Prospects for the development of medical professionalism education in the AI perspective: A qualitative study of Chinese postgraduate medical students’ written reflections

INTRODUCTION: Medical professionalism education is of paramount importance to the development of medical careers and medical students. Currently, there is a need for more research in China on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and medical professionalism education. METHODS: For this study, we collected 44 written reflections from first-year postgraduate students of clinical medicine in China during the spring semester of 2024 on the prospect of applying AI in conjunction with medical professionalism education. The data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. A framework for interpretation was provided in the form of a literature review. RESULTS: The findings indicate that Chinese medical students hold divergent views on the potential integration of AI with medical professionalism education. These perspectives encompass both the current paths of development and predictions of future trends. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo14, resulting in the identification of four themes: Technology application and medical ethicsDoctor-patient relationship and communicationEducation and career developmentSocial responsibility and public interest. CONCLUSION: The study's findings underscore the potential benefits of AI in medical professionalism education, as perceived by Chinese medical students. These benefits could significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of medical education. However, the students also highlighted potential risks and the need for careful oversight and management, indicating the practical implications of these findings for the future of medical education.