Academic Perspectives & AI
by Dr. Faizan Hussain

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend two workshops at Aga Khan University Hospital focused on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and medical education. What stood out to me was that the emphasis was not simply on what AI can do, but on how we should use it responsibly.

AI in Research

The AI research workshop was particularly valuable because it did not shy away from discussing the potential misuse of AI. Along with exploring its capabilities, we were taught about privacy, data protection, and responsible use—including what information should and should not be uploaded to AI platforms. Another important aspect was learning that there is no need to use one AI tool for everything. Different software and platforms can be useful at different stages of research, from literature exploration and organization to writing and refining a research manuscript. Understanding which tool is appropriate for which task can make the research process more efficient while still keeping the researcher responsible for the accuracy, interpretation, and integrity of the final work.

AI in Medical Education

The medical education workshop approached AI from a different perspective: how it can support teachers and learners. We explored practical applications of tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini for teaching English language skills, creating quizzes, developing mind maps, preparing presentations, and designing infographics. Many of these tasks can be quite time-consuming when created manually. AI can significantly reduce the time required to prepare them, allowing educators to spend more time on the aspects that matter most—teaching, interaction, critical thinking, and feedback.

The Bigger Lesson

For me, the most important takeaway from both workshops was that AI should not be viewed simply as a shortcut or a replacement for professional expertise. The real value lies in learning where AI can assist, where human judgment remains essential, and how to use these technologies without compromising privacy, academic integrity, or professional responsibility. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, research, and education, understanding its responsible use may become just as important as understanding the technology itself.

Reflections from academic workshops on artificial intelligence. Ethical research & modern pedagogy.