CME | Brave new world AI & Family Medicine

In this episode of CME On the Go, host Tamaan Osbourne-Roberts, MD, talks with family physician Jennifer Bryan, MD, FAAFP, about the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in medicine and what family physicians need to know to use these tools safely, effectively and responsibly.

Jennifer begins by breaking down the different forms of AI physicians may encounter, from large language models and predictive tools to generative and agentic AI. She explains how these technologies are already embedded in electronic health records, clinical decision support, remote monitoring, and other parts of everyday practice. The conversation pays particular attention to ambient documentation tools, which can reduce time spent typing and allow physicians to spend more time interacting directly with patients.

The discussion then turns to the risks that come with greater AI adoption. Jennifer emphasizes that fluency is not the same as accuracy, and that physicians should not assume an AI-generated recommendation is correct simply because it sounds confident. She discusses bias in training data, clinically significant omissions and inaccuracies, the limitations of proprietary "black box" models and the importance of knowing how an AI tool was validated before relying on its output. She also stresses that physician access to an AI tool is not the same as informed authorization for that tool to act on the physician's behalf.

Jennifer outlines several principles that can help physicians and health systems approach AI more safely, including transparency, explainability, and auditability. She discusses the AAFP's EASIER framework, which evaluates AI tools according to ethics, accuracy, safety, intended use, explainability and transparency, and regulation. She also explains why AI governance should involve more than simply creating a committee or policy; organizations need ongoing systems for monitoring performance, identifying exceptions and supporting clinicians who remain accountable for patient care.

Finally, the episode offers practical guidance for physicians using AI in day-to-day practice. Jennifer describes obtaining patient consent when using an ambient scribe, reviewing and editing every AI-generated note, scrutinizing suggested diagnoses and HCC codes, and carefully reviewing automated orders. While she is optimistic about AI's potential to reduce administrative burden, improve workflows, and ultimately improve patient care, her central message is that physicians must remain in charge. AI should augment clinical expertise, not replace critical thinking or informed physician judgment.

Learning objectives

1. Differentiate the most common types of artificial intelligence used in clinical practice and their potential applications in patient care.

1. Evaluate the limitations, biases, and potential risks associated with AI tools used in clinical practice.

1. Apply clinician-centered strategies for addressing the limitations of AI models and supporting their responsible use in clinical decision-making.

The AAFP has reviewed CME On the Go, Season 3 and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit(s). Term of Approval is from 10/12/2026 to 10/12/202. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This session, "CME | Brave new world AI & Family Medicine" is approved for 0.50 credits Enduring Materials, Self-Study, AAFP Prescribed credit(s).

The AAFP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Family Physicians designates this Enduring Materials activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link: https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/21379/e

References and resources

• Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine

• An "EASIER" Framework for Evaluating AI Tools

• Choosing the Best AI Health Care Tools

• Ethical Application of Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine

• Artificial Intelligence — FPM Topic Collection

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

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