The digital transformation of healthcare requires future physicians to acquire new competencies in digital health literacy and artificial intelligence (AI). This pilot study examined the level of digital health literacy among medical students and graduates of the Technion Faculty of Medicine, using a knowledge and self-assessment questionnaire, curriculum analysis, and in-depth faculty interviews.
A sample of 108 participants revealed only moderate levels of digital health literacy (average of ~50% correct answers) and limited formal exposure to core domains such as telemedicine, data security, and medical AI. Curriculum analysis showed that these topics are taught mainly in elective courses or through isolated initiatives and are not systematically integrated into the medical program. Qualitative findings indicated broad awareness of the importance of the subject among both faculty and students, alongside systemic barriers including curriculum overload, the inherent difficulty of modifying the medical school syllabus and the absence of explicit accreditation requirements.
The study concludes that gaps exist between the requirements of a digitally driven healthcare system and the training currently provided to medical students at the Technion. Recommendations include embedding digital health content across core courses, developing advanced elective pathways, and providing targeted faculty training. The pilot findings serve as a basis for a broader follow-up study across all medical schools in Israel, aimed at shaping a national policy for integrating digital health into medical education.
