The free version of ChatGPT is exactly what the name suggests — a chatbot with generative capabilities. It can create text, generate images, and perform many creative tasks. However, for users who perform repetitive tasks regularly, typing lengthy prompts every single time can be tedious.

Wouldn’t it be better if you could automate those prompts into reusable tools? That’s where the concept of custom GPTs comes in — available in the paid versions of ChatGPT.

What Are GPTs?

In ChatGPT Go, you can create your own mini tools — called GPTs. These are customized versions of ChatGPT designed to perform specific tasks repeatedly with just a click or file upload.

You can access them from the left panel of ChatGPT under GPTs → Explore. This section is like a digital marketplace — similar to the Play Store or App Store — where users can browse GPTs created by others. You can publish it publicly or share it via a link so others can use it, even if they’re on the free version.

How to Create a GPT

When you click on Create, ChatGPT opens a configuration window where you can design your own GPT. The main steps are:

1. Name and Description:
   Give your GPT a name and a short description explaining its purpose.

2. System Prompt:
   This is the most important part — where prompt engineering happens. You define how your GPT should behave, what tone it should use, and what it should focus on.

3. Conversation Starters:
   Add a few one-click buttons (like “Quick Tip” or “Ask Me Anything”) to make interactions easy for users.

4. Knowledge Files:
   Upload documents or PDFs that the GPT should rely on. For example, policy documents, medical guidelines, or company manuals.

5. Capabilities:
   You can toggle features such as web search, code interpreter, image generation, or canvas. For medical or regulatory tools, it’s often best to turn off external features to ensure accuracy and data control.

On the right side, there’s a preview window that lets you test your GPT instantly as you configure it.

Conversational Creation Mode — A Unique ChatGPT Feature

ChatGPT offers a special conversational GPT creator — a chatbot that helps you design your GPT interactively. If you don’t already have a system prompt ready, you can simply describe what you want, and it will guide you step by step to build your GPT.

This feature is exclusive to ChatGPT and not available in Gemini or other AI platforms.

Case Example: BioSafe AI

Let’s look at a practical example — BioSafe AI, a GPT developed for biomedical waste management.

Created for one of the course participants, Dr. Deepak, this GPT helps identify biomedical waste items from uploaded images and guides the user on proper segregation as per the Biomedical Waste Management Rules (Government of India).

In the configuration tab:

• The GPT is named BioSafe AI.

• Description: Helps in biomedical waste management.

• System Prompt: Defines the GPT as an intelligent assistant trained to identify biomedical waste items and educate users.

• Conversational Starters: Includes “Quick Tip,” “Waste Item of the Day,” and “Rule of the Day.”

• Knowledge File: The official PDF of Biomedical Waste Management Rules is uploaded to ensure accuracy.

• Capabilities: Web search, image generation, and coding are disabled to maintain focus and data safety.

Once created, users can test it instantly — for example, by uploading an image of a hypodermic needle. The GPT accurately classifies it under the white translucent container category and provides disposal instructions, safety quotes, and educational notes.

Similarly, when a blood-stained cotton gauze image is uploaded, BioSafe AI correctly categorizes it under the yellow bag, provides treatment details (incineration), and explains the rationale behind it.

This makes BioSafe AI a great example of how prompt engineering can be applied to real-world healthcare needs.

Using GPTs for Capstone Projects and Healthcare Innovation

Creating a GPT is a hands-on way to understand prompt engineering, knowledge integration, and AI tool customization. It’s also an excellent foundation for developing AI projects, such as the medical tools hosted on NewClinician.com, which ensures data safety, security, and medical accuracy.

Students and healthcare professionals can experiment with GPT creation in ChatGPT, test their prompts, and later deploy refined versions on NewClinician.com.

Comparing ChatGPT GPTs and Gemini Gems

For those without a paid ChatGPT account, Google Gemini offers an alternative. Its equivalent of GPTs is called Gems.

However, Gemini’s free version is more basic:

• It allows you to name, describe, and write a prompt.

• You can upload knowledge files.

• But it lacks advanced features like conversational creation, extensive capabilities, or developer actions.

Still, for beginners, it’s a great starting point to practice prompt writing and AI customization.

Conclusion

Creating your own GPT is like designing your personal digital assistant. Whether for repetitive healthcare tasks, patient education, or workflow automation — GPTs make AI more practical and personalized.

The journey starts with understanding prompt engineering and experimenting in ChatGPT’s creator mode. Once mastered, these skills can be extended to build professional-grade AI tools for your organization or medical platform.