Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education and Assessment: The next step in the IT Revolution

<ns3:p>The digital revolution is transforming the face of medical education as Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become major factors in driving innovation. The use of digital platforms and immersive simulation systems trained with AI have been on the rise making learning more accessible, efficient and personalized. This review presents the current literature on the integration of IT/AI and medical education based on reviews, empirical investigations, and the opinions of the experts. Key areas of focus are e-learning and blended learning platforms, virtual and augmented reality simulations, intelligent tutoring systems, AI-based curriculum development, and AI-based assessment generation and grading. Evidence shows that these tools increase knowledge retention, encourage clinical reasoning, and provide safe environments for skills acquisition. The use of AI applications such as adaptive learning and automated testing helps to develop individualized learning which can be customized to the needs of individual learners. Using deep learning models to synthesize realistic virtual patients can foster communication skills and streamline feedback. Challenges for the widespread adoption of AI applications exist such as high implementation costs, faculty preparedness, data privacy, learner misuse, algorithm biases and unequal access. At the same time, there is growing appreciation for the importance of curriculum changes that incorporate AI literacy and digital skills in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical training. Future directions are also highlighted, such as teaching AI literacy as part of medical curricula, using AI-driven mixed reality simulations, developing an interdisciplinary collaboration to support responsible AI adoption, and developing standards to support the seamless integration between IT and AI systems. By providing a synthesis of evidence around currently available technologies, this review offers an understanding of the nature and impact of IT/AI on medical education, which may guide those preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for an increasingly digital clinical world.</ns3:p>