Student Columnist Evaluates Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
In a column published on October 28, 2026, in The Daily Orange, OlaRose Ndubuisi argues that while artificial intelligence tools streamline clinical documentation and image analysis, physicians must independently verify algorithmic output to protect patient trust and preserve critical human diagnostic skills.
The commentary follows a personal medical appointment where a physician requested permission to record the consultation using artificial intelligence note-taking software. Ndubuisi declined the request, prompting a discussion about how automation reshapes the doctor-patient relationship. National survey data cited in the column indicates that 72% of 1,342 surveyed physicians use artificial intelligence in their clinical practices, primarily for transcribing patient conversations and generating automated visit summaries.
Administrative Efficiency Versus Clinical Oversight in Hospital Settings
Supporters of medical artificial intelligence point to significant reductions in administrative burdens. Dr. Jivan Lamichhane, a hospitalist faculty member at Upstate University Hospital, told the columnist that automated medical scribes help eliminate hours of after-hours paperwork, commonly referred to as pajama time.
“It has definitely helped with efficiency as well as helping with the reduction of burnout on the healthcare providers,” Lamichhane said.
Data cited in the essay shows that 73% of 1,262 surveyed physicians believe reducing administrative workloads through artificial intelligence can mitigate professional burnout. However, Ndubuisi notes that these efficiencies introduce new verification steps. Doctors must review raw transcriptions to correct algorithmic errors, such as misgendered patient records, unsolicited diagnoses, or fabricated clinical details. This editing process shifts the clinician’s cognitive labor from active conversation interpretation to post-hoc transcript auditing.
Diagnostic Assistance and the Threat of Physician Skill Atrophy
Artificial intelligence also influences diagnostic imaging and risk prediction across healthcare systems. Researchers at Mass General Brigham in Boston developed algorithms trained on millions of facial images to evaluate a patient’s biological age and signs of their survival rate. In critical care environments, artificial intelligence tools can rapidly analyze chest X-rays to assist with urgent procedures like tension pneumothorax interventions, particularly when human radiologists face backlogs.
Despite these clinical advantages, the automation of routine tasks raises concerns regarding the long-term competence of medical professionals. Survey data in the column reveals that 88% of 1,163 physicians worry about overall skill loss, with 46% expressing acute concern over the loss of skills in doctors in training. Dr. Rachael Bedard, writing in separate commentary referenced by the column, emphasizes that medical residents lack the experience that an attending does to fact-check artificial intelligence and will need to learn to think critically alongside medical artificial intelligence tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice
What specific tasks do physicians use artificial intelligence for in hospitals?
Physicians use artificial intelligence software to record patient encounters, generate automated clinical summaries, read X-rays and facial imaging for diagnostic support, and calculate mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and readmission risks for patients admitted to the hospital.
What are the documented errors of artificial intelligence medical scribes?
Primary care physicians participating in research studies published in 2024 reported that generative artificial intelligence tools occasionally misgendered patients, imagined medical details, suggested unsolicited diagnoses, and mistook specific conversation facts.
How many physicians report using artificial intelligence in their daily practice?
Survey data cited in the commentary indicates that 72% of 1,342 surveyed physicians incorporate artificial intelligence tools into their medical practices.
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