Radiology Synthetic Confusion: How Generative Artificial Intelligence Amplifies Misunderstandings of Radiologists and Technologists in Patient-Facing Media

<b>Rationale and Objectives:</b> Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, particularly generative models, are increasingly used to depict clinical roles in healthcare. This study evaluates whether generative AI systems accurately differentiate between radiologists and medical radiation technologists (MRTs), 2 roles often confused by patients and providers. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> We assessed 1380 images and videos generated by 8 text-to-image/video AI models. Five raters evaluated task-role accuracy, attire, equipment, lighting, isolation, and demographics. Statistical tests compared differences across models and roles. <b>Results:</b> MRTs were depicted accurately in 82.0% of outputs, while only 56.2% of radiologist images/videos were role-appropriate. Among inaccurate radiologist depictions, 79.1% misrepresented MRTs tasks. Radiologists were more often male (73.8%) and White (79.7%), while MRTs were more diverse. Stethoscope misuse, lack of disability/religious markers, and overuse of business attire for radiologists further reflected bias. <b>Conclusion:</b> Generative AI frequently misrepresents radiologist roles and demographics, reinforcing stereotypes and public confusion. Greater oversight and inclusion standards are needed to ensure equitable AI-generated healthcare content.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal
Published
2025-06-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/08465371251350085
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.65
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Radiology Synthetic Confusion: How Generative Artificial Intelligence Amplifies Misunderstandings of Radiologists and Technologists in Patient-Facing Media

Yousif Al-Naser, Sonali Sharma, Charlotte J. Yong‐Hing, Kevin Ibach et al.
1 citations
Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
0.65
article

Radiology Synthetic Confusion: How Generative Artificial Intelligence Amplifies Misunderstandings of Radiologists and Technologists in Patient-Facing Media

Yousif Al-Naser, Sonali Sharma, Charlotte J. Yong‐Hing, Kevin Ibach, Ken Niure
article en
1 citations

Abstract

<b>Rationale and Objectives:</b> Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, particularly generative models, are increasingly used to depict clinical roles in healthcare. This study evaluates whether generative AI systems accurately differentiate between radiologists and medical radiation technologists (MRTs), 2 roles often confused by patients and providers. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> We assessed 1380 images and videos generated by 8 text-to-image/video AI models. Five raters evaluated task-role accuracy, attire, equipment, lighting, isolation, and demographics. Statistical tests compared differences across models and roles. <b>Results:</b> MRTs were depicted accurately in 82.0% of outputs, while only 56.2% of radiologist images/videos were role-appropriate. Among inaccurate radiologist depictions, 79.1% misrepresented MRTs tasks. Radiologists were more often male (73.8%) and White (79.7%), while MRTs were more diverse. Stethoscope misuse, lack of disability/religious markers, and overuse of business attire for radiologists further reflected bias. <b>Conclusion:</b> Generative AI frequently misrepresents radiologist roles and demographics, reinforcing stereotypes and public confusion. Greater oversight and inclusion standards are needed to ensure equitable AI-generated healthcare content.

Canadian Association of Radiologists JournalVol. 77(1)
University of British Columbia (CA), Trillium Health Centre (CA)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 24%
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
0.65
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Radiology Synthetic Confusion: How Generative Artificial Intelligence Amplifies Misunderstandings of Radiologists and Technologists in Patient-Facing Media — Yousif Al-Naser, Sonali Sharma, et al. · Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS