JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

There has been tremendous technological change in the medical admissions processes in recent years with a transition to online engagement and recruitment strategies and virtual medical school admissions assessments. Technology is now key to most medical schools’ admissions processes. Moreover, a spotlight has specifically been placed on the shortcomings of the medical school admissions system when it comes to implementing holistic admissions which may contribute to persisting socioeconomic disparities in matriculants. Simultaneously, in the past decade witnessed the disruptive power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the societal changes that have been catalyzed by its rapid development. AI innovations are already in widespread use in private sector recruitment and when employed strategically have improved efficacy and efficiency of hiring practices. This raises the question of how undergraduate medical admissions will be able to leverage this emerging technology to improve the current admissions workflow. In this article, authors explore the potential uses for AI and machine learning technology within the undergraduate medical admissions process. We follow the journey of the medical school applicant through the various common phases of the application process, and suggest AI solutions to improve on commonly noted shortcomings. We also consider how to deliberately design AI for medical admissions with a focus on the applicant experience, logistical considerations for medical schools, and the global societal interest in the medical education field.