The way medical students perceive emerging technology has a significant impact on decisions regarding their future medical careers, new survey data show.
According to the new data, students believe that emerging technologies (ET), such as artificial intelligence, could eventually render some specialties obsolete. In fact, 23% of the 532 students surveyed shared that they would not consider pursuing a career in diagnostic radiology, as they feel it would limit their future job prospects.
The survey data were published recently in Academic Radiology, where corresponding author of the paper Michael K. Atalay MD, PhD, of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, and colleagues discussed how current beliefs surrounding technological advancements will affect the future of medicine:
“Although it is impossible to predict how the practice of medicine will evolve due to technological advancements, current perceptions will likely affect the paths that medical students take as they attempt to plan their careers. The perceived impact of ET on various specialties may have subtle or substantial impact on decision-making.”
The specialties believed to be at greatest risk of making an appearance on the chopping block of emerging technologies were pathology, diagnostic radiology and anesthesiology, according to the responses. Outside of those, the students felt that technological advancements would strengthen their career prospects.
One class included in the data completed the survey twice—once in 2017 and again in 2021. In 2017, 50% felt like job prospects in radiology would be limited due to ET; by 2021 that figure had increased to 71%.
“Based on our survey, it appears that diagnostic radiology sits squarely in the crosshairs of specialties to avoid, and by sheer perception alone, bright and talented medical students may be adversely biased from even considering this specialty as a career option,” the authors wrote.
They continued by suggesting that recruitment efforts should consider the “upstream” effects of ET perception, indicating that an emphasis on AI awareness, including its benefits, could help reduce anxiety.
The study abstract can be viewed here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.