The Future of Medicine: Why Become a Doctor Despite AI and Automation

It is true that artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics may eventually replace a significant portion of medical doctors in the future. However, despite the advancements in technology, the likelihood of this occurring in the near future is minimal. As an SEO expert currently at Google, I've analyzed the current state of AI and its potential impact on the medical field. Here's what you need to know.

AI in Medicine: Current Limitations

AI in the realm of medicine is still in its infancy. While AI can be incredibly useful for tasks such as online retrieval of drugs or symptoms, it still has a long way to go before it can fully replace human doctors. The complexity of medical field tasks, especially in surgery, makes it a distant goal. Surgeries performed by autonomous AI are barely a pipedream, if at all, and are unlikely to be achieved until around 2100 or 2150, if at all.

The Recent Downplay of Medical Finances

Another significant factor to consider is the financial stability of the medical profession. While doctors, on average, earn approximately the same as high school teachers on an adjusted hourly basis, the reality is that many doctors struggle financially. They often live paycheck to paycheck and may be drowning in medical school loans. Here's a rough breakdown of the numbers:

Math Proof: Financial Instability of Medicine

1. Adjusted Hourly Earnings: Doctors and high school teachers earn approximately the same amount per hour when adjusted for living costs and benefits. 2. Student Loan Debt: Mortgage loans for doctors are often astronomical, with some individuals graduating with over $300,000 in debt. 3. Layoffs During Pandemics: During events like the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors were laid off or furloughed due to reduced patient visits and budget cuts. 4. Private Equity and NPs: Private equity firms have increasingly taken over medical practices, pushing nurse practitioners (NPs) to take on more independent roles, sometimes at the expense of patient safety.

Dust off the idea that medical doctors can face financial instability without AI. The challenges exist already, and they're not going away anytime soon. Doctors have been laid off in large numbers, often due to factors outside of AI, as evidenced during the pandemic. Furthermore, even without AI, the financial stability of the medical profession has been on a decline in recent years, particularly for those prioritizing financial stability as their top career goal.

Why Become a Doctor Anyway?

So, why should you consider becoming a doctor despite these challenges? Here are a few reasons:

Passion and Fulfillment: Many doctors find immense fulfillment in helping others and making a positive impact on people's lives. If you have a strong desire to help others and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge, then becoming a doctor might be worth the financial struggle. Monetary Value: While the financial stability of the medical profession may not be the most lucrative, many doctors still earn a good living, especially in specialized fields or positions. Job Security: Some argue that the medical profession offers a certain level of job security, as it is less likely to be replaced by technology in the near future.

Alternative Career Paths

For those who prioritize financial stability and are not yet financially secure, there are alternative career paths to consider:

Entrepreneurship: Take advantage of your skills and knowledge to start a business in a growing industry. This can provide significant long-term financial gains. Investment: Learn about different investment strategies, such as real estate, stocks, or cryptocurrency, to increase your wealth. High-Salary Jobs: Pursue high-salary jobs in finance, technology, or consulting, which can offer better long-term financial stability.

In conclusion, while AI and automation pose potential challenges to the medical profession, they do not necessarily mean the end of doctors. If you are passionate about medicine and willing to face the financial hurdles, it might still be a rewarding career path. If you prioritize financial stability and are currently not financially secure, there are alternative paths that may suit you better.