Dr Jitendra For Strong Clinical Foundation In Medical Education, Notwithstanding AI

NEW DELHI : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a noted Professor of Medicine & Diabetes, on Tuesday called for strong clinical foundation in medical education, notwithstanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing role, while releasing the second edition of the Postgraduate Textbook of “Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition” edited by Prof. Anupam Sibal and Dr Sarath Gopalan , with a foreword by Prof Kathleen B Schwartz from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
The Minister said that once a sound clinical foundation is established, Artificial Intelligence can serve as a valuable enabler, assistant and facilitator. However, he added that if one turns to AI before grasping the essence of medical concepts, there is a risk of missing the basic learning process essential for becoming a competent clinician, who could be capable of serving the society even in the absence of any instruments, gadgets,investigations or even drugs.
Referring to the rapidly expanding body of medical knowledge, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the pace of research and publication has increased significantly, making it essential for medical education to focus on conceptual clarity and core clinical training. He noted that while new technologies have made access to information easier, the process of learning must continue to be rooted in fundamental understanding and hands-on clinical exposure.
The Minister also highlighted the need to continuously upgrade medical education systems in line with emerging challenges, including the integration of technology and the growing complexity of diseases. He emphasized that young medical professionals should be encouraged to build strong basics and gradually develop specialization in chosen areas.
The second edition of the Textbook of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition incorporates recent advances in the field and has been expanded to 45 chapters, including several new topics. The book provides detailed coverage of key areas such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Neuro-gastroenterology, Celiac Disease and Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy, along with emerging domains like the role of genetics in gastrointestinal and liver diseases, endoscopy, and liver transplantation.
It was noted that nearly 30 percent of children visiting pediatricians suffer from gastrointestinal and liver-related disorders, underscoring the importance of updated knowledge and specialized training in this field. The textbook has been designed as a comprehensive resource for trainees in pediatrics, pediatric gastroenterology and practicing pediatricians.
The publication has been edited by Prof Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals Group, and Dr Sarath Gopalan, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Delhi. Dr Mohammad Ishaq Malik, Associate Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Government Medical College, Srinagar, is the Co-Editor.
The foreword of the book has been written by Prof Kathleen B Schwartz, Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The first edition of the textbook was published in 2016 and was released by the then Union Health Minister. The present edition builds upon that foundation by incorporating the latest scientific developments and clinical practices in the field.