Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of veterinary medicine, offering new tools and opportunities for both students and professionals. Candice Chu, DVM, PhD, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is at the forefront of this innovation, developing AI-based study tools like VetClinPathGPT to enhance learning and streamline clinical processes.
In the classroom, AI is proving to be a valuable resource for veterinary students. VetClinPathGPT, based on ChatGPT technology, assists students in learning clinical pathobiology, helping them with disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Students can ask the AI questions about unfamiliar terms and concepts, while educators can use AI tools to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks such as writing exam questions. Chu envisions a future where AI becomes a regular part of the veterinary classroom, providing personalized learning experiences and support for students.
One of the key benefits of AI in the classroom is its ability to act as a study partner. Students can upload course readings, and the AI can generate relevant study questions based on the text, helping them prepare for exams and deepen their understanding of the material. This interactive approach to learning can enhance student engagement and retention, ultimately leading to better outcomes in their veterinary education.
Beyond the classroom, AI tools are also making a significant impact in clinical settings. Chu predicts that AI will continue to assist veterinary professionals with tasks like record keeping, freeing up time for more direct patient care. AI can help clinicians quickly access relevant information from medical records, improving efficiency and accuracy in diagnosis and treatment.
However, the use of AI in veterinary medicine does come with some concerns. Privacy issues related to sharing patient medical records with developers and the accuracy of AI-generated information are top considerations. Chu acknowledges these concerns and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the information uploaded to AI tools is reliable and sourced from reputable sources like the ‚eClinPath‘ website.
Despite these challenges, Chu remains a strong advocate for the integration of AI in veterinary medicine. She sees AI as a valuable complement to human expertise, not a replacement. By leveraging the power of AI alongside traditional veterinary practices, professionals can enhance their diagnostic capabilities, teaching methods, and overall efficiency.
As Chu continues her research and collaborations in the field of AI and veterinary medicine, she is paving the way for a future where technology and human expertise work hand in hand to advance the field. With her innovative approach and dedication to improving veterinary education and practice, Chu is shaping the future of veterinary medicine for the better.