TLDR: RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in collaboration with Microsoft Ireland, has launched a new free, online, self-paced course titled ‘AI in Healthcare’. Designed for healthcare professionals, managers, and administrators globally, the course aims to equip them with essential knowledge and practical skills to understand and ethically apply artificial intelligence in clinical and administrative settings, ultimately enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in a significant partnership with Microsoft Ireland, has unveiled a groundbreaking free-to-access online course, ‘AI in Healthcare’. This initiative is designed to empower healthcare professionals, managers, administrators, and allied healthcare professionals worldwide with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the transformative landscape of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery. The course was officially launched by Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, underscoring its national importance.
The ‘AI in Healthcare’ program is fully online and self-paced, making it accessible to anyone globally, regardless of their prior AI experience. It is structured into four concise modules that delve into core concepts of AI, ethical considerations, governance frameworks, and practical applications in both clinical and administrative environments. A unique feature of the course is its avatar-led format, which leverages AI to rapidly update expert content, ensuring relevance and timeliness.
Dr. John Sheehan, a consultant radiologist and health tech innovator, leads the course, with his lifelike AI-powered avatar guiding participants through the modules. Dr. Sheehan emphasized the course’s philosophy, stating, “AI isn’t replacing clinicians – it’s amplifying our capabilities and allowing us to focus on the human elements of care.” He further highlighted the urgent need for safe, ethical, and effective AI adoption to achieve critical goals such as safer clinical decision-making, smarter resource allocation, more compassionate patient care, and enhanced professional development.
Minister Jack Chambers TD lauded the collaboration, noting that the course ‘puts responsible, practical skills in the hands of healthcare professionals so AI is applied safely and ethically to deliver better patient outcomes.’ He stressed that such initiatives are crucial for ‘Ireland’s digital future’ by ensuring healthcare teams are confident in harnessing AI.
Kevin Marshall, Head of Future Skilling at Microsoft Ireland, echoed this sentiment, explaining that the ‘public–private model uses AI to scale quality learning so more people, especially those typically left behind, can build capability fast.’ He added that this collaboration aims to ‘improve healthcare services by enhancing professional skills – and ultimately improve patient outcomes.’
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Upon successful completion of the course and an MCQ knowledge check, participants have the option to apply for an official RCSI Certificate of Completion, which awards 10 CPD points, for a fee of €50. This program represents a significant step towards democratizing advanced medical education and fostering a global community of practice in AI-driven healthcare.
