Tech mogul Bill Gates believes artificial intelligence may be the solution to critical workforce gaps.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday work environments, concerns continue to grow about which professions may be overtaken by automation. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has previously commented on which roles are most at risk of being replaced by AI, while also highlighting a few careers—such as those in software development and life sciences—that remain too intricate for AI to fully replicate.
In a recent discussion, Gates suggested that the ongoing lack of medical and teaching professionals could soon be mitigated by AI stepping in to provide essential support. Gates, who has long been active in global health initiatives, pointed out that nations like India and those across Africa still face significant difficulties in attracting and retaining healthcare workers.
The United States is facing a similar challenge. A 2023 study from the Association of American Medical Colleges projected a shortage of up to 86,000 doctors, spanning both general practitioners and specialists, by the year 2036.
The incorporation of AI into healthcare could help ease this burden. A growing number of health-tech startups are capitalizing on this opportunity, with companies like Suki, Zephyr AI, and Tennr developing technologies to handle administrative tasks such as billing and documentation, while also aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and help pinpoint suitable patients for new treatments. McKinsey has estimated that AI could increase efficiency in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries by as much as $370 billion.
Education is another field that stands to benefit from AI innovations.
Data from the U.S. Department of Education in 2023 showed that a vast majority—86%—of public K-12 schools had difficulty hiring teachers for the 2023–2024 academic year. Moreover, nearly half of all public schools reported being understaffed.
In the UK, some schools have already begun incorporating AI into their classrooms. At David Game College in London, students are leveraging ChatGPT to assist in studying subjects such as English, math, biology, and computer science in preparation for exams.
While some educators have expressed concerns about students potentially misusing AI to cheat, others shared with Business Insider their belief that AI could actually save teachers time and enrich the learning experience.
Gates also emphasized that people shouldn’t dread the rise of AI. Instead, he suggested it could lead to greater work-life balance. “You might be able to retire earlier or enjoy shorter workweeks,” he said. “We’ll need to reevaluate how we spend our time—almost philosophically.”