Why Students Must Fact Check AI Like ChatGPT
A leading medical educator in Dubai is sounding the alarm for students: while Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the field, tools like ChatGPT come with a significant risk of providing false information, a phenomenon known as 'AI hallucination'.
During a session at the ninth Gulf News Edufair Dubai 2025, Dr. Wafaa Al Johani, Dean of Batterjee Medical College, urged students to develop critical skills to navigate this new technological landscape.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Medicine
"AI, telecommunication, and all kinds of smart technologies are now mandatory and integral parts of medical education," Dr. Al Johani stated. She explained that from virtual simulations and digital patients to automated diagnostics, AI is deeply embedded in modern healthcare training.
However, she cautioned, "But we have to be careful. It has positive and negative sides," highlighting the importance of maintaining academic integrity and honesty when using these powerful tools.
The Danger of 'AI Hallucination'
One of the biggest pitfalls Dr. Al Johani warned against is the tendency for generative AI to "hallucinate." This means the AI can confidently present information that is inaccurate, outdated, or entirely fabricated.
"If you ask ChatGPT for a treatment plan or medication regimen, it might give you a treatment or medicine that’s no longer in use," she explained. "Sometimes, it will give you reference data that doesn’t exist."
Her advice to students is simple but crucial: always verify. "You have to find out the source, read the article, and verify the data," she stressed.
New Core Skills: Literacy, Integrity, and Ethics
As AI becomes more prevalent, Dr. Al Johani believes a new set of skills is essential for the next generation of doctors: AI literacy, integrity, and the ethical use of technology.
She expressed concern over current trends, noting, "We are seeing students submit assignments copied directly from ChatGPT. This is not learning." Beyond plagiarism, students must also grasp the importance of data privacy, patient confidentiality, and the broader ethics of applying technology in a medical context.
AI Will Augment, Not Replace, Humans
Dr. Al Johani also touched upon the role of simulation-based training, where students at Batterjee Medical College use high-fidelity mannequins to practice procedures, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
Ultimately, she encouraged students to embrace a mindset of continuous learning to stay ahead of the curve. She concluded with a powerful message: "AI will never replace humans. It will replace those who are unable to use it. So, keep the doors open, stay curious and keep learning.”
