Generative Artificial Intelligence Terminology: A Primer for Clinicians and Medical Researchers

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the medical field, as advanced tools powered by large language models (LLMs) make their way into clinical practice, research, and education. Chatbots, which can generate human-like responses, have gained attention for their potential applications. Therefore, familiarity with LLMs and other promising generative AI tools is crucial to harness their potential safely and effectively. As these AI-based technologies continue to evolve, medical professionals must develop a strong understanding of AI terminologies and concepts, particularly generative AI, to effectively tackle real-world challenges and create solutions. This knowledge will enable healthcare professionals to utilize AI-driven innovations for improved patient care and increased productivity in the future. In this brief technical report, we explore 20 of the most relevant terminology associated with the underlying technology behind LLMs and generative AI as they relate to the medical field and provide some examples of how these topics relate to healthcare applications to help in their understanding.