BACKGROUND: ChatGPT, a powerful AI language model, has gained increasing prominence in medicine, offering potential applications in healthcare, clinical decision support, patient communication, and medical research. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the applications of ChatGPT in healthcare education, research, writing, patient communication, and practice while also delineating potential limitations and areas for improvement. METHOD: Our comprehensive database search retrieved relevant papers from PubMed, Medline and Scopus. After the screening process, 83 studies met the inclusion criteria. This review includes original studies comprising case reports, analytical studies, and editorials with original findings. RESULT: ChatGPT is useful for scientific research and academic writing, and assists with grammar, clarity, and coherence. This helps non-English speakers and improves accessibility by breaking down linguistic barriers. However, its limitations include probable inaccuracy and ethical issues, such as bias and plagiarism. ChatGPT streamlines workflows and offers diagnostic and educational potential in healthcare but exhibits biases and lacks emotional sensitivity. It is useful in inpatient communication, but requires up-to-date data and faces concerns about the accuracy of information and hallucinatory responses. CONCLUSION: Given the potential for ChatGPT to transform healthcare education, research, and practice, it is essential to approach its adoption in these areas with caution due to its inherent limitations.