Undergraduate Medical Students' Views on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: A Cross-Sectional Study
TL;DR
Artificial intelligence tools are widely used and positively perceived by medical students, and Structured and responsible integration of AI into medical education may maximize its benefits while minimizing potential risks.
Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in medical education, offering opportunities for personalized learning, rapid access to information, and support for academic activities. However, concerns regarding accuracy, overdependence, and reduced critical thinking remain. Objectives: To assess the perceptions, attitudes, perceived benefits and concerns regarding the use of AI tools among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 767 undergraduate medical students at a tertiary care teaching institution in Bharuch, Gujarat, India, from January to March 2026. Students from all MBBS years who provided informed consent were included. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 767 participants, AI use was reported daily by 207 (27.0%) students, on a few days per week by 282 (36.8%), and occasionally or rarely by 278 (36.2%). ChatGPT was the most commonly used AI tool reported by 698 (91.0%) students, followed by Google Gemini 398 (51.9%). The most common academic purpose of AI use was clarifying difficult concepts, reported by 561 (73.1%) students, followed by obtaining quick summaries or notes 460 (60.0%). AI was considered very helpful for understanding concepts by 445 (58.0%) students, while 515 (67.1%) reported faster learning. Nearly half 367 (47.8%) supported integrating AI into medical teaching. However, inaccurate information 334 (43.4%), reduced critical thinking 327 (42.6%), and overdependence 252 (32.8%) were major concerns. Conclusions: AI tools are widely used and positively perceived by medical students. Structured and responsible integration of AI into medical education may maximize its benefits while minimizing potential risks. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Medical Education, Medical Students