Bill Gates has expressed optimism that artificial intelligence (AI) could soon alleviate long-standing shortages in two critical professions: teaching and medicine. In a recent episode of the ‘People by WTF’ podcast, Gates discussed how AI could help bridge labor gaps not only in these fields but also in various blue-collar roles.
Gates pointed out that AI could provide significant support in healthcare by offering ‘medical IQ,’ potentially eliminating shortages in the medical field. He highlighted that countries like India, those in Africa, and even the US face significant shortages of medical professionals. A recent report by the Association of American Medical Colleges projected that the US could face a shortage of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036.
The issue is compounded by a dwindling number of doctors specializing in geriatric care, even as populations age. To address burnout and improve care, healthcare-focused AI startups have attracted billions in funding by promising to automate tasks such as billing and note-taking, enhance diagnosis accuracy, and identify patients for emerging treatments. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could boost productivity in healthcare and pharmaceuticals by up to $370 billion.
Gates also noted that education is facing similar challenges. In the US, 86% of K-12 public schools reported difficulties hiring teachers for the 2023-2024 school year, with about 45% stating they were understaffed. Some educational institutions are already exploring the use of AI tools to supplement teaching.
While there’s concern about students using AI to cheat, educators are optimistic about its potential to save teachers time and improve learning outcomes. Gates’ vision extends beyond teachers and doctors to include factory workers, construction crews, and hotel cleaners — essentially any role requiring physical skill and time. He believes that advancements in AI and robotics, such as humanoid robots being developed by tech giants like Nvidia, will make this possible.
The billionaire suggested that this could lead to a future where work is drastically reduced, enabling early retirement or shorter workweeks. ‘You can retire early, you can work shorter workweeks,’ he said, adding that this would require a ‘philosophical rethink’ about how people spend their time. Gates, who has spent nearly 70 years living in a world of scarcity, admitted that even he finds it challenging to adjust to this new perspective.
Gates’ comments echo predictions made by economist John Maynard Keynes in 1930 that technological advancements could reduce the workweek to just 15 hours. While this hasn’t happened yet, Gates said he continues to work not out of necessity but because he finds it enjoyable.
