Never surrender clinical judgment to technology: NMC Chief Dr Abhijat Sheth tells new doctors
New Delhi: Stressing the central importance of human insight, professional competence and compassion in medical practice, the National Medical Commission Chairman Dr Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth recently warned the newly graduated doctors against allowing technology to overshadow their clinical judgment.
Dr. Sheth delivered the convocation address at the 44th convocation of Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER). During his address, he urged the newly graduated students to listen carefully to patients, retain their independent clinical judgment and remain lifelong learners as advances in technology reshape healthcare.
According to a Dtnext report, Dr. Sheth said, "Never surrender your insights and clinical judgement to technology or tools; it is human insight, clinical judgement and professional capability that ultimately make a difference. Never lose sight of humanity, as compassion and concern for fellow human beings must remain at the heart of healthcare."
Observing that medicine was evolving at a rapid pace with the advent of artificial intelligence, precision medicine, digital healthcare, data-driven research and robotics, Dr. Sheth stressed that medical education must keep pace with the changing needs in the healthcare sector.
He also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary learning, research and collaborative approaches to patient care.
A total of 5,278 students received their degrees from the University for the 2025-2026 academic year. This includes 148 PhD scholars, 667 postgraduate students and 4,463 undergraduate students.
Previously, Dr. Sheth had stressed the need for evidence-based and ethical adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, emphasising that the technology should augment doctors rather than replace them.
Speaking at a National Consultation on AI Readiness for Healthcare, Education and Research, held on 16th August 2026, at Eros Hotel, New Delhi, Dr Sheth had said that the doctors must remain responsible and accountable for medical decisions even as AI becomes increasingly integrated into clinical practice.
"AI should augment the doctor, not replace the doctor. Technology may assist in decisions, but the doctor must remain responsible for the decision, accountable for the decision, and the patient must remain at the centre of the decision," he had said.
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