Purpose: This article explores the applications and challenges of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), focusing on ChatGPT in healthcare. Method: The methodology is to collect literature and select domestic and foreign literature related to this topic to explore development and practical application. Conclusion: 1. GenAI streamlines tasks, simplifies complex medical information, and acts as a virtual assistant to foster interdisciplinary consensus and improve communication among healthcare providers, patients, and families, enhancing care quality. 2. It also supports personalized learning for healthcare students through scenario based simulations and real-time feedback, boosting efficiency and easing workplace adaptation for newcomers. 3. GenAI’s application in mental health care and exercise prescriptions remains underdeveloped, and high-risk decisions still require professional judgment. Suggestion: to address ethical and privacy concerns, policymakers should establish clear guidelines to safeguard user privacy, ensure informed consent, enhance technological literacy among healthcare workers, and promote fairness and accountability in AI use.