Tsinghua University launches AI-driven hospital to train next-gen doctors

Tsinghua University, one of China’s premier research institutions, announced the launch of its Tsinghua AI Agent Hospital on April 26. The project aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the design and operation of hospital systems, embedding intelligent agents at the system’s core to assist doctors in decision-making, according to the university. Initially, the AI hospital will operate in partnership with Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital and its affiliated internet hospital, piloting services in general practice, ophthalmology, radiology and respiratory care. Tsinghua plans to expand the model over time, aiming to build an “AI + Healthcare + Education + Research” ecosystem to broaden access to medical services in China. A key focus of the initiative is training a new generation of “AI-collaborative physicians,” who would be educated to work alongside AI systems in clinical settings. According to Huang Tianyin, Tsinghua’s associate vice provost and dean of its School of Medicine, the approach is intended to address challenges such as the shortage of general practitioners in rural and underserved areas. [iThome, in Chinese]