Student leaders drive McGovern Medical School’s AI learning community
In fall 2025, McGovern Medical School students stepped forward as early leaders in the AI in Medical Education Demonstration series, volunteering their time, sharing how they use artificial intelligence to support their learning and scholarship, and helping build a culture of curiosity across the medical school.
“I am so impressed by these students, who reminded us that advancing responsible AI use is a collective effort that begins with our learners,” said LaTanya J. Love, MD, dean of McGovern Medical School and H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences. “Their insight, initiative, and spirit of innovation are helping position McGovern Medical School as a leader in shaping the future of medical education.”
Through poised, confident, and engaging presentations, each student demonstrated how AI helps them study more efficiently, strengthen their academic work, and navigate the demands of medical training.
The students’ leadership elevated the series by setting a tone of openness, encouraging thoughtful dialogue, and showing how students can drive innovation within the community. Together with faculty, residents, and staff, they helped create a welcoming space where more than 150 participants asked questions, exchanged ideas, and explored possibilities across roles and disciplines.
“One of the most inspiring parts of this initiative has been our students’ leadership,” said Peggy Hsieh, PhD, MEd, professor and assistant dean for educational development. “Their confident presentations added depth and perspective that enriched the learning for everyone involved.”
Most importantly, the students’ contributions underscored that building AI literacy is not just about tools. It is about learning together, supporting one another, and shaping the future of medical education as a collective effort.
“Volunteering as a champion felt valuable because it allowed me to share something that genuinely makes medical school more manageable and to contribute to a learning environment that embraces innovation while staying grounded in patient-centered, evidence-based practice,” said Shea Maxey, a third-year medical student.
“As a second-year medical student, I realized that even my small experiments with generative AI could help others feel less intimidated by new technology,” Cassidy Edwards said. “Contributing those little wins to the AI in Medical Education series reminded me that innovation doesn’t have to be perfect to be valuable.”