AI in Hem/Onc: Addressing Workforce Concerns with Education
- CHICAGO — A recent survey presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting indicates that the hematology/oncology workforce generally supports incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education.
- Guilherme Sacchi de Camargo Correia, a hematology/oncology fellow at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, noted the increasing availability and use of AI tools by physicians, patients, and caregivers.
- The survey aimed to evaluate perceptions and concerns about AI's role in both medical education and clinical practice.
The hematology/oncology workforce largely supports integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education, but concerns exist about its clinical application, as revealed by a recent survey. While most professionals are open to AI in the clinical practice setting,they harbor reservations about potential inaccuracies and reduced patient interaction. The News Directory 3 team found that respondents see the technology’s promise in documentation, research, and patient communication, but seek better AI training programs. Discover what’s next as the medical field navigates these new advances.
AI Integration Gains Support in Oncology Education, Clinical Practice
Updated June 02, 2025
CHICAGO — A recent survey presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting indicates that the hematology/oncology workforce generally supports incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education. While also open to AI in clinical settings, concerns persist regarding potential risks and challenges.
Data derived from Correia G, et al. Abstract 9002. Presented at: ASCO Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2025; Chicago.
Dr. Guilherme Sacchi de Camargo Correia, a hematology/oncology fellow at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, noted the increasing availability and use of AI tools by physicians, patients, and caregivers. He told Healio, “We wanted to understand how the hem/onc workforce understands and perceives this technology and its potential role in their daily lives.”
The survey aimed to evaluate perceptions and concerns about AI’s role in both medical education and clinical practice. Researchers distributed anonymous online questionnaires to the hematology/oncology workforce at Mayo Clinic’s three main sites from November 7, 2024, to January 20, 2025.
Of the 344 respondents, 67% reported limited AI knowledge. While 64% had used AI, personal use (51%) was more common than its application in medical education (31%) or clinical practice (28%).
The survey also found that 94% of participants anticipate AI integration into hematology/oncology medical education, with 90% viewing it positively.Most physicians (faculty 92%, fellows 85%) believe fellowship programs should incorporate AI training.
Respondents suggested AI could aid in patient education (81%), lecture progress (71%), simulation models (70%), and self-study (70%).
Similarly,95% expect AI to be integrated into clinical practice,with 90% welcoming it. The anticipated benefits include documentation assistance (80%), chart review (73%), lab result analysis (66%), and drug dosing/interaction monitoring (58%).
Data collection for research (85%), clinical trial screening (78%), and patient communication (75%) were also seen as potential AI applications. However, only 51% believed AI would help generate research hypotheses.
Despite the perceived benefits, 62% expressed concerns about potential risks, including inaccuracies, reduced care quality, and decreased patient interaction. Conversely, 33% felt AI would improve efficiency and care quality, while 30% believed it would increase clinician-patient time. approximately 14% worried about AI potentially replacing their roles.
Correia said he was surprised that so few respondents thought AI would replace them. “I don’t think that will be the reality, either.”
Correia and colleagues emphasized the need for systematic education to address existing concerns and facilitate effective AI integration. he stated, “Education is essential, and the importance of that cannot be overstated… not only for physicians, but for nursing school, APP school and for other allied professionals.”
Correia also stressed the importance of collaboration between health care professionals and AI developers to ensure appropriate and effective tool development.
“I don’t know how to create these tools, and an AI developer may not know how I want to use AI,” Correia said.“This collaboration is key.”
What’s next
Further research and collaboration are needed to address concerns and optimize the integration of AI in hematology and oncology, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders patient care and professional development.