Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate real-world AI adoption, usage patterns, and sentiment among Chinese physicians following the 2025 launch of DeepSeek, and to assess the "digital confidence gap" by benchmarking these findings against global consumer trends.
METHODS: Data were analyzed from the 2025 Digital Life Physician survey (n=5,000) and the Ipsos Global AI Monitor (2024-2025, n≈23,000). Descriptive statistics were used to compare AI familiarity, tool preferences, and sentiment between Chinese physicians and the global general public.
RESULTS: In 2025, AI familiarity reached 91% among Chinese physicians, significantly surpassing Chinese (72%) and global consumers (67%). Adoption is mainstream across medical specialties, led by domestic platforms (60% usage for tools like DeepSeek/Doubao) compared to international platforms (23% for ChatGPT). While 91% of physicians have utilized AI, 56% primarily use it for information retrieval. Sentiment is notably optimistic: 93% of Chinese physicians perceive net benefits from AI, compared to only 55% of global consumers. Regarding professional impact, 68% of physicians expect significant role transformation within five years (global: 59%), and 40% anticipate potential job replacement (global: 36%).
CONCLUSIONS: Chinese physicians demonstrate a "digital-first" mindset, leading in AI familiarity and optimism with a strong preference for domestic tools. Current applications remain in a transition phase, focused on information retrieval rather than deep clinical integration. The pronounced confidence gap between Chinese clinicians and global consumers highlights the accelerated nature of China’s digital health innovation environment.