The role of ChatGPT in enhancing ENT surgical training - a trainees' perspective

J Laryngol Otol. 2024 May;138(5):480-486. doi: 10.1017/S0022215123001354. Epub 2023 Aug 16.

Abstract

Objective: ChatGPT, developed by Open AI (November 2022) is a powerful artificial intelligence language model, designed to produce human-like text from user-written prompts. Prompts must give context-specific information to produce valuable responses. Otolaryngology is a specialist field that sees limited exposure during undergraduate and postgraduate education. Additionally, otolaryngology trainees have seen a reduction in learning opportunities since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Method: This article aims to give guidance on optimising the ChatGPT system in the context of education for otolaryngology by reviewing barriers to otolaryngology education and suggesting ways that ChatGPT can overcome them by providing examples using the authors' experience.

Results: Overall, the authors saw that ChatGPT demonstrated some useful qualities, particularly with regards to assistance with communication skills and individualised patient responses.

Conclusion: Although ChatGPT cannot replace traditional mentorship and practical surgical experience, it can serve as an invaluable supplementary resource to education in otolaryngology.

Keywords: AI (artificial intelligence); medical education; otolaryngology; training.

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Clinical Competence
  • Education, Medical, Graduate / methods
  • Humans
  • Otolaryngology* / education
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / education
  • SARS-CoV-2