Medical Students' Perception of Artificial Intelligence and Educational Expectations Investigated
A study conducted in India reveals that medical students view artificial intelligence as a supportive element of medicine but experience a lack of formal training.
Research conducted with 225 medical students at the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences in India examined students' attitudes toward artificial intelligence and their educational needs. The vast majority of participants define artificial intelligence as an assistant that supports clinical processes rather than an element that will replace physicians.
Sources of Artificial Intelligence Knowledge
60% of the students participating in the study stated that they primarily obtained their knowledge about artificial intelligence through media channels. The proportion of those who gained knowledge through formal curricula or university courses remained quite limited.
It was determined that a large portion of the students had not received any formal training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or deep learning. This situation highlights the need for a structured artificial intelligence curriculum in medical education.
Perspective on Clinical Applications
79.6% of students view artificial intelligence as a partner that complements the role of physicians. Conversely, 41.8% of participants are concerned that artificial intelligence could have a negative impact on future employment opportunities.
Radiology and surgery branches stand out as the fields where artificial intelligence technologies will be most intensively integrated. Students anticipate that artificial intelligence will play a significant role, especially in diagnostic imaging and decision-making processes.
Educational Curriculum Recommendations
While 60% of participants support the inclusion of artificial intelligence in medical education, 75.55% expressed their support for initiating artificial intelligence competency training in medical schools.
The findings emphasize that medical students exhibit a positive attitude toward artificial intelligence but need to be supported at an academic level to use these technologies ethically and effectively.