IOM workshops showcase transformative power of AI in healthcare

The transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare was the focus of a recent workshop held by the Institute of Medicine at No.6 Kildare Street on May 15 and 16. The two-day AI in Medical Education Workshop offered an immersive, modular learning experience for attendees to build practical skills progressively across teaching, assessment and research contexts.

Building on the success of the generative AI session within the ICET Programme, this initiative extends that work to support the application of artificial intelligence in medical and clinical education. The workshops were held over two days and enabled gradual knowledge-building tailored for Institute of Medicine members.

While AI technology is still new and evolving, its impact on the clinician–patient relationship is already evident. As this impact continues to grow, doctors and the wider medical profession must be equipped to adapt. The event provided participants with the opportunity to gain practical insights and strategies for leveraging AI to enhance and transform educational practices in clinical education.

AI is increasingly embedded in clinical practice across Ireland, with a recent joint RCPI and EY study highlighting both widespread use among doctors and a growing need for further training and support in this area. Prof Ed McKone, Dean of the Institute of Medicine said: “AI is quickly becoming an integral part of medical education and clinical practice with more than one in five doctors in Ireland using it daily, so it’s vital that doctors are equipped with the skills they need to use these tools in the most effective ways possible.”

Participants from the IOM AI workshop at No.6 Kildare Street. 

Prof Mckone added that the value of providing workshops like these is clear: “We saw excellent engagement over the course of the workshops, demonstrating a strong enthusiasm from clinicians to deepen their knowledge and understanding of AI in clinical and professional settings. Workshops like these help us to build knowledge, foster collaboration and encourage shared learning of evolving technologies.”

The structure allowed attendees to build knowledge step by step, while tailoring their learning to their own professional contexts. This approach ensured that both those new to AI and those already exploring its applications could benefit meaningfully from the sessions.

The event featured several international guest speakers with expertise in AI and health education including Prof Ken Masters, Associate Professor of Medical Infomatics at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, Dr Sofia Valanci, fellow at American College of Surgeons and Dr Heather MacNeill, Interim Assistant Dean at the Metropolitan University School of Medicine. They guided informative sessions on a wide range of topics including AI-enhanced teaching and assessment, ethical considerations in GenAI, and its use in research applications.

As AI continues to reshape the healthcare landscape, initiatives like these workshops play a vital role in preparing clinicians and educators with the tools and confidence they need. RCPI looks forward to building on this success and continuing to lead in the development of future-focused medical education.