Students are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a learning tool in the health sciences, and a recent innovation developed by students promises to further integrate the technology into medical education.
According to a survey conducted by the INeS institute, dedicated to teaching and the development of e-health, 89.5% of health students are already utilizing AI. This widespread adoption highlights the growing recognition of AI’s potential to support medical training and practice, as the healthcare field continues to evolve.
Starting in the fall of 2025, the first cycle of health studies will incorporate AI education, a move announced by the French government during the Summit for Action on AI earlier this year. The initiative aims to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly technology-driven landscape.
The integration of AI into medical curricula extends beyond generative AI tools like ChatGPT to include specialized applications in areas such as medical imaging. This shift necessitates adapting the training of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, midwives, and all paramedical professionals.
While nearly 90% of students are using AI, the INeS survey also revealed that 70% consider themselves beginners, and only 30% use it multiple times per week. The primary applications among those using the technology include writing, document structuring, and literature research.
In a related development, the National Academy of Medicine recently recommended a revised curriculum for the health studies license program, suggesting a reduction in foundational science coursework to build room for expanded instruction in digital sciences and artificial intelligence. The specifics of how this program will be implemented remain under discussion.
