Artificial intelligence in medical physics: needs and challenges in South Asia's low-resource settings

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly transform healthcare, including the field of medical physics. However, the extent of AI integration in medical physics, especially in developing countries, remains underexplored.

This study aims to assess the current status, perceptions, and challenges of AI integration in medical physics from the perspective of professionals in developing countries, and to identify gaps in education, training, and implementation.

A web-based survey (Google Forms) was distributed to medical physics professionals in developing countries via WhatsApp. The survey included questions about AI education, practical use, perceived benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations. Responses from 50 participants were collected anonymously and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

A significant gap in formal AI education was observed, with 94% of respondents lacking formal training and only 32% currently applying AI in practice. Participants acknowledged AI's benefits in efficiency and time management (median rating 5/5), but highlighted limited capabilities in data quality and predictive analytics. Ethical and technical concerns received high importance ratings, and the need for structured training, clear policies, and collaborative research was emphasized.

The findings underscore a strong interest in AI among medical physics professionals, yet reveal limited adoption due to educational and infrastructural challenges. Addressing these barriers through targeted education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical governance is essential for successful AI integration in medical physics, particularly in developing countries.