Evolution of Diagnostic and Forensic Microbiology in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Medical Students' Perception Toward Using AI in Medical Education in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aim AI is revolutionizing medical education by offering innovative tools and simulations that augment traditional teaching methods. This study explored the perceptions and expectations of medical students in the Kurdistan region, Iraq, regarding AI integration in medical education. Methods A cross-sectional online survey collected data from 224 medical students over four months. A descriptive analysis was conducted to present the student's attitudes.  Results In total, 224 medical students responded to the online survey. The majority of them were female (n=129; 57.6%), while 95 were male (42.4%). Additionally, most of the participants were in stage 4 (54 (24.1%); stage 1, 48 (21.4%); and stage 2, 43 (19.2%). In terms of measuring students' perceptions of AI integration in medical education, 186 (83%) of the students wanted to use smartphones and tablets, and 38 (17%) of them reported wanting hard copies. In addition, 112 (50%) of the medical students considered themselves experts in using AI and 98 (43.8%) did not know exactly what AI was used; however, only a few of them (6.3%) did not use AI. Few patients reported using Manikins instead of real patients (42 (18.8%)), while 140 (62.5%) reported that they could be used but not an alternative. Conclusion While many agree that digital tools and simulations are useful teaching tools, they are frequently viewed as adjunctive approaches. Better integration and training are required for the infrequent use of AI tools in medical education.

Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing the Field of Medical Education

Medical education has ventured into a new arena of computer-assisted teaching powered by artificial intelligence (AI). In medical institutions, AI can serve as an intelligent tool facilitating the decision-making process effectively. AI can enhance teaching by assisting in developing new strategies for educators. Similarly, students also benefit from intelligent systems playing the role of competent teachers. Thus, AI-integrated medical education paves new opportunities for advanced teaching and learning experiences and improved outcomes. On the other hand, optical mark recognition and automated scoring are ways AI can also transform into a real-time assessor and evaluator in medical education. This review summarizes the AI tools and their application in medical teaching or learning, assessment, and administrative support. This article can aid medical institutes in planning and implementing AI according to the needs of the educators.