Enhancing Trainee Orientation with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Gamification

Background: Every summer, training programs welcome new trainees and complete their onboarding process, which serves multiple purposes: equipping trainees with valuable information like program expectations, delivering mandated knowledge, and fostering camaraderie. However, orientation can often be overwhelming, with information overload and numerous online modules. This educational study explores the use of conversational AI in building cohesive teams and streamlining the orientation process. Methods: The authors developed a customized game using ChatGPT. Two sets of cards were created: one with questions regarding the fellowship program, the institution, training expectations, medical knowledge concepts, and historical facts from the field of nephrology and one with “getting to know you” questions. The ChatGPT prompt was designed to generate both sets of cards after being provided with program information available in the training handbook. The game was first trialed with incoming general and transplant nephrology fellows and the respective program leadership. Game content and rules were refined to include more desired information and ensure trainees answered questions from both card decks. Results: An anonymous online survey was administered to the participants with a 67% response rate. The survey revealed that 100% of respondents thought the game fostered a stronger sense of belonging and teamwork among the participants. The game was also highly effective, based on high ratings, in facilitating learning about trainees' backgrounds and interests, encouraging open discussions among team members, building rapport within the group, creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, and was strongly recommended for future orientations. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential of conversational AI to enhance medical education by creating interactive orientation tools. Developing this game took approximately 30 minutes over three sessions and was well-received by both trainees and program leadership. AI can improve various aspects of training program orientations and further integration is encouraged.