On AI and the Future of Our Editorial Board
Posted by A. David Lewis on 2025-02-24
When the Graphic Medicine Review (GMR) was first founded through the MCPHS University Library and with the support of the Popular Culture Association / American Culture Association in 2020, concerns about Artificial Intelligence were more a matter of computer science, philosophy, and speculative fiction. (Notably, there were early warnings.) Five years later – and now with the stalwart aid and support of the Lamar Soutter Library at UMass Chan Medical School – what we call generative AI is a major concern, both in academia specifically and in culture more widely. Undoubtedly, it is a powerful and compelling tool, and its potential benefits cannot be overlooked; as just one example, AI is being used to detect breast cancer earlier and better than radiologists might be able to alone (Conner, 2024). For this and its many other beneficent applications, AI cannot be flatly condemned nor prohibited.
However, at the present time, the Graphic Medicine Review cannot accept submissions, either written or illustrated, that make use of any AI technologies. Until AI’s environmental impact (Zewe, 2025), its ethics (Amherst College Library, 2025), and its impact on learning, teaching, and scholarship overall (Office of Educational Technology, 2023) are examined more closely and with clearer boundaries, GMR must have a zero-tolerance policy with any submissions utilizing AI. For the moment, we will have to rely on the integrity and the honor of those submitting to be forthright in their utilization of this technology.
Moreover, GMR will soon be reopening its Editorial Board process, in order both to let those who have been with us over the last five years cycle off if they like and to welcome new voice aboard. To date, this has been a loose and occasional commitment, but we will likely be standardizing participation and conducting a more regular schedule. One of the initial tasks for the revamped Editorial Board will be to discuss and debate AI’s place within GMR and in Graphic Medicine, more generally.
We welcome all interested and engaged parties to join us in the months ahead!
Amherst College Library (2025). Ethics and costs of generative AI. Amerst College Library LibGuide. Retrieved from https://libguides.amherst.edu/c.php?g=1350530&p=9969379
Conner, K. (2024). Using AI to detect breast cancer: what we know. BreastCancer.org. Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/screening-testing/artificial-intelligence
Office of Educational Technology. (2023). Artificial intelligence and the future of teaching and learning. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/documents/ai-report/ai-report.pdf
Zewe, A. (2025). Explained: Generative AI’s environmental impact. MIT News. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117