Current status of artificial intelligence utilization in medical education: A cross-sectional survey of medical students and faculty

Background Generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models such as ChatGPT, is rapidly transforming various sectors, including medical education. Despite increasing interest, few studies have investigated how AI is actually used in medical education settings, especially in Japan. This study aimed to assess the current use of generative AI among medical students and faculty members, and to identify their perceptions, perceived benefits, and concerns in relation to its integration into medical education. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to May 2025 at the Oita University Faculty of Medicine. A total of 1,014 students and 470 faculty members from the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Department of Advanced Medical Sciences were invited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. The survey covered AI usage experience, purposes of use, and attitudes toward AI in academic contexts. Results The response rates were 40% for students (402/1,014) and 74% for faculty members (350/470). Most students (82.1%) and faculty (73.4%) had prior experience using AI tools, primarily for report writing, lecture preparation, and information retrieval, with students showing a higher rate of AI usage experience than faculty (p < 0.05). While 92.8% of students and 86.5% of faculty supported AI use under certain conditions, 73.4% of faculty members reported major concerns, including ethical risks and the risk of personal information leakage. In the faculty survey, younger faculty members and those with AI usage experience were also significantly more likely to approve the introduction of AI into medical education (p < 0.05). Conclusions Generative AI is widely accepted and utilized in medical education. However, ethical guidelines, digital literacy education, and thoughtful integration strategies are essential to ensure its responsible use. Clinical trial number not applicable