ChatGPT in Medical Education: Promoting Learning or Killing Critical Thinking?

Recent advancements in technology have transformed the landscape of medical education. The integration of new learning tools like ChatGPT has gained significant attention. This commentary discusses the opportunities and pitfalls of using ChatGPT in medical education. The interactive nature of ChatGPT renders it an invaluable tool for learning, as it allows medical students to seek clarification and receive immediate human-like responses. ChatGPT can also enhance subjective learning and writing skills, and demonstrate potential in clinical decision support and differential diagnosis generation, which can benefit both educators and students. However, misuse of ChatGPT can lead to unintended consequences such as academic dishonesty, overreliance on technology, automation bias, and complacency, which hinder the development of critical thinking skills. Therefore, medical educators should encourage the ethical use of technology in medical education and address ethical considerations such as information accuracy, data security, confidentiality, and medico-legal issues related to technological integration.