Should AI Skills Count in Medical School Admissions? With: Dr. Euan Ashley
Dr. Euan Ashley, Chair of the Department of Medicine at Stanford, challenges the outdated criteria for medical school admissions. He argues that while chemistry and physics have long been gatekeepers, they fail to assess skills critical for future doctors, such as AI proficiency, adaptability, and empathy. In a world where language models, multimodal diagnostics, and real-world data will be essential in care delivery, doctors unskilled in AI risk falling behind. Ashley calls for admissions reform to evaluate candidates on the abilities that will matter most in the AI-powered healthcare environment.
Episode Contents:
About the Guest
Dr. Euan Ashley is Chair of the Department of Medicine at Stanford University, a pioneer in precision medicine and genomics. Learn more at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euanashley/
Key Takeaways
- Medical school criteria haven't evolved for the AI era.
- AI proficiency could be as vital as traditional sciences.
- Admissions should reflect the skills doctors will need in practice.
Transcript Summary
Should AI skills be part of medical school admissions?
Current criteria still focus on century-old measures like chemistry and physics, ignoring skills like AI use, adaptability, and empathy.
Why is this change important?
Future doctors will work in a world where AI tools are standard for both patients and clinicians. Not knowing how to use them will hinder care quality.
How should admissions adapt?
Evaluate candidates for skills relevant to future practice—like AI literacy, problem-solving with modern tools, and patient communication.
More Topics
- AI in the Healthcare Industry
- AI and Medical Innovation
- Healthcare Ethics and Policy
- AI in Patient Care
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About the Series
AI and Healthcare—with Mika Newton and Dr. Sanjay Juneja is an engaging interview series featuring world-renowned leaders shaping the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine.
Dr. Sanjay Juneja, a hematologist and medical oncologist widely recognized as “TheOncDoc,” is a trailblazer in healthcare innovation and a rising authority on the transformative role of AI in medicine.
Mika Newton is an expert in healthcare data management, with a focus on data completeness and universality. Mika is on the editorial board of AI in Precision Oncology and is no stranger to bringing transformative technologies to market and fostering innovation.