Hong Kong medical schools must teach doctors to work alongside AI, leaders say

Medical schools must equip Hong Kong's next generation of doctors with clinical expertise, emotional intelligence and the ability to work alongside artificial intelligence, healthcare leaders said at a global education forum.

AI will not replace doctors, but demands new skills

Traditional measures of medical competence are shifting as AI transforms clinical practice, according to Dr Chung Kin-lai, chief executive officer of CUHK Medical Centre. Soft skills have become increasingly important in the profession, Chung noted.

Medical experts emphasised that aspiring doctors must balance rigorous clinical training with emotional resilience, an open-minded stance toward AI technology and the ambition to reshape healthcare delivery. The consensus among panellists was clear: AI will not replace doctors, but will benefit those who learn to ask better questions.

Preparing for an 18-million patient base

Chung reframed the cross-border flow of patients as an opportunity rather than a threat. "We always talk about people going north, going to Shenzhen … for medical services. But I would say that it's a good thing for a future doctor. You're going to be a doctor not just for seven million people. You're going to be a doctor for 18 million people," he said.

The remarks came during a panel discussion on the opening day of the Global Education Summit, co-organised by the South China Morning Post and HSBC Premier. The session, titled "Powering Hong Kong's Healthcare Talent Pipeline: From Medical Education to Research and Industry Impact", examined how the sector is readying young doctors and healthcare professionals for a rapidly changing environment.

The two-day summit drew approximately 5,000 policymakers, educators and parents from around the world to address regional talent development, AI integration and evolving academic pathways.

Source: South China Morning Post