Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Policy for Medical Students in Phase 1 of the Medical Curriculum

rev. 07.03.2025

The University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences embraces technological advancement and recognizes the potential that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) tools have to advance instruction, learning and research at the university. AI’s role in the advancement of health and wellness around the world is and will continue to expand; therefore, the Jacobs School acknowledges the need to include AI in the learning experience of its students. Including AI in curriculum and practice will enhance the knowledge and skills necessary for students and graduates to become effective scientists and health care professionals in a continuously advancing technological society. 

As we adopt emerging technology, it is important to provide guidelines for the responsible and effective use of these emerging technologies. This policy establishes guidelines for the appropriate and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by medical students in academic and clinical settings within Phase 1 of the medical school curriculum. As AI tools become increasingly accessible, responsible integration is essential to uphold the standards of professionalism, academic integrity, and patient safety.

This policy applies to all medical students enrolled at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, including activities related to coursework, assessments, research, and clinical education within Phase 1.

Many assignments in medical school are designed such that the process of completing the work is just as important as the final product. This is particularly true of writing and project assignments, which can clarify thinking, promote the development of reflective practice, and foster critical thinking, clinical reasoning and analytic skills that are foundational to the practice of medicine. 

Students are free to use generative AI as a study aid and to complete specific assignments as specified by the instructor or in this policy. In doing so, they must carefully follow the instructional guidance of faculty in the use of these tools.  AI-generated content can be inaccurate, misleading or entirely fabricated and may contain copyrighted material. Students must verify accuracy and validity of content through comparison with peer reviewed, academic literature and other trusted sources. Students are responsible for any inaccuracies, misinformation, biased, offensive, or otherwise unethical content resulting from the use of these tools. When used to complete assignments, AI outputs should be cited when using direct quotations and paraphrasing, as well as using the tool for tasks like editing, translating, idea generation, and data processing.

• Brainstorming, reviewing concepts, or summarizing learning material such as lectures and handouts, subject to the conditions described below.  
• Students must verify accuracy and validity of content through comparison with peer reviewed, academic literature and other trusted academic sources.
• Assisting in research (e.g., literature summarization, hypothesis generation) with appropriate attribution and oversight.
• Use of tools that utilize AI to correct spelling and grammar and manage references. 

Information shared with Gen AI is not private and could expose proprietary or sensitive information to unauthorized parties.  Information provided in prompts to Gen AI is often stored by the AI software to be used in future outputs and to train or re-train Gen AI models. Consistent with copyright and intellectual property rights, students can only upload system or course session materials, presentation slides, learning guides, written feedback, de-identified patient data, practice exam questions or unpublished research data into AI systems that offer contractual data protection and have been approved by University at Buffalo Information Technology. UBIT ensures that all software and applications procured on behalf of the University have the appropriate privacy, security and accessibility protections in place. Currently, the only generative AI tool approved by UBIT is the version of Microsoft Copilot that requires a UBIT login. Login directions can be found at https://www.buffalo.edu/ubit/services/microsoft365/copilot.html.  

If a student thinks that other applications meet the above criteria, please contact the Office of Medical Education.

• Submitting AI-generated work as original in graded or evaluated assignments.
• Use as a substitute for their own knowledge acquisition, analysis, and self-reflection or any assignment where a student is expected to demonstrate critical thinking. 
• Use during in-class discussion or group assignments without permission of the instructor.
• Preparation of posters and other research presentations unless directed by their research supervisor.
• Creating history and physical (H&P) or patient care notes using AI applications.

AI tools must never be used to input, analyze, or transmit identifiable patient information.  This would be a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) which protects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal health information. HIPAA violations are a serious offense and can result in expulsion from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.  

Misuse of AI that undermines professionalism or safety may result in disciplinary action. Violations of this policy may be considered academic misconduct and will be reviewed under the University at Buffalo Academic Integrity Policy and the Jacobs School Code of Professional Conduct. Students are encouraged to seek clarification from Course Directors before using AI tools in a new or uncertain context.

Course syllabi will include a statement linking to this policy and clarifying parameters for the use of AI for assignments and projects specific to the course. Depending on the needs of each course, these parameters may be more restrictive, however, faculty may not issue blanket bans on AI use without permission of the Phase dean. The Office of Medical Education will provide suggested language that can be used in course syllabuses.

Given the evolving nature of AI, this policy will be reviewed frequently and updated as needed. Students are responsible for staying informed of any changes.

Please contact the Course Director or the Office of Medical Education for questions about acceptable AI use.