A Consultant Neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Temitope Farombi, has emphasized the urgent need for physicians to receive proper training on the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance healthcare delivery without compromising patient trust and safety.
Dr. Farombi made this call while delivering a lecture titled “Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and the Physician’s Role in Modern Healthcare” during the Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Scientific Conference, held as part of the 2025 Physicians’ Week celebration on Tuesday, October 21, at the Oyo NMA House in Ibadan.
Speaking during the conference, Dr. Farombi highlighted that while AI is revolutionizing the healthcare sector through improved diagnostics, treatment planning, and workflow efficiency, its application must strictly adhere to medical device regulations, patient privacy laws, and professional licensing standards.
She explained that AI’s growing influence in healthcare had brought about innovative solutions capable of supporting healthcare professionals across various levels of patient care—from diagnosis to treatment and even home-based medical support.
“AI can help manage and optimise the use of hospital resources such as equipment, beds, and staff by providing predictive insights,” she noted. “However, no matter how advanced technology becomes, the role of physicians remains irreplaceable.”
Dr. Farombi stressed that AI systems may analyze vast amounts of data efficiently, but they lack emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical judgment—qualities that define the human touch in medical practice.
“AI can analyse data but not emotions; patients trust doctors, not machines,” she said. “Compassion, listening, and ethical judgment remain the bedrock of patient care.”
She further cautioned that as the medical world continues to embrace AI, issues such as fairness, privacy, and accountability must be handled with utmost diligence to prevent harm or inequality in patient care.
“Physicians play vital roles in ensuring AI is used responsibly, combining technology with human judgment, compassion, and professional ethics to deliver safe and equitable care,” Dr. Farombi stated.
She urged doctors to ensure that AI tools are properly tested before use, to prevent errors or misinformation that could jeopardize patients’ well-being. She also advocated for equitable access to AI systems across different social and geographical groups.
“AI systems should be available and fair to all patients, not just those in wealthy or urban areas,” she emphasized.
Dr. Farombi further underscored the importance of data security and transparency, stressing that patients have a right to know how AI influences their diagnoses or treatment options.
“Doctors need proper training to use AI tools correctly and avoid misuse or misinterpretation,” she added, calling on medical institutions to integrate AI literacy and ethics into physicians’ continuous professional development programs.
