In this episode, hosts Trenton Honda, PhD, MMS, PA-C, and Carey Barry, MHS, PA-C, are joined by Chris Roman, DMS, PA-C, associate professor in PA Studies at Butler University, and David Bunnell, PhD, MSHS, PA-C, DFAAPA, assistant professor in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the University of Maryland, to discuss physician associate students’ use of large language models during the didactic year. The guests share findings from their qualitative research exploring how PA students are integrating LLMs into their studies. Through interviews with students from two programs, they found that learners often use these tools to generate practice questions, clarify complex concepts, and prepare for assessments. They also discuss the benefits and concerns students reported, including efficiency and study support alongside worries about inaccurate outputs and limited institutional guidance. The conversation touches on broader issues such as equity, intellectual property, and the evolving role of AI in competency-based PA education.

Show notes

JPAE article: Physician Associate Student Use of Large Language Models to Support Learning: A Phenomenological Study