Imagine this: As you examine your patient, an AI tool transcribes your conversation, captures their vitals, and downloads pathology and imaging results. Seconds later and ping! – a provisional diagnosis and treatment plan appear on your screen, plus notes, e-scripts and referrals ready to sign off, which the solution then sends to relevant systems.
Only 5 years ago, this scenario would have seemed unlikely, but now it’s within reach.
Digital tools are undoubtedly changing the way medicine is practiced. To help healthcare professionals keep up with this rapidly evolving landscape, the Australian Digital Health Agency has recently announced a national project to embed digital health education into university degrees.
What does this mean for you?
By the time you're a practicing doctor, you should have a solid understanding of digital health systems. It's about ensuring you graduate not just as a skilled clinician, but as a digitally confident one. You’ll be equipped to use digital tools to give your patients the best possible care and prepared to work in modern hospital and clinic environments.
"The integration of digital health education into university degrees is an essential and forward-looking step. From a medico-legal standpoint, we are seeing an evolution in how patient care is documented and delivered. It’s vital that our future doctors not only understand the clinical applications of new technologies but also the ethical and legal obligations, particularly around data privacy, security, and professional accountability. Education in this space will be critical to safeguard both patients and practitioners in the years to come." Dr Owen Bradfield, MIPS Chief Medical Officer
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