AAO 2024: Advancing medical education with AI, robotics, and diverse learning methods

At the 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting held October 18 to 21 in Chicago, Illinois, US, Bonnie An Henderson, MD, presented the Kelman Lecture, focusing on the evolution of medical education. Her lecture, titled Enhancing the Paradigm of 'See One, Do One, Teach One' With Technology, explored how ophthalmic training has advanced from traditional methods to the integration of modern tools, including artificial intelligence and robotics. Henderson, who is a clinical professor at the Tufts University School of Medicine, in Boston, Massachusetts, US, discussed the transformation from textbooks and live demonstrations to simulators, video tutorials, and AI-driven technologies.

She emphasised that, despite these advancements, hands-on practice remains essential. Skills such as hand-eye coordination require training with synthetic eyes, wet labs, or simulators to fully develop. Henderson highlighted that learners vary greatly in their preferences and strengths, so offering diverse learning methods is crucial to accommodate individual needs.

For today's ophthalmology residents, Henderson advocates blending traditional and modern educational approaches. While digital platforms like YouTube can provide accessible tutorials, they are not a substitute for practical experience. Looking to the future, she anticipates that AI will continue to accelerate knowledge acquisition, allowing clinicians to focus on critical skills while machines manage data-heavy tasks.

In her closing message to clinicians, Henderson underscored the importance of continuous learning. With rapid advancements in surgical techniques, devices, and medications, she advised clinicians to stay current through various means, whether online courses, in-person meetings, or conferences.