Guidelines on Medical Student Use of Artificial Intelligence
Categories: AI artificial intelligence ugme
Updated on:
Purpose
These guidelines overview responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage for medical students in the Undergraduate Medical Education Program at USASK. They work to support ethical engagement, academic integrity, and encourage critical thinking in the usage of AI in assessment.
Definitions of AI Tools
AI tools come in many shapes and sizes. Below we will work to outline categories of AI tools and their relative use re these guidelines.
Tool |
Acceptable Use/Citation Necessity |
|
Writing Assistance & Grammar Checkers These AI tools help students refine their writing by correcting grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. |
Acceptable to be used without citation. |
|
AI-Powered Research Assistants These helps students quickly find relevant articles, summarizing key points from research sources. |
Acceptable to be used with citation. |
|
AI-Based Study & Learning Tools These platforms optimize study habits by generating flashcards, quizzes, and summaries. |
Acceptable to be used without citation. |
|
AI Text Generators & Content Assistance AI used for idea generation, drafting content, or improving coherence in essays and reports. |
Acceptable to be used to help with drafting, improving writing, etc… with citation. Use of this tool without editing and/or inclusion of own critical thinking is not acceptable. |
|
Speech-to-Text & Accessibility Tools These AI programs help students convert spoken words into written text, improving accessibility for those with disabilities. |
Acceptable to be used without citation. |
|
AI-Powered Translation & Language Tools For students working with multilingual texts, AI tools assist in translation and language learning. |
Acceptable to be used with citation. Translations should be checked for accuracy. |
|
AI-Based Note-Taking & Organization Tools AI helps students organize thoughts, structure assignments, and compile research efficiently. |
Acceptable to be used with citation. Use of this tool without editing and/or inclusion of own critical thinking is not acceptable. |
|
AI Image, Video, & Presentation Enhancement AI used to refine presentations, generate visuals, and improve presentation submissions. |
Acceptable to be used to help with drafting, improving quality, etc… with citation. Use of this tool without editing and/or inclusion of own critical thinking is not acceptable. |
|
AI-Powered Mind Mapping & Idea Generation For brainstorming and organizing ideas, AI can create mind maps and visual representations. |
Acceptable to be used with citation. Use of this tool without editing and/or inclusion of own critical thinking is not acceptable. |
|
AI-Powered Audio & Transcription Tools Students use AI to convert spoken lectures or discussions into readable text, making study sessions more efficient. |
Acceptable to be used without citation. Transcriptions should be checked for accuracy. |
|
AI-Supported Collaboration & Teamwork Tools AI enhances teamwork and communication by providing automated scheduling, task management, and project organization. |
Acceptable to be used without citation. |
|
AI Plagiarism Avoidance Tools AI used to rewrite existing content in an attempt to bypass plagiarism detection. |
Unacceptable to use. Students should be working genuinely to rework ideas rather than asking AI to paraphrase for them. |
|
AI Assisted Exam Tools Tools used during exams to solve exam questions in real time. |
Unacceptable to use. |
Considerations
As outlined in the USASK student guidelines for AI use.
- Recognize when and how you are using AI, and how this impacts your learning.
- Prioritize your creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, using AI to complement your learning.
- Explore the current and future use of AI in your field of study and potential workplaces. Research and choose appropriate tools to leverage.
- Use a CLEAR framework to interact with AI, refining what you do or ask to obtain relevant and desired results. Modify what you do or ask using AI to increase accuracy, reduce bias, and improve quality of AI outputs, and to evaluate the quality of what you receive from AI.
- Action: Verify the information provided by AI with credible sources and use it as a supplement, rather than a replacement, for traditional search methods.
Acceptable Use
- AI tools may support research, analysis, brainstorming, and academic writing assistance.
- AI-generated content must be properly cited and integrated with original student work.
- AI should enhance, not replace, critical thinking and scholarly discourse.
- AI-generated resources should be critically evaluated for accuracy, professional appropriateness, and reliability.
Academic Integrity
- Direct submission of AI-generated work without acknowledgment is considered academic misconduct.
- Students must disclose AI-assisted contributions.
Citation of AI Use
- If AI-generated content is included in academic work, students must cite it.
- Citations should indicate the AI tool used, the date accessed, and the nature of AI’s contribution.
- Citation formats could follow APA, MLA, or Chicago Style, depending on assignment requirements.
Example Citations:
APA: Microsoft Copilot. (2025, April 30). Outline generated to help with formatting of thought processes. Retrieved from [platform URL]
MLA: Microsoft Copilot. “Writing checked for tone and altered to reduce prescriptive language.” 30 Apr. 2025, [platform URL].
Enforcement and Consequences
- Appropriate use of AI can support effective learning while ensuring academic integrity.
- Inappropriate use of AI may result in academic or professionalism consequences.
- Potential consequences could include reassessment of work, grade penalties, professionalism discussions, or academic misconduct proceedings.