Reflection: AI as a catalyst for change in postgraduate medical education

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a timely opportunity to modernise postgraduate medical education, which has remained largely unchanged despite rapid technological advancements. AI can streamline administrative tasks, personalise learning and support critical thinking, allowing educators to refocus on mentorship and bedside teaching. However, if used uncritically or introduced too early as a substitute for clinical reasoning, AI may contribute to the risk of ‘never-skilling’, where students fail to develop the foundational clinical skills and independent judgement needed for safe practice. Integrating AI and other digital tools into clinical environments fosters authentic, technology-enabled learning while promoting digital professionalism. A collaborative, environmentally conscious approach across disciplines and institutions is essential to ensure equitable, sustainable adoption. The thoughtful use of AI can transform postgraduate medical education into a more efficient, student-centred system, aligned with the realities of modern healthcare.