Data science is transforming medicine, with the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery. As healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven, it is essential for medical graduates to have the skills needed to thrive in a digital age. The rapid growth of healthcare data presents opportunities to bring benefits to patient care and the efficiency of the NHS.
We partnered with Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) to develop a guide for medical schools to incorporate data science in their teaching. The report, Data Science in the Medical Curriculum: Equipping Medical Students for the Digital Age, outlines the core competencies that future doctors must have, including health informatics, artificial intelligence, data governance, and the ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of digital health.
The report is based on a rigorous study conducted by leading institutions, including Imperial College London, King’s College London and Harvard University.
Key recommendations:
- Future medical graduates should be proficient in health informatics, artificial intelligence, data governance, and the ethical, professional, legal, and regulatory considerations surrounding digital health.
- Medical schools should integrate digital health competencies throughout the curriculum to ensure students are prepared for the evolving healthcare landscape.
- There should be emphasis on practical, hands-on training in digital tools, data analysis, and decision-making to ensure students gain real-world experience in digital health environments.
- Graduates must continue to develop their digital health skills throughout their careers to keep pace with technological advancements.
