Medical school is no joke. With countless hours of studying, exams and placements, it's little wonder that medical students often feel overwhelmed. But is a saviour on its way? Can AI help students ace their exams and make studying less of a chore?
At Pastest, we've been busy incorporating AI into our resources behind the scenes for many years , but we're now seeing a tidal wave of interest in this technology and how it can be utilised to solve all manner of problems.
We've scoured the MedEd arena to see how companies are now using AI to aid the performance of medical students. Here are just a few examples:
Introducing the AI Tutor
If you don’t move with the times, you get left behind. So, when we saw the rise of AI, we knew the importance of utilising this technology to benefit our users and help push their revision to new heights.
Utilising the latest technology, the AI tutor offers a fresh approach to medical revision, allowing you to personalise your study approach. Whether you need a hint, a more in-depth explanation, or the question to be re-explained to you in simpler terms, the AI tutor has got all of the answers you could ever need.
Although our software is only in beta, the feedback we have received has been exceptional. 6001 Questions were asked within the first month of launch even though the software is only currently available in the MRCP Part 1 subscription, keep your eyes peeled for the medical machine takeover coming to your subscription very soon…
Personalised Study Plans
StudyBot is a cutting-edge AI tool that leverages machine learning algorithms to create personalised study plans for medical students. Gone are the days of generic study plans that don't take into account your unique learning style. This AI-powered tool helps to eliminate the frustration and inefficiency of traditional one-size-fits-all study guides.
Their algorithms analyse a student's performance on previous exams and assignments, taking into account their strengths and weaknesses. This data is then used to create a customised study plan that is tailored to the student's individual needs and learning style.
Virtual Study Buddies
Studying alone can be a lonely and monotonous task, but with AI, you can have a virtual study buddy to keep you motivated and engaged. AI-powered virtual tutors are designed to provide medical students with the support they need to succeed. These virtual tutors can answer questions, provide feedback, and even tell jokes to help keep you engaged and focused on your studies. With AI, you never have to study alone again.
One AI platform that offers virtual study buddies is Knewton Alta. It provides students with a personalised learning experience through its adaptive technology. The AI algorithms analyse student performance on previous exams and assignments to determine strengths and weaknesses, and then adapt the content to meet individual needs.
In addition, IBM Watson also offers virtual tutors. Its AI algorithms are designed to help medical students improve their understanding of complex concepts by breaking them down into more manageable parts. The virtual tutor can provide real-time feedback, answer questions, and offer insights to help users stay on track and achieve their goals.
Automated Flashcards
Flashcards are a tried and true method for memorising and retaining information. But for medical students, the task of creating hundreds of flashcards by hand can be time-consuming and tedious. That's where AI comes in! With AI-powered tools like Quizlet, flashcards are created for the user.
Quizlet utilises machine learning algorithms to generate flashcards based on a student's study material. This means that the flashcards are tailored to specific needs and optimised for individual learning styles. This frees up more time to focus on studying and retaining the information.
At Pastest we also has large banks of flashcards available within the Microlearning element of our online platform. From Achalasia to Warfarin, we’ve got you covered!
Improved Retention of Information
AI technology can assess an individual's learning style and present information in a manner that is optimised for their specific needs, leading to better retention of information and, in turn, higher exam scores.
One tool that harnesses this technology is our very own iSAAC feature (that's Intelligently Served, Algorithmically Adapted Content, available for MRCP Part 1). This innovative AI algorithm personalises a student's learning experience by analysing their performance, providing feedback and adjusting the study material to fit their unique needs. This leads to a more efficient and effective study process and improved memory retention, which is crucial for success in the medical field. By using Pastest and our iSAAC feature, users can take control of their learning experience and achieve their career goals.
Real-time Feedback
Quick and accurate feedback on exams and assignments is critical. The problem is, traditional methods can be time-consuming and leave students waiting in suspense for their results. But with AI, users can get real-time feedback that helps improve their understanding of the material and address any weaknesses or misconceptions immediately.
Gradescope is one of the many AI tools that helps with this. By using AI algorithms, Gradescope provides users with instant feedback on exams and assignments. Users can see what they did well, where they need to improve, and get the information needed to keep moving forward. This can help with motivation, focus, and ultimately, achieving those goals.
Time-saving Tools
Medical students have an incredibly demanding schedule, with an endless stream of exams, rotations, and of course, studying. It's crucial for students to make the most of their time and focus on the most important tasks. That's where AI comes in, offering a range of time-saving tools that automate mundane tasks and free up precious hours for students.
One such tool is EasyBib, which harnesses the power of AI to automatically generate bibliographies and citations for research papers. This can save students a significant amount of time, as manual citation can be a time-consuming and error-prone process. With EasyBib, students can focus on the content of their papers, rather than worrying about formatting and referencing.
Additionally, EasyBib uses AI algorithms to check for errors and inconsistencies in the citations, ensuring that the final product is both accurate and professional-looking. By using AI to streamline this process, medical students can save time and have peace of mind knowing that their citations are correct.
Access to the Latest Research
The field of medicine is constantly evolving, and it can be a challenge to stay up-to-date with the latest research. AI can help by providing medical students with access to the most recent research and studies, so they can stay ahead of the curve.
One great example of an AI-powered tool that helps with this is PubMed Health, offered by the National Library of Medicine. This AI-powered tool provides comprehensive, up-to-date information on diseases and conditions, as well as the latest research on treatments and medications. With this resource at their fingertips, medical students can quickly and easily access the latest research in their field and stay informed on the newest advancements.
In conclusion, AI is starting to revolutionise the way medical students study. Whether you love it or hate it, it's here to stay!
- 03 Jan 2024
- Medical Revision