The role of artificial intelligence ethics in synergizing education, research, and clinical outcomes in medical physics

Purpose: The role of artificial intelligence (AI) has grown tremendously across various fields, including in medical physics, particularly in radiotherapy clinical practices. The rapidly evolving field of medical physics requires revisions to its curriculum to address the emerging ethical concerns related to AI. In this research, we highlight the importance of adhering to AI ethics in synergizing medical physics education and research with clinical practice. Methods: A Narrative review combined with conceptual analysis was conducted to examine the ethical principles of AI in the field of medical physics, including transparency, safety, accountability, bias mitigation, and the importance of human oversight. The literature search focused on key themes across multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Approximately 85 articles were identified, with 40 selected for inclusion in the analysis. Authors reviewed medical physics curricula in Asian countries and the Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics syllabus to examine how AI ethics has been embedded in medical physics research and educational frameworks for responsible deployment of AI in radiotherapy practice. Results: Preliminary findings suggest a gap in the integration of AI ethics frameworks within medical physics curricula; however, universities are increasingly incorporating AI-related ethical frameworks into their syllabi. AI ethics into medical physics research and education enhances medical physicists’ ability to critically evaluate AI tools, identify potential biases, and understand algorithmic limitations. The study helps develop a conceptual framework that guides medical physicists for safe and responsible clinical practice of AI in radiotherapy. Conclusion: Integration of AI ethics into medical physical curricula is essential for synergizing education, research, and clinical practice in the field. This study recommends to addition of “ethics in AI” modules in medical physics curricula. Also conduction of training program focusing on explainable and responsible AI use.