AI, global leadership and the future of medicine: inside Commentary this summer

Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points.

From the role of artificial intelligence in clinical care to global leadership and innovation in training, this month’s Commentary showcases how RCP members are shaping the future of medicine in the UK and around the world.

This edition brings together a range of clinical voices on the issues that matter most to physicians today. Exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the NHS, Dr Anne Kinderlerer, RCP digital clinical health lead, sets out what physicians need from digital systems – and what must change to ensure AI delivers meaningful benefits for patient care. Professor Sanjay Agrawal, RCP special adviser on tobacco, reflects on the changing landscape of tobacco use in the UK following the publication of Smoking, health and social justice in May.
Across the issue, members also share their career journeys – from SAS doctors forging their own paths to reflections on the role of an RCP censor – and physician and author Dr Kathryn Mannix discusses her experience guest editing a special edition of the Future Healthcare Journal on end-of-life care.
Education and training remain central to the RCP’s work. In this issue, Dr Dan Furmedge, recently elected as senior censor and vice president for education and training, sets out his priorities and vision for the role. Resident doctors are also in focus, with highlights from the Medicine 2026 abstract competition, and a behind-the-scenes look at the RCP ‘Call the med reg’ conference explores how the programme is designed to equip doctors with the practical skills they need as their careers progress.
Looking beyond the UK, Commentary explores medicine as a force for global change. An interview with the founding president of the Pan Arab Women Physicians Association highlights efforts to support and empower female physicians across the Middle East. Dr Shakir Mahmood Muhammed also shares the achievements and future ambitions of the RCP Iraq Network.
The June edition brings together a wide range of updates from across the RCP community, including:

Why not get started with the editorial columns from RCP president Professor Mumtaz Patel and Commentary clinical editor Professor Ollie Minton?