Canadian Researchers Launch AI Curriculum Framework for Family Medicine Training
A team of researchers from Canada has introduced a new educational framework aimed at equipping future family physicians with the knowledge and confidence to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical care. Published in JMIR Medical Education, the study titled “Curriculum Framework for AI Training in Postgraduate Family Medicine Education (AIFM-ed): Mixed Methods Study” presents the AIFM-ed framework as a strategic guide for integrating AI training into family medicine residency programs.
As digital technologies become more embedded in patient care, many healthcare providers report feeling unprepared to work with AI-based tools for diagnosis, treatment planning, and care delivery. In response, Dr. Samira A Rahimi and her trainee Raymond Tolentino developed the AIFM-ed framework to address this gap. Drawing on a detailed review of existing AI educational models and nationwide consultations with experts and medical residents, the framework is built around five key pillars: the need and purpose of AI training, clearly defined learning objectives, relevant curriculum content, the structure of the material, and guidance on implementation.
Recognizing the diverse nature of postgraduate programs, the AIFM-ed framework is designed to be adaptable, allowing medical schools to tailor its components to their specific institutional goals and resources.
“AI is rapidly transforming health care, and yet, most medical curricula haven’t caught up. AIFM-ed framework provides a critical foundation to ensure that our future physicians are ready for the realities of digitally enabled care,” said Dr. Rahimi, Canada Research Chair of AI and Advanced Digital Primary Health Care at McGill University and Mila-Quebec AI Institute.
Co-lead Raymond Tolentino, a recent graduate from Dr. Rahimi’s lab, highlighted the broader purpose of the initiative. “We’re not just teaching new skills—we’re making sure family doctors feel confident using AI to support better, safer patient care,” he stated.
Next steps include piloting the AIFM-ed framework across medical institutions to evaluate its impact on postgraduate education. These efforts aim to ensure that upcoming physicians not only excel in clinical practice but are also proficient in leveraging technology to improve health outcomes. As AI continues to evolve, this proactive educational strategy serves as a foundational step toward modernizing medical training and strengthening digital fluency among family doctors.
About JMIR Publications
JMIR Publications is a premier open access publisher dedicated to digital health research and the advancement of open science. With a mission to support researchers throughout the publishing and dissemination process, JMIR offers a suite of innovative tools and a diverse portfolio of peer-reviewed journals—including the flagship Journal of Medical Internet Research. As both a publishing and technology-driven organization, JMIR works to elevate research visibility and impact across the global scientific community.