Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Medical Student Learning: A Cross-Campus Analysis of Student Use and Perceived Educational Impact

Moultrie, GA

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly integrated into medical education, yet limited data exists to describe how osteopathic medical students use AI and perceive its educational value. This study evaluated the prevalence, frequency, platforms, and educational applications of AI among osteopathic medical students, as well as perceived benefits and understanding of AI functionality.

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to first- and second-year osteopathic medical students across three campuses of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Descriptive statistics summarized AI use patterns, and inferential analyses compared outcomes across campuses and class years.

Among 160 respondents, 90.6% of students reported using AI as a learning tool, with high adoption across all campuses and no significant differences by campus or class year. ChatGPT was the most commonly used platform (84.4%), followed by AI-integrated educational tools such as AMBOSS AI and Anki add-ons. AI use was frequent, with 75.1% of users reporting several-times-per-week or daily engagement. Second-year students used AI significantly more often than first-year students (p = 0.047). AI was most commonly employed to clarify difficult concepts, generate practice questions, and summarize learning materials. Students overwhelmingly perceived AI as beneficial, reporting improved conceptual understanding (86.9%), increased study efficiency (81.3%), and enhanced overall learning quality (82.5%). Higher frequency of AI use was significantly associated with stronger perceived educational benefit (p = 0.042). In contrast, students expressed more neutral perceptions regarding AI’s impact on clinical reasoning skills. Despite frequent use, most students reported only moderate understanding of how AI systems generate responses. AI is deeply embedded in the learning behaviors of osteopathic medical students and is perceived as a valuable adjunct to medical education, particularly for improving comprehension and efficiency. The association between frequent AI use and greater perceived benefit suggests that consistent integration may enhance learning outcomes. However, limited understanding of AI functionality highlights the need for formal guidance and education on responsible AI use within medical curricula.