New article offers practical guide to using AI in medical education

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the landscape of education, a team of international medical educators has published a timely and practical guide to help teachers navigate this shift. Titled "Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: A Practical Guide for Educators", the article offers actionable insights into how educators can use AI tools like ChatGPT, Deepseek, and adaptive learning systems to enhance, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods.

With generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Deepseek, Bard, and Jasper AI becoming widely accessible, students are increasingly using these tools for learning, assessments, and assignments. However, many educators remain uncertain about how to adapt their teaching methods and assessments to keep pace. The new article, authored by experts from the Faculty of Medicine at Macau University of Science addresses this gap by offering step-by-step guidance rooted in pedagogical best practices.

“AI can personalize learning, streamline assessment creation, and even simulate clinical scenarios, but it must be implemented with care,” said senior author Prof. Olivia Monteiro. “We wrote this guide to help educators take advantage of AI's benefits without compromising critical thinking, ethical standards, or the student-teacher relationship. Our goal is to empower educators, not overwhelm them.”

The article explores a wide range of practical topics, including:

• Using AI for curriculum development and real-time content updates
• Creating interactive and gamified learning experiences through virtual patient simulations
• Designing assessments that discourage AI misuse and promote higher-order thinking
• Addressing ethical concerns such as data bias, academic honesty, and privacy
• Preparing educators through AI literacy training and institutional support

Importantly, the guide emphasizes that AI should serve as a complement to, not a replacement for, human-led education. It also calls for systemic evaluation frameworks, institutional policies, and clear regulations to ensure AI’s safe and responsible use in medical education.

“Medical education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about developing professional judgment, empathy, and ethical awareness,” said lead author Prof. Nivritti Patil. “This guide helps educators strike that balance in the age of AI.”

As universities around the world seek to modernize their teaching practices, this article provides a timely and accessible resource for those looking to responsibly embrace educational technologies.