Communication Skills in the Age of AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into medical education and patient care, one truth remains constant: communication is at the heart of effective, compassionate medicine. While AI tools can support efficiency, decision making, and access to information, they cannot replace the human connection that underpins trust, empathy and patient-centered care. In this evolving landscape, physicians and educators are challenged to rethink how communication skills are taught, practiced and assessed, ensuring that future clinicians remain present, empathetic and responsive while working alongside powerful technologies.

During this webinar, followed by a live Q&A, we will discuss:

• How patient-centered communication skills will need to be expanded in an AI-enabled health care environment
• Why communication skills are more critical than ever for learners and practicing clinicians
• The role of formative assessment, feedback and reflection in developing communication skills
• What recent research on perceived AI empathy means — and does not mean — for medical education

Speakers

Stephanie Mann, MD, MS HPEd
Dr. Stephanie Mann is a practicing physician and serves as Director of Curricular Affairs at NBME. Her work focuses on curriculum design, assessment, and supporting the development of core competencies across the medical education continuum. In this session, she brings a clinician-educator perspective to the challenges and opportunities of teaching communication skills in an AI-infused environment.
 

Nancy Hayes, PhD
Dr. Nancy Hayes is Associate Professor, Clinical Foundations, at the Florida State University College of Medicine. With extensive experience in teaching and assessing communication skills, she offers deep insight into patient-centered communication, empathy and the intentional curricular practices needed to help learners develop these essential capabilities.