Integrating artificial intelligence into medical education: a narrative systematic review of current applications, challenges, and future directions

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping both healthcare delivery and the structure of medical education. This narrative review synthesizes insights from 14 studies exploring how AI is being integrated into undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education programs. The evidence highlights a wide range of applications, including diagnostic assistance, curriculum redesign, enhanced assessment methods, and streamlined administrative tasks. Nevertheless, several challenges persist—such as ethical dilemmas, the lack of validated curricula, limited empirical research, and infrastructural constraints—that hinder broader implementation. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID: 1109025), and the review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The findings emphasize the need for well-structured AI curricula, targeted faculty development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethically sound practices. To promote sustainable and equitable adoption, the review advocates for a phased, learner-centered approach tailored to the evolving demands of medical education.