For Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine graduate Lauren E. Melley, DO '21 (RES '26), artificial intelligence isn't just something on the horizon; it has already been integrated into many aspects of residency training. As an otolaryngology resident, Dr. Melley sees firsthand how AI is enhancing efficiency in documentation, optimizing workflows, and improving surgical precision.
Whether through AI-generated surgical models or simulation manikins that mimic airway trauma, Dr. Melley says that these tools bolster critical thinking and hands-on skills that define medical practice.
In a demanding residency program, saving time on administrative tasks is key. AI-powered tools that transcribe voice dictation, automate documentation, and assist with coding and communication are helping residents streamline their workflow and focus more of their energy on patient care.
鈥淸AI-enabled documentation tools] allow me to focus more on patient care and less on administrative delays.鈥�
Lauren E. Melley, DO '21Chief Otolaryngology Resident
Dr. Melley notes that AI chatbots can also help draft letters of medical necessity to support insurance appeals鈥攁 time-consuming but essential task for physicians. Residents can edit these structured drafts to align with a patient's specific case, expediting the process without sacrificing quality. Other AI-enabled documentation tools can help residents complete notes more quickly and accurately.
鈥淭his allows me to focus more on patient care and less on administrative delays,鈥� she said.
AI is proving to be impactful in the operating room, with AI-generated 3D models playing a key role in surgical planning and real-time guidance.
In facial plastic surgery, 3D modeling has become invaluable for setting patient expectations and visualizing desired outcomes. For procedures like rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and chin augmentation, these models provide both the patient and surgeon with a realistic preview of the results, helping ensure the patient's goals align with what is surgically achievable.
鈥淭his visualization opens up a dialogue about potential limitations, enhancing patient satisfaction and reducing the risk of dissatisfaction post-op,鈥� Dr. Melley said.
In trauma cases, 3D modeling is especially valuable for preoperative planning, providing crucial insight into complex fractures to guide effective reconstruction.
鈥淏y creating a detailed 3D model of the patient鈥檚 facial anatomy, we can visualize the injury more clearly and plan the necessary surgical interventions more precisely,鈥� Dr. Melley said. 鈥淚n some cases, if the surgery is not an urgent inpatient procedure and we have at least a week鈥檚 notice, the medical device companies we collaborate with can use AI to create customized surgical plates based on preoperative imaging.鈥�
Having a pre-made plate customized for each patient allows surgeons to avoid intraoperative adjustments, resulting in more efficient surgeries and potentially better outcomes.
AI is already embedded in many residents' workflows, and emerging tools鈥攍ike adaptive simulations and personalized learning pathways鈥攁re poised to further transform training by tailoring skill-building and streamlining research through natural language processing.
鈥淎s otolaryngology residents, we regularly partake in simulation labs to prepare for challenging situations we may encounter on call, ensuring we are ready to navigate a difficult scenario,鈥� Dr. Melley said. 鈥淭he integration of AI has significantly enhanced the realism and effectiveness of our simulation training, ensuring residents are well-equipped for high-pressure situations. I expect these tools to play an even more prominent role in the future.鈥�
These advanced simulations include scenarios such as a child with an airway foreign body, a patient experiencing a life-threatening oropharyngeal bleed after tumor resection, and critical airway emergencies like angioedema鈥攁llowing residents to practice life-saving procedures like fiberoptic intubation and cricothyrotomy.
鈥淲hile AI in no way replaces our medical knowledge, it supports our commitment to lifelong learning as physicians,鈥� Dr. Melley said. 鈥淭hese tools have the potential to streamline our education and make mundane administrative tasks more efficient, allowing us to dedicate more time and focus on what truly matters: patient care.鈥�
Established in 1899, 黑料传送门 has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a 鈥渨hole person鈥� approach to care鈥攖reating people, not just symptoms. 黑料传送门, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (黑料传送门, 黑料传送门 Georgia and 黑料传送门 South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. 黑料传送门 students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, 黑料传送门 provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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