Are AI replicas of the dead an innovative medical tool or an ethical nightmare? (www.rnz.co.nz)

The concept of "thanabots," AI-generated replicas of deceased individuals, is emerging as a potential tool for enhancing medical education by supporting students in learning anatomy and clinical reasoning. These virtual entities, derived from medical records and personal histories of body donors, could interact with students during dissections and offer contextual guidance, effectively serving as a “first patient” to help improve both factual learning and empathetic skills. While thanabots are mostly used today to support grieving individuals, their integration into educational settings presents a fascinating opportunity for innovation in medical training. However, this technological advancement raises significant ethical and psychological concerns. The risks of misinterpretation in AI-generated content and the possibility of students forming unhealthy emotional attachments to an artificially resurrected donor could undermine respect for the deceased and complicate students' understanding of mortality. Moreover, the current lack of ethical guidelines regarding the use and consent for digital donors adds another layer of complexity, as educators must navigate cultural sensitivities concerning death and privacy. Therefore, any efforts to implement thanabots in anatomy education must be approached with caution, ensuring that the benefits do not compromise ethical standards or students' emotional well-being.