Shihua Cao

Papers

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About

Dr. Shihua Cao is a forward-thinking researcher at the intersection of medical education and artificial intelligence, with a primary focus on leveraging large language models (LLMs) to transform clinical training. Their most cited work, "Embracing the Future of Medical Education With Large Language Model–Based Virtual Patients: Scoping Review" (2025, 11 citations), provides a systematic analysis of how LLM-driven virtual patients are revolutionizing simulation-based learning. This seminal review maps the emerging landscape of AI-powered pedagogical tools, identifying key applications, research gaps, and future directions for integrating conversational agents into medical curricula. Dr. Cao's contributions are particularly notable for bridging cutting-edge natural language processing with practical educational needs, offering a roadmap for developing more interactive, adaptive, and scalable virtual patient platforms. By synthesizing current evidence, their work has already influenced early adopters in medical schools seeking to enhance diagnostic reasoning and communication skills training. As the field rapidly evolves, Dr. Cao's research continues to shape how educators harness generative AI to create immersive, low-risk learning environments, positioning them as a pivotal voice in the digital transformation of healthcare education.