are prescribed opioids must receive information about the risks and benefits of these medications, as well as instructions on how to use them safely.

  • Agreement: Patients must sign a written agreement that outlines their understanding of the risks and benefits of opioids and their commitment to follow the prescribed treatment plan.

  • Monitoring: Patients must be monitored regularly for signs of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose. This may include regular follow-up appointments, urine drug testing, and other assessments as appropriate.

Manufacturer requirements:

  • Manufacturer reporting: Opioid manufacturers must report any adverse events associated with their products to the FDA.

  • Public education: Opioid manufacturers must also conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of opioid abuse and addiction.

Risk vs Benefit

All medications come with risk and side effects. Even the most thorough clinical trials may not make all of these clear in the limited time and population available. One of the key points the FDA focuses on is whether the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. Midrin, a migraine abortant, was widely prescribed for decades before studies indicated that the Schedule IV substance, dichloralphenazone, which was one of three substances in midrin, was too prone to abuse. That combined with the concerns over liver damage from overuse of acetaminophen led the FDA to remove it from the market. Opioids do provide significant pain relief to patients for whom they are prescribed. It is important not to throw the baby out with the bath water. As we continue to advance pharmaceutical science, we may, hopefully, find a way to relieve pain without the dangers associated with narcotics. Knowing everything we know about the dangers of opioids, they are still considered worth the risk.

Conclusion

While Matlock is an entertaining show, the portrayal of the opioid crisis is deeply flawed and highly misleading. The show's suggestion that attorneys could have prevented the crisis by divulging confidential client information is inaccurate and disregards the ethical obligations of attorneys. The opioid crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including improved pain management education, increased access to treatment, and stricter regulations on the prescription and distribution of opioids. We have enough misinformation circulating without adding to the detritus, perhaps some accountability is due here.

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AI Amanda Sicard AI Amanda Sicard

The Power of AI

The Power of AI

This Week, the Guard Rail is thrilled to have our first-ever guest blogger. Metis' COO, Dr. Olivia Fletcher, has written a fascinating article looking deeper into AI and its use as a tool, not a replacement for human input and documentation. This comes on the heels of an exciting week at the RIC(REMS Industry Consortium) annual meeting, where our CEO, Michelleanne Bradley, presented and was on a panel discussing the intricacies of ethics and AI in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device industries. Enjoy!

The Power of AI: How Large Language Models Are Transforming Document Creation

by Dr. Olivia Fletcher

As the COO of Metis Consulting Services, navigating a world of information and crafting clear, concise documents is essential. Traditionally, this has meant dedicating significant time to research, writing, and editing. However, the landscape is shifting. Large language models (LLMs), like Gemini from Google, are emerging as powerful tools, streamlining the document creation process and allowing human expertise to shine even brighter.

Boosting Efficiency: From Blank Page to First Draft Faster

I have ADHD, and one of my primary executive dysfunctions is task initiation. This can mean that just typing that first word is a gigantic hurdle for me. LLMs can alleviate this initial hurdle by generating drafts based on specific prompts and topics thereby providing a starting point. This can be particularly helpful for:

  • Emails and Reports: Quickly summarizing key points from complex data sets or research papers allows you to focus on crafting a compelling narrative. LLMs are particularly good at recognizing patterns in data.

  • Blog Posts and Articles: LLMs can provide a well-structured foundation, outlining the main points and even suggesting relevant sources. 

This doesn't eliminate the human touch; it simply removes the initial heavy lifting.

Enhancing Content: Fact-Checking, Research, and Tone

Accuracy and credibility are paramount in any professional setting. LLMs can assist in:

  • Fact-checking: By integrating with vast knowledge bases, we can verify the accuracy of information and provide citations. However, we are all aware of the case of the attorney who submitted a brief in court crafted by an LLM. That brief, full of fake cases the LLM had invented for the document, is an example of the danger of just letting an LLM run away with the work. The product of an LLM still needs human verification. 

  • Research: LLMs can efficiently scan through mountains of data and present relevant sources, saving you valuable time.

  • Maintaining Tone: Whether it's a formal report or a casual blog post, we can tailor the writing style to match the intended audience.

Human Expertise: Where LLMs Fall Short and We Excel

While LLMs offer significant advantages, it's crucial to remember that they are still under development. Here's where human expertise remains irreplaceable:

  • Critical Thinking and Analysis: LLMs can synthesize information, but they cannot replace the ability to critically analyze data, draw conclusions, and identify the underlying significance.

  • Creativity and Originality: Human ingenuity in crafting unique arguments, presenting information in innovative ways, and weaving a narrative is unparalleled.

  • Understanding Nuance and Context: LLMs may struggle with the subtle nuances of language and the importance of context in specific situations.

The Future of Document Creation: A Collaborative Approach

The ideal scenario involves a powerful synergy between LLMs and human expertise. Imagine a world where:

  • LLMs handle the initial groundwork: Drafting emails, reports, and even initial outlines of more complex documents.

  • Humans take the reins: Editing, refining the content, injecting critical thinking, and ensuring the final product aligns perfectly with the intended purpose and audience.

This collaborative approach allows professionals to:

  • Focus on higher-level tasks: Freeing up valuable time for strategic thinking, client interaction, and core business functions.

  • Produce higher quality content: The combination of LLM efficiency and human expertise produces well-structured, informative, and impactful documents.

In Conclusion: LLMs are not here to replace human writers; they are here to empower them. By embracing and utilizing this new technology strategically, professionals like myself can work smarter, not harder, and achieve even greater results.


For more information on AI and the possible thorny issues involved, listen to the Queens of Quality podcast bonus season 2.5 with guests Emily Barker and Steve Thompson  S2.5(link )

To start a conversation with Metis Consulting Services, please email us at:

hello@metisconsultingservices.com


*This blog post was written with the help of Gemini, Google’s LLM. 

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