With the recent surge in AI technology, availability and use of these tools has become incredibly widespread. Recognising this, I see the critical need to ensure that students engage with AI tools in an equitable and responsible manner. The collective goal is to arm students with the skills and knowledge necessary to use AI technologies effectively and ethically, preparing them to be competent graduates. However, the rapid advancement of AI technology has caught us somewhat unprepared, both in terms of upskilling ourselves and in teaching these essential skills to our students. I believe a vital initial step is to promote responsible usage among students by requiring them to disclose their use of AI tools, including generative AI like ChatGPT, in a manner similar to how authors must declare such use in journal articles. This approach not only aligns with the principles of academic integrity and the academic writing skills we emphasise in the Phase 1 Medicine Program, but also marks a significant move towards building competence and confidence in the use of AI.

Rationale:

In line with the information provided to students by UNSW on the use of AI for assessments, and the Medicine Phase 1 AI statement for assignments and projects that was designed in 2024. I proposed the inclusion of an AI disclosure statement that students would be expected to include in written assignments and projects to disclose the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing and planning process.

This kind of statement has become standard practice in professional publication and journals (including scientific publications), and is a good standard practice to include for student assignments and projects. It is imperative to 

I designed an AI disclosure statement to be included for written assignments and projects for Phase 1 Medicine. This was based on journal disclosure statement guidelines for disclosing the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process for published manuscripts. This declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, reference management software, etc. 

My colleague, A/Prof Chinthaka Balasooriya (Convenor MFAC1527) significantly supported my proposal and collaborated closely with me on shaping my proposal into the final AI Declaration Statement that is the first of its kind in the Phase 1 Medicine program (see attached file). Dr Karen Gibson and Marty Le Nedelec (Phase 1 Convenors) have been instrumental in developing the Phase 1 Use of AI Statement, and advocating for the use of this and the AI Declaration Statement at the Medicine Program Governance Committee.