The University of Aberdeen has appointed a Lead for Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice - the first medical school in Scotland to do so.
The newly created post, which is funded by NHS Grampian, will involve teaching medical students and clinicians the basic principles of AI and how it can be implemented to clinical practice.
Professor Gerald Lip will take up the part-time appointment while continuing in his role as Clinical Director for breast screening in the North East of Scotland.
A trailblazer in the field of AI in healthcare, Professor Lip has experience at the helm of many large-scale clinical trials including the highly publicised GEMINI project in which AI tool, Mia,was found to be effective in detecting an additional 12 percent more cancers than in routine practice.
Dr Charles Moore, Undergraduate Clinical Digital Lead and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University said: “I am delighted that Professor Gerald Lip has been appointed to the post of Lead for Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice, a role that will provide leadership and guidance to the school and to NHS colleagues as we look to prepare our workforce to work with artificial intelligence tools. He will be advising the medical school from a curriculum perspective, looking to embed the principles of ethical and effective use of AI into our undergraduate curriculum, whilst working with faculty and NHS clinicians to ensure that our existing workforce are also adequately informed and trained in the adoption of these tools.
“Professor Lip is a widely recognised expert in the field and brings a host of experience in chairing national bodies, as well as being responsible for large clinical trials evaluating the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
“We are thrilled to welcome him to the team and benefit from his enormous enthusiasm, knowledge and experience to make sure Aberdeen remains a leader in healthcare innovation and medical education.”
Professor David Blackbourn, Head of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition at the University added: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Lip to this newly created post to support undergraduate medical training, and for our ongoing collaboration with NHS Grampian as we look to the future.
“Data and AI form the basis of one of the Universities five Interdisciplinary Challenges - areas of historic and emerging excellence capable of delivering globally excellent and measurable benefits to society, the economy and health. This appointment is testament to our commitment to delivering these.
"Teaching medical students how to use AI is paramount in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. By equipping future doctors with the knowledge and skills to harness AI technologies we empower them to provide more accurate diagnoses, personalised treatments, and provide proactive patient care. This fusion of medicine and technology not only enhances the quality of healthcare but also paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in medical research and patient outcomes.
“The Guardian University Guide ranked the University first in the UK for medicine in the 2025 and 2024 rankings and we continue to strive to provide the best and most innovative education experience possible for our doctors now and in the future.”
Professor Lip added: “AI is quickly becoming an integral part of modern medicine, and it is imperative that we equip our new and existing clinicians with the knowledge and skills they need to utilise this resource.
"By mastering AI technologies, medical students can enhance their diagnostic accuracy, personalize patient care, and drive innovative medical research. This synergy between human expertise and AI will transform healthcare, improving outcomes and making treatments more accessible and efficient."
“I look forward to establishing this new role and in doing so help to further position the University of Aberdeen at the forefront of education and research in healthcare.”