Artificial intelligence is increasingly taking center stage in revolutionizing medical education and clinical training within the healthcare sector. With this shift, we must consider how AI will redefine the medical curriculum and what challenges we must tackle to ensure its ethical and effective integration.
As part of the 2025 MedHub Virtual Medical Education Summit, Dr. Anthony Chang presented the keynote address on the role of AI pedagogy in medical education, covering how the technology can be taught, utilized as a resource, and integrated into educational frameworks to enhance learning outcomes.
Dr. Chang is a pediatric cardiologist and the medical director of the heart failure program at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHALK). He serves as the Chief Intelligence and Innovation Officer at CHALK’s MI4 Institute. With advanced degrees from Stanford, the University of Miami, and UCLA, Dr. Chang is a pioneer in integrating AI into medicine, with over four decades of research experience. He founded the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society and the Asia Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Society, and authored “Intelligence Based Medicine,” a popular textbook on AI in medicine. His MI4 Summer Internship Program mentors nearly 75 aspiring physicians annually. Dr. Chang also established the Medical Intelligence Society, the American Board of Artificial Intelligence and Medicine, and the Alliance of Centers in Artificial Intelligence and Medicine, connecting nearly 100 centers worldwide.
The State of AI in Healthcare Education
AI is prevalent in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, but universal acceptance is still far away. Dr. Chang says that healthcare and education are noteworthy for being two of the slowest industries to embrace AI, despite being two industries that stand to gain the most from the opportunities that AI presents. He states that this is likely due to a hesitancy to learn about and adapt to new technologies.
Dr. Chang challenged those attendees who may be cautious to embrace AI to change their mindset.
“I’d like you to elevate yourselves…and think differently about a new era in which we have AI as a really good resource,” he said, noting that AI presents a unique chance to innovate and transform traditional training methods.
How AI Can Leads to Changes in Traditional Educational Models
Today, medical education operates in a cohort-based model. While this approach does foster collaboration and peer learning, it often fails to address the unique learning speeds and needs of individual students. Dr. Chang suggests that by integrating AI, education can be transformed to allow for a more personalized learning experience.
“Every individual healthcare student should be able to get his or her own education that’s especially tailored for that individual,” he said, stating he believes that a precision education model can be implemented by the end of the decade. Dr. Chang’s vision for graduate medical education is one where AI plays a central role in critical thinking and clinical reasoning, moving away from simple memorization and towards a more engaging learning process.
“Memorizing the dictionary doesn’t make you a good writer. If you know all the facts, it still doesn’t make you a good doctor or a good nurse. Let’s use AI to really emphasize critical thinking and clinical reasoning as skills, rather than just memorize facts,” he said.
Understanding AI’s Role in Medical Education
As AI continues to advance, its integration into medical education will only become more pronounced. The development of bilingual clinicians, or those proficient in both clinical medicine and AI, is crucial to guide the profession into an AI-driven future.
Dr. Chang encouraged attendees to immerse themselves in the technology, reminding them that data scientists may understand AI, but they don’t have the healthcare knowledge needed to ensure accuracy. He noted that becoming an AI expert isn’t necessary, but a foundational understanding of AI tools and their applications is crucial.
“You don’t have to have a full education and training in AI. But at least be AI literate. Know what the tools are and how to apply them. Try to learn about it enough so that you can embrace it as a resource that is badly needed to create a new paradigm in education,” he said.
Ways Educators Can Integrate AI into Curricula
AI is still a new technology, and it can be difficult for educators to know how to properly implement it in and out of the classroom. Dr. Chang recommended employing data-rich simulations to complement bedside exposure, which allow students to engage in immersive learning experiences to enhance their clinical skills. He also advocated for the use of AI in curated performance assessments, providing educators with tools to evaluate student progress and tailor educational content to individual needs.
Dr. Chang recounted an experience with a resident who, when asked what would make his time in residency easier, expressed a desire to learn more about AI concepts and applications. Together, they explored these topics, and the structured approach to learning sparked the resident’s interest.
“We need to involve local faculty and students from the outset. By including them in the design process of the AI curriculum, they can feel like integral contributors to the AI movement within education,” he said. Engaging students and faculty early not only enhances their understanding but also empowers them to take ownership of the evolving educational landscape.
Using AI in Clinical Training
AI’s influence in education reaches far beyond the traditional classroom setting. Advanced generative AI models like GPT-5 have shown proficiency comparable to that of a junior attending physician, providing precise training and educational support. This cutting-edge technology aids in diagnosing complex medical cases and offers valuable insights that improve clinical decision-making skills. Dr. Chang makes it clear.
“AI is the new stethoscope,” he said.
Looking ahead to the future, Dr. Chang spoke of his vision for medical education, where learning can go beyond memorization and be a more fun experience for students.
“The future is going to be very, very much enriched with simulation and virtual reality,” he said. Advancing AI technologies provide opportunities for students to practice procedural skills and handle complex scenarios in a controlled environment before encountering them in real-world settings. The concept of digital twins, where virtual copies of patients are used to test different therapies, is just one example of how AI can prepare clinicians for practical challenges.
Despite the technological advancements on the horizon, Dr. Chang says the human element will remain central to medical education, as will the gratification educators get from seeing trainees evolve into competent clinicians. He says that AI should be leveraged to inspire rather than merely inform, which will result in a learning environment that is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
The future of medical education is a bright one. As we look ahead, embracing these changes could lead to a more dynamic and engaging educational experience, ultimately preparing the next generation of healthcare providers to navigate the complexities of modern medicine with confidence and innovation.