Bill Gates is painting an optimistic picture of the future, where artificial intelligence (AI) could step in to help solve some of the most pressing workforce shortages in teaching and healthcare—fields that have traditionally been tough nuts to crack when it comes to tech disruption. In a chat on the “People by WTF” podcast, Gates shared his belief that AI could fill longstanding gaps in these professions. He mentioned, “AI will come in and provide medical IQ, and there won’t be a shortage,” pointing to its potential to revolutionize healthcare not just in the US, but also in places like India and Africa, where the need is even more acute. By 2036, the US alone is expected to face a shortage of 86,000 physicians.
Michael Dill from the Association of American Medical Colleges highlighted the critical need for more medical professionals to ensure everyone has access to healthcare. Meanwhile, AI startups like Suki and Zephyr AI are gaining ground by automating routine tasks, which could boost efficiency and help reduce burnout among healthcare workers. According to McKinsey, generative AI might add a whopping $370 billion in value to the healthcare sector by making it more productive.
The education sector is facing similar hurdles. Recent federal data shows that a staggering 86% of K-12 public schools in the US are struggling to hire teachers for the 2023-24 school year. Over in the UK, some schools are testing AI tools like ChatGPT to help students prepare for exams, although there are concerns about potential misuse. Educators are hopeful that AI can help streamline tasks and enhance learning, especially as they grapple with staffing shortages.
Gates also touched on the potential impact of AI in other labor-intensive fields, such as manufacturing and hospitality. He envisions a future where work might be redefined or even reduced. Companies like Nvidia are investing in humanoid robots to handle manual tasks, aiming to cut costs and boost efficiency. Gates mused about a future with shorter workweeks or early retirement, which raises interesting questions about how society might adapt to these changes.
Reflecting on economist John Maynard Keynes’ 1930 prediction of a 15-hour workweek, Gates acknowledged the ongoing challenge of balancing technological progress with traditional work structures. Despite these advances, many of us still stick to a 40-hour workweek, although Gates himself admits he works for the joy of it.
