Academic Surgery in the Era of Large Language Models

Abstract

ImportanceThis review aims to assess the benefits and risks of implementing large language model (LLM) solutions in an academic surgical setting.ObservationsThe integration of LLMs and artificial intelligence (AI) into surgical practice has generated international attention with the emergence of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. From an administrative standpoint, LLMs have the potential to revolutionize academic practices by reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency. LLMs have the potential to facilitate surgical research by increasing writing efficiency, building predictive models, and aiding in large dataset analysis. From a clinical standpoint, LLMs can enhance efficiency by triaging patient concerns and generating automated responses. However, challenges exist, such as the need for improved LLM generalization performance, validating content, and addressing ethical concerns. In addition, patient privacy, potential bias in training, and legal responsibility are important considerations that require attention. Research and precautionary measures are necessary to ensure safe and unbiased use of LLMs in surgery.Conclusions and RelevanceAlthough limitations exist, LLMs hold promise for enhancing surgical efficiency while still prioritizing patient care. The authors recommend that the academic surgical community further investigate the potential applications of LLMs while being cautious about potential harms.