Exploring Artificial Intelligence Readiness in Medical Students: Analysis of a Global Survey

Introduction: The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in diverse fields, including medical education, has emerged as a pivotal topic as the integration of AI technologies is becoming increasingly prevalent. This research delved into the landscape of AI integration in academic settings aimed to evaluate the students’ readiness for the evolving AI landscape in medical education. Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited from the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP) in the fall of 2023. An online survey was conducted to collect data on demographics, the landscape of AI utilization in academic settings, and the perceived readiness levels related to AI from 223 participants. The Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale for Medical Students (MAIRS-MS) was used. Results: Results indicated that 41.82% of participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that AI education should be part of medical training. Overall levels of AI readiness exhibited a statistically significant positive correlation with the frequency of AI inclusion in the curriculum (r = 0.217, p = 0.009), the frequency of AI use for studying (r = 0.246, p = 0.003), and the agreement that AI education should be integrated into medical training (r = 0.594, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights into the ongoing discussion on the role of AI in education, providing a foundation for educators to consider the integration of AI into their educational framework. The implementation of AI education could potentially enhance students’ AI readiness, considering the multiple benefits this symbiosis can offer.