AI-Generated Deepfakes and Physician Identity: What EDX and NM Clinicians Should Know

Advances in artificial intelligence are making it easier to create realistic, but fabricated, images, audio, and video. These “deepfakes” can replicate a physician’s voice, likeness, or clinical presence in ways that may be difficult for patients to distinguish from authentic content.

The AMA recently released an article outlining recommended policy to address AI-generated deepfakes and physician identity. The guidance emphasizes that a physician’s name, image, voice, likeness, or digital replica should not be used in AI-generated or altered content without explicit, informed consent. It also calls for clear labeling of AI-generated content, safeguards against deceptive medical impersonation, and shared responsibility among health systems, vendors, platforms, and advertisers. 

For electrodiagnostic (EDX) and neuromuscular (NM) clinicians, this issue is worth watching. EDX and NM care often involve complex diagnoses, specialized testing, and nuanced clinical judgment. If AI-generated content falsely suggests physician endorsement, misrepresents clinical expertise, or creates confusion about procedures such as EMG or nerve conduction studies, it could affect patient understanding and trust.  

Key points for members to be aware of include: 

• Physician identity should be protected: Use of a physician’s likeness, voice, name, or digital replica should require opt-in consent. 

• AI-generated content should be transparent: Patients should be able to tell when content is synthetic or materially altered. 

• Deceptive impersonation is a patient safety concern: Misleading content could influence care decisions or promote inaccurate medical information. 

• Responsibility should not fall solely on clinicians: Institutions, platforms, and vendors should help prevent misuse, support takedown processes, and limit administrative burden. 

This remains an emerging policy issue, but awareness is an important first step. AANEM will continue to monitor developments related to AI, physician identity, and patient trust as these technologies evolve. 

Read the AMA article: AI-generated deepfakes: Key policy principles and proposed protections