USE OF CHATBOTS AND VIRTUAL TUTORS IN MEDICAL TRAINING: POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted medical education, and chatbots have emerged as promising tools for teaching and learning. This narrative review analyzes their impact, exploring benefits, challenges, and future perspectives. The research was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed databases, with the keywords "Chatbots in medical education," "AI tutors for medical learning," and "AI and education." Studies published between 2021 and 2025 on AI applications in medical education were included, excluding those without peer review or without a direct focus on the topic. Chatbots provide personalized learning, support for exam preparation, and constant availability, acting as interactive tutors and sources of updated information. However, challenges remain, such as response accuracy, ethical concerns, educator acceptance, and integration with traditional teaching methods. To ensure effective implementation, future research should assess their long-term impact, regulation, and improvements in reliability. Although promising, chatbots should be used as a complement rather than a substitute for human interaction in medical education.