Strategies for Integrating Technology Into Medical Education: Dr. Warren Wiechmann, Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Science Education and Educational Technologies at University of California Irvine

Raise the Line

The question of how generative AI and other recent advances in technology will change medical education is one we're continually seeking answers to on Raise the Line, and today we're turning to a really well-placed expert to weigh in on this issue. He's Dr. Warren Wiechmann, senior associate dean of Clinical Science Education and Educational Technologies at University of California Irvine, a school known for its embrace of technology. Dr. Wiechmann is considered the architect of the school's iMedEd Initiative, a comprehensive curriculum that uses everything from augmented reality to 3D printing as catalysts for curricular innovation. As he tells host Michael Carrese, integration of technology across subjects has been a key element of UCI’s approach. “We have our physiologists working closely with our anatomists, working closely with our clinical skills people. We're integrating point-of-care ultrasound into very early physiology lectures. We even have our physiologists doing a session using EKG devices.” Wiechmann stresses, though, that new tech has to meet a high bar for effectiveness before being used instructionally. “Just because it's new technology doesn't mean it's going to be useful.” As for the impact of generative AI, Wiechmann is keeping his eye on managing for inherent bias in large data sets and leveraging AI to help level the playing field for students with learning differences. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating educational evolution.

Mentioned in this episode: https://medschool.uci.edu/