Is Artificial Intelligence Eroding Clinical Competence?
Summary
Host Bob Centeno and guest Adam Rodman discuss the "de-skilling effect" of AI in medicine, examining whether reliance on technology erodes clinical competence. They analyze a colonoscopy study showing reduced polyp detection after AI withdrawal and debate risks like "never-skilling" in trainees. The conversation highlights strategies for using AI as a reasoning tool rather than a replacement, emphasizing the need for critical oversight and intentional educational modeling to preserve essential medical skills.
Topics discussed
Disclaimer and introduction to Annals on Call
Guest introduction and episode overview
Defining de-skilling and historical context
Generative AI vs. traditional clinical decision support
Analysis of the colonoscopy de-skilling study
Broader implications for clinical reasoning and safety
The risk of never-skilling in medical trainees
Modeling expert reasoning with AI during rounds
AI literacy and creative problem solving in education
Protecting cognitive synthesis and expertise
Conclusion and final thoughts on AI in medicine
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