Data Science in the medical curriculum – equipping medical students for the digital age

Summary

This publication presents recommendations and areas for action across six key themes:

• embedding data governance and digital professionalism
• building foundational knowledge in health informatics and digital health
• understanding artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare
• promoting ethical, legal, and inclusive use of health data
• addressing health inequalities and digital literacy
• supporting research, diagnostics, and precision medicine through data science

Key findings

• A 2023 survey of students and staff across UK medical schools revealed widespread recognition of the importance of data science in medicine.
• Most students reported limited or no formal teaching in data science during their studies.
• Staff acknowledged that current curricula often do not go beyond basic statistics and lack broader data science content.
• Both students and staff agreed that data science will play a critical role in the future of healthcare and medical practice.
• There is a need for structured, accessible, and non-technical data science education for all medical students.

Recommendations

• Define and implement core data science competencies for all medical graduates, including data governance, health informatics, AI, and digital ethics.
• Integrate data science into existing modules such as professionalism, ethics, and clinical research.
• Provide training on digital identity, data security, and responsible use of AI in clinical settings.
• Promote awareness of health inequalities, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide in healthcare access.
• Support students in understanding the role of data in diagnostics, precision medicine, and clinical decision-making.
• Use freely available online resources and courses to supplement teaching and support faculty development.