For Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine graduate Lauren E. Melley, DO '21 (RES '26), artificial intelligence isn't just something on the horizon; it has already been integrated into many aspects of residency training. As an otolaryngology resident, Dr. Melley sees firsthand how AI is enhancing efficiency in documentation, optimizing workflows, and improving surgical precision.
Whether through AI-generated surgical models or simulation manikins that mimic airway trauma, Dr. Melley says that these tools bolster critical thinking and hands-on skills that define medical practice.
In a demanding residency program, saving time on administrative tasks is key. AI-powered tools that transcribe voice dictation, automate documentation, and assist with coding and communication are helping residents streamline their workflow and focus more of their energy on patient care.
“[AI-enabled documentation tools] allow me to focus more on patient care and less on administrative delays.”
Lauren E. Melley, DO '21Chief Otolaryngology Resident
Dr. Melley notes that AI chatbots can also help draft letters of medical necessity to support insurance appeals—a time-consuming but essential task for physicians. Residents can edit these structured drafts to align with a patient's specific case, expediting the process without sacrificing quality. Other AI-enabled documentation tools can help residents complete notes more quickly and accurately.
“This allows me to focus more on patient care and less on administrative delays,” she said.
AI is proving to be impactful in the operating room, with AI-generated 3D models playing a key role in surgical planning and real-time guidance.
In facial plastic surgery, 3D modeling has become invaluable for setting patient expectations and visualizing desired outcomes. For procedures like rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and chin augmentation, these models provide both the patient and surgeon with a realistic preview of the results, helping ensure the patient's goals align with what is surgically achievable.
“This visualization opens up a dialogue about potential limitations, enhancing patient satisfaction and reducing the risk of dissatisfaction post-op,” Dr. Melley said.
In trauma cases, 3D modeling is especially valuable for preoperative planning, providing crucial insight into complex fractures to guide effective reconstruction.
“By creating a detailed 3D model of the patient’s facial anatomy, we can visualize the injury more clearly and plan the necessary surgical interventions more precisely,” Dr. Melley said. “In some cases, if the surgery is not an urgent inpatient procedure and we have at least a week’s notice, the medical device companies we collaborate with can use AI to create customized surgical plates based on preoperative imaging.”
Having a pre-made plate customized for each patient allows surgeons to avoid intraoperative adjustments, resulting in more efficient surgeries and potentially better outcomes.
AI is already embedded in many residents' workflows, and emerging tools—like adaptive simulations and personalized learning pathways—are poised to further transform training by tailoring skill-building and streamlining research through natural language processing.
“As otolaryngology residents, we regularly partake in simulation labs to prepare for challenging situations we may encounter on call, ensuring we are ready to navigate a difficult scenario,” Dr. Melley said. “The integration of AI has significantly enhanced the realism and effectiveness of our simulation training, ensuring residents are well-equipped for high-pressure situations. I expect these tools to play an even more prominent role in the future.”
These advanced simulations include scenarios such as a child with an airway foreign body, a patient experiencing a life-threatening oropharyngeal bleed after tumor resection, and critical airway emergencies like angioedema—allowing residents to practice life-saving procedures like fiberoptic intubation and cricothyrotomy.
“While AI in no way replaces our medical knowledge, it supports our commitment to lifelong learning as physicians,” Dr. Melley said. “These tools have the potential to streamline our education and make mundane administrative tasks more efficient, allowing us to dedicate more time and focus on what truly matters: patient care.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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