{
  "id": 19643003,
  "title": "Will AI Make Doctors Better—or Make Them Less Skilled?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/will-ai-make-doctors-better-or-make-them-less-skilled",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-12T11:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/will-ai-make-doctors-better-or-make-them-less-skilled-12529639"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As artificial intelligence technology progresses, health leaders are debating whether AI will enhance or diminish the skills of medical professionals. Dr. Eric Poon, chief health information officer at Duke Health, raised concerns about \"deskilling\" as AI transitions from executing basic tasks to assisting with complex diagnoses. According to Poon, as AI tools prompt clinicians to perform more advanced functions, such as diagnosing difficult cases more accurately and at lower costs, the role of human doctors may evolve.\n\nThe concern becomes particularly pertinent as AI agents demonstrate capabilities that surpass human doctors in intricate medical scenarios. A recent Harvard-led study revealed that OpenAI's \"o1-preview\" AI agent could match or outperform well-trained physicians in emergency-room triage, diagnostic test recommendations, and managing clinical cases.\n\nPoon emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of clinicians for this technological shift. \"What is our obligation as we prepare our next generation of clinicians?\" he asked. \"I want great clinicians to take care of me when I am old. So, how should we train the next generation?\" He stressed the need for doctors to maintain essential bedside skills, even as they increasingly rely on AI tools.\n\nHistorically, similar apprehensions have arisen with the introduction of new medical technologies. Dr. Nabil Chehade, chief clinical transformation, innovation, and strategy officer at The MetroHealth System, recalled a surgeon's worry that younger doctors trained in laparoscopic and robotic surgery might lack traditional skills needed to handle complications. However, over time, the technology advanced to the point where many critical situations could be managed without resorting to open surgery. Chehade concluded that while history repeats itself, humanity possesses the intelligence to find solutions, but must remain vigilant in addressing these challenges.\n\nTheo Zanos, head of the Division of Health AI at Northwell Health, countered the notion that AI will replace physicians altogether. He referenced an AI pioneer's prediction from a decade ago that radiologists would soon be displaced by technology. Zanos pointed out that despite such predictions, there is currently a shortage of radiologists. Instead, he argued that doctors who effectively utilize AI will replace those who do not, rather than AI replacing human doctors entirely.",
  "summary": "As AI takes on complex medical tasks, health leaders debate whether it will erode doctors’ skills or enhance them.",
  "key_points": [
    "AI may enhance doctors' skills in complex diagnoses and cost-effective patient care.",
    "Harvard study shows AI agents matching or outperforming human doctors in ER triage and diagnostics.",
    "Doctors must maintain bedside skills while integrating AI tools into their practice."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The integration of advanced diagnostic tools forces a fundamental shift in medical training, requiring clinicians to balance technological reliance with the preservation of essential manual and bedside expertise.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}