JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing medical education, with AI-driven chatbots like ChatGPT emerging as study tools among medical students. While these technologies offer numerous benefits, they also pose challenges related to academic integrity, information accuracy, and AI literacy.

Objective:

This study examines medical students’ perceptions and usage patterns of ChatGPT across multiple institutions in the United States, highlighting its role in academic, clinical, and research settings.

Methods:

An online survey was distributed to medical students in all years of training at consenting medical schools across the United States from 08/25/2024 to 12/10/2024.

Results:

177 participants completed the survey with representation across 14 medical schools in the United States. 98.9% of participants had heard of ChatGPT, with 88.7% reporting having ever used it. Medical students most commonly used ChatGPT to understand complex medical concepts, prepare for exams, and generate study materials. 46.6% used it to help complete medical school assignments. In the clinical context, the most common use for ChatGPT was to help generate differential diagnoses. The most common application in research was summarizing research articles or studies. 72.7% reported their experience with ChatGPT improved their overall perception of AI’s potential to assist in medical practice and 86% believed having it as a resource would make them more effective doctors. Students who reported moderate or advanced baseline understanding of AI were more likely to crosscheck and edit the output from ChatGPT before using it compared to those who reported basic or limited understanding.

Conclusions:

ChatGPT is widely used among medical students and is perceived as a valuable educational tool. However, concerns regarding information verification， AI literacy, and ethical use for academic activities highlight the need for structured AI education within medical curricula. Integrating AI-focused training can help students leverage these technologies effectively while mitigating risks associated with misinformation and overreliance on AI-generated content.