This comprehensive survey examines how Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming healthcare while addressing critical ethical considerations.

• Maps the development path from traditional language models to healthcare-specific LLMs
• Evaluates capabilities, limitations, and technical requirements for medical applications
• Analyzes accountability frameworks and ethical guidelines for responsible deployment
• Highlights the balance between innovation and patient safety

This research matters because it provides healthcare organizations with a roadmap for implementing LLMs that maintain medical accuracy while addressing privacy concerns, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards—essential for trustworthy AI adoption in clinical settings.

A Survey of Large Language Models for Healthcare: from Data, Technology, and Applications to Accountability and Ethics