How AI in healthcare is reshaping the future of medicine

Technology is rapidly transforming healthcare in Australia and around the world. It’s changing the way we diagnose, treat and care for patients, unlocking new possibilities and improving outcomes. In 2024, the Albanese Government promised nearly $30 million to support research in artificial intelligence (AI). This funding aims to improve access to health services and keep Australia’s healthcare system among the best in the world. Discover how AI is revolutionising medicine and how you can apply it to lead the future of healthcare.

What is AI in healthcare?

Healthcare is evolving as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on tasks that traditionally required human intelligence. In healthcare, AI uses technologies such as machine learning, robotics and natural language processing to support medical professionals in diagnosing conditions, detecting issues early and delivering effective treatments.

Across Australia, AI continues to improve the quality of care. It broadens access to medical services, reduces costs and helps clinicians make faster, more accurate decisions. Machine learning algorithms quickly analyse large datasets to uncover patterns that guide diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.

Healthcare providers who use AI gain access to better decision-making tools, helping them deliver care tailored to each patient’s needs. With access to comprehensive data, clinicians make more informed choices and improve outcomes across the board.

AI also streamlines healthcare processes, from administrative tasks to clinical workflows, boosting efficiency and freeing up time for direct patient care. As technology continues to advance, the range of AI applications in healthcare will grow rapidly.

How is AI used in healthcare?

AI is revolutionising healthcare by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, streamlining administrative tasks and enabling personalised treatment. According to Deloitte Australia, 75% of leading healthcare providers are experimenting with data and AI solutions. From interpreting medical images to predicting patient outcomes, AI is helping clinicians deliver faster, safer and more efficient care.

Examples of how AI is transforming healthcare:

Large datasets are used to identify patterns

Diagnostic accuracy is improving across a range of conditions

Medication dosages are being optimised for individual patients

Analysing photographs to check skin health and detect melanomas

Screening tools use image analysis to detect breast, cervical or prostate cancer
Personalised medicine and treatment plans are being revolutionised

Mental health care is receiving enhanced support
Costs are being reduced, time saved and human error minimised

Repetitive tasks and workflows are increasingly automated

Generative AI assists GPs by scribing notes, creating care plans and ordering tests
Virtual health assistants are supporting patient interactions

Patient education is becoming more accessible and engaging

Companionship and monitoring via AI robots for aged care homes
Trust between patients and physicians is being strengthened through better communication

Population health management is becoming more effective

Clinical guidelines are being established with greater precision

Where to study AI in healthcare courses?

At UNSW, you’ll be shaping the future of AI in medicine and healthcare. We empower students to go beyond theory to drive real-world impact as innovators in healthcare. You’ll develop critical skills, interdisciplinary knowledge and ethical grounding needed to deploy AI where it matters most, in the hands of clinicians and at the point of care.

Our Faculty of Medicine and Health is proud to be one of the only Australian universities offering a dedicated course in Clinical Artificial Intelligence.

For undergraduate students, the Bachelor of Science (Medicine) Honours provides a hands-on core course exploring diagnostic algorithms, decision-support tools and ethical challenges in medical AI.
For postgraduate students, the Master of Science in Health Data Science offers a future-focused elective, preparing postgraduates to design, evaluate and apply AI across healthcare systems.

The Centre for Big Data Research in Health (CBDRH) also provides students with access to high-impact postgraduate and research pathways in Health Data Science, from short courses to PhDs. These are designed to train the new generation of clinicians, scientists and health leaders who can critically assess and effectively implement AI solutions in clinical practice.

Which skills are essential for thriving in AI healthcare roles?

To thrive in AI healthcare roles, you’ll need a strong mix of technical expertise, clinical knowledge and soft skills. As the industry develops rapidly, medical professionals who can bridge the gap between data science and clinical practice are in high demand. Building these skills can open doors to impactful, future-focused careers.

Some crucial skills that medical professionals will need in an AI-driven future include the following.

Soft skills

Communication with clarity: Explain complex AI concepts to non-technical audiences, including patients and clinicians
Collaborate across disciplines: Work effectively in teams that combine healthcare expertise with data science
Problem solving: Use critical thinking to apply AI solutions to healthcare challenges
Think critically: Interpret data accurately and make sound, evidence-based recommendations
Display empathy: Build trust and understanding in patient interactions
Adaptability: Stay ahead of emerging AI tools and technologies and integrate innovation into your practice
Project management: Coordinate timelines, manage risks and ensure healthcare compliance

Technical skills

Understand machine learning and AI fundamentals: Learn how to read and interpret algorithms, train models and evaluate performance

Handle healthcare data effectively: Develop skills in data cleaning and managing large datasets to support accurate analysis and decision making

Healthcare knowledge

Apply clinical knowledge: Know medical terminology, patient care workflows and how healthcare systems operate
Navigate regulation and ethics: Understand privacy laws, recognise biases in AI systems and ensure ethical deployment in clinical settings

How does AI impact the future and jobs in the healthcare industry?

AI is rapidly changing the healthcare industry to be more efficient, enhancing patient care and transforming job roles.

Healthcare roles: Clinicians now use AI tools to automate documentation, freeing up time for direct patient care and helping reduce burnout. Doctors and pharmacists can deliver more accurate, tailored care based on real-time insights.
Careers: As AI creates new roles like data analysts and data scientists, healthcare professionals must strengthen their digital literacy. Opportunities are also emerging in software development, business strategy and communications, allowing experts to promote and implement AI technologies across the sector.
Clinical practices and hospitals: In clinical practices, AI supports personalised treatment by analysing patient data and guiding care recommendations. In hospitals, robots and AI agents are helping with logistics and surgeries, freeing up time for staff so they can focus on more complex tasks.
Administrative tasks: Administrative tasks are increasingly automated, driving demand for IT and systems management roles. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are expanding access to mental health services, especially in remote areas.

The impact AI has on healthcare is only growing. By gaining the skills to apply AI today, you position yourself to lead tomorrow’s breakthroughs and deliver better health outcomes for all Australians.

Future-proof your healthcare career with UNSW

Clinical AI is more than a future-focused skillset, it’s a powerful tool that meets growing industry demand and enables you to drive meaningful, lasting change in medicine. By embracing emerging technologies, championing ethical AI use and committing to lifelong learning, you can position yourself at the forefront of medical innovation. AI is rapidly transforming clinical practice, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, streamlining workflows and improving patient outcomes.

At UNSW, you’ll build the skills and confidence to apply AI responsibly in clinical settings. Our programs empower you to lead innovation, elevate patient care and shape a rewarding career in an evolving healthcare landscape.