AI Is Taking Jobs — But Medicine Is Still Hiring
Posted onAI Is Taking Jobs — But Medicine Is Still Hiring: Your Path to Becoming a Doctor
Published: June 15, 2025 | Updated: January 2026
By Dr. Ramin Ahmadi, Dean of Clinical Education, American Canadian School of Medicine
Quick Answer
While AI automation is transforming many industries, healthcare continues to experience critical physician shortages. For professionals considering a career change to medicine, becoming a doctor remains a stable, meaningful, and in-demand career path. Caribbean medical schools like ACSOM provide accessible pathways for career changers and non-traditional students to pursue medical education and enter this recession-proof profession.
The Job Market Reality: What AI Is Changing
Across many industries, automation and artificial intelligence are fundamentally reshaping work. The headlines can feel concerning—roles are being consolidated, processes are being automated, and some jobs are disappearing entirely. Yet one sector continues experiencing unprecedented growth: healthcare.
If you’re considering a career change to medicine or wondering whether becoming a doctor is still a viable path forward, here’s the reality: medicine is still hiring, and the demand keeps growing.
Why Healthcare Remains AI-Resistant
The Numbers Tell the Story
While AI transforms office work globally, analysts project massive workforce shifts—tens of millions of jobs will be created and eliminated over the next few years. However, healthcare stands apart from this disruption.
The Physician Shortage Crisis:
The United States faces a substantial physician shortfall that continues worsening:
- Projected shortage of 20,200 to 86,000 physicians by 2036 (Association of American Medical Colleges)
- Approximately 23,600 physician job openings annually through 2034
- Primary care physician shortage of 20,200–40,400 doctors
- Surgical specialty shortage of 10,100–19,900 physicians
These aren’t just statistics—they represent real opportunities for people like you who are considering medical school as a second career or career change option.
Global Healthcare Worker Gap
The physician shortage isn’t limited to the United States. The World Health Organization warns of a 10-11 million global health worker gap by 2030, creating opportunities for physicians willing to practice internationally—a significant consideration for graduates of Caribbean medical schools who may practice in multiple countries throughout their careers.
Why Medicine Is Different
Healthcare’s resistance to automation stems from its fundamental nature:
Human Connection Matters: Medicine requires empathy, complex communication, and trust—qualities AI cannot replicate. Patients need human physicians who understand context, emotion, and the nuanced aspects of health and illness.
Clinical Judgment Is Irreplaceable: While AI can assist with diagnosis and treatment recommendations, ultimate clinical decision-making requires human judgment, ethical reasoning, and accountability that only trained physicians can provide.
Hands-On Care: Physical examinations, procedures, surgery, and direct patient care require human touch and adaptability that technology cannot replace.
Regulatory Reality: Medical practice requires licensed physicians. There’s no regulatory pathway for AI to practice medicine independently, nor will there be in the foreseeable future.
AI as Partner, Not Replacement
How Technology Is Actually Helping Physicians
Far from replacing doctors, today’s most promising AI tools are acting as medical assistants and copilots, making the work more sustainable rather than eliminating it.
Ambient AI Documentation: New research published in JAMA Network Open demonstrates that AI-powered documentation tools—which listen to patient conversations and draft clinical notes—are reducing physician burnout. Studies in large health systems show double-digit improvements in physician well-being after adoption of these technologies.
The Real Impact:
- Reduced administrative burden (documentation time cut by 50-70% in some studies)
- More time for direct patient care
- Lower physician burnout and improved job satisfaction
- Enhanced work-life balance for practicing physicians
What This Means for You: If you’re considering becoming a doctor, you’re entering the profession at an ideal time. The technology that worried previous generations of physicians is actually improving the practice of medicine, making it more rewarding and sustainable as a career.
The Opportunity Is Real: Why Now Is the Time
North American Physician Demand
United States:
- Healthcare occupations overall generate approximately 1.9 million job openings annually
- Physician employment projected to grow 3% from 2024–2034
- Graduate medical education funding caps have artificially constrained physician supply for decades, even as Congress begins adding new residency positions
- Primary care access challenges create sustained demand across all regions
Canada:
- Approximately 5.4 million adults reported lacking a regular primary care provider in 2023 (Canadian Institute for Health Information)
- Chronic physician shortages across provinces
- Growing demand for internationally trained physicians
Financial Stability
Medicine offers financial security that few other careers can match:
- U.S. health spending reached approximately $4.9 trillion (17.6% of GDP) in 2023
- Median physician salaries range from $200,000-$500,000+ depending on specialty
- Job security exceeds virtually all other professions
- Recession-resistant career path
Can You Really Become a Doctor? Breaking Down the Path
The Non-Traditional Medical Student Reality
If you’re considering medical school as a second career, you’re not alone. Modern medical school classes include increasing numbers of career changers, and for good reason:
Life Experience Adds Value:
- Professional skills from previous careers enhance your capabilities as a physician
- Maturity and real-world experience improve patient communication
- Financial literacy and business acumen benefit medical practice
- Diverse backgrounds enrich medical teams
Age Is Not a Barrier: Many successful physicians begin medical school in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s. What matters is your commitment, capability, and desire to serve patients—not your age when you start.
The Caribbean Medical School Pathway
For many career changers and non-traditional students, Caribbean medical schools provide the most realistic pathway to becoming a doctor. Here’s why:
More Accessible Admissions: Caribbean medical schools often have more flexible admission requirements while maintaining rigorous academic standards. This creates opportunities for:
- Career changers without recent undergraduate science coursework
- Students with lower undergraduate GPAs who have since proven their academic capability
- Professionals who couldn’t take a gap year to strengthen traditional medical school applications
- Non-traditional students who bring valuable life experience
Accelerated Timeline Options: Many Caribbean medical schools offer flexibility in program structure, allowing you to begin medical school without extensive delays.
Comparable Medical Education: Accredited Caribbean medical schools deliver medical education meeting the same standards required for U.S. medical licensing, with curricula based on U.S. medical school models.
U.S. Clinical Training: Top Caribbean medical schools—including ACSOM—provide U.S.-based clinical rotation opportunities, ensuring graduates receive hands-on training in American healthcare settings.
Proven Track Record: Thousands of Caribbean medical school graduates successfully match into U.S. residency programs annually and practice as licensed physicians throughout North America.
ACSOM: Your Partner in Medical Education
Why Choose ACSOM for Your Career Change to Medicine
The American Canadian School of Medicine specifically designed our program to support career changers and non-traditional students pursuing medical careers. We focus on three core pillars:
1. Career Pathways Aligned with Market Demand
We don’t just train physicians—we prepare you for the specialties and practice settings experiencing the greatest demand:
- Primary care (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics)
- Surgical specialties
- Emergency medicine
- Psychiatry
- Other high-demand specialties
Our curriculum aligns with the skills and knowledge required for successful residency matching and practice in shortage areas, maximizing your career opportunities.
2. Hands-On Training + Comprehensive Credentialing
ACSOM ensures you’re truly job-ready through:
U.S.-Based Clinical Training: Partnerships with teaching hospitals across the United States provide hands-on clinical experience in American healthcare settings—essential preparation for residency and practice.
USMLE Preparation: Integrated licensing exam preparation throughout your medical education, with dedicated resources and support for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS.
Residency Matching Support: Comprehensive guidance through the residency application process, including personal statement development, interview preparation, and strategic program selection.
Professional Development: Training in communication, professionalism, and the practical aspects of medical practice that textbooks don’t cover.
3. Technology-Forward, Patient-First Skills
As a Caribbean medical school preparing physicians for modern practice, ACSOM incorporates training in:
- AI-enabled clinical documentation tools
- Electronic health record systems
- Telemedicine platforms
- Clinical decision support technologies
- Patient communication in the digital age
You’ll graduate understanding how to leverage technology to enhance patient care rather than fearing it will replace you.
What Makes ACSOM Different
Accredited Medical Education: ACSOM is an accredited Caribbean medical school recognized for U.S. medical licensing pathways, meeting the standards required for ECFMG certification.
Transparent Outcomes: We publish clear data about graduation rates, USMLE pass rates, and residency match outcomes—because you deserve to make informed decisions about your medical education.
Comprehensive Student Support: From academic advising to mental health resources to career counseling, we support the whole student—recognizing that career changers have unique needs and concerns.
Experienced Faculty: Our faculty members are practicing physicians and experienced educators who understand what it takes to succeed in modern medicine.
Flexible Pathways: Whether you need to maintain part-time work during basic sciences or require accommodations for family responsibilities, we work to make medical education accessible.
Making the Decision: Is Medical School Right for You?
Questions to Ask Yourself
Motivation:
- Why do you want to become a doctor? (Be honest—there are right and wrong reasons)
- Are you motivated by the work itself, or just the prestige/income?
- Can you handle delayed gratification? (Medical training is long)
Commitment:
- Can you commit to 7-10+ years of intensive training? (4 years medical school + 3-7 years residency)
- Are you prepared for the financial investment and temporary income reduction?
- Will your family support this major life transition?
Capability:
- Can you handle rigorous academic coursework?
- Are you comfortable with high-stakes testing? (USMLE exams)
- Do you have the emotional resilience for clinical work?
Alternatives:
- Have you considered other healthcare careers? (PA, NP, other options)
- Is medicine truly the best fit for your goals and circumstances?
If you’ve honestly evaluated these questions and still feel drawn to becoming a doctor, medical school may be your calling.
The Reality of Career Change to Medicine
Advantages You Have:
- Professional maturity and work ethic
- Real-world problem-solving experience
- Better understanding of what you want from a career
- Financial literacy and planning skills
- Life experience that enhances patient care
Challenges You’ll Face:
- Returning to rigorous academic study after years in the workforce
- Significant financial investment and temporary income loss
- Balancing medical school with family responsibilities
- Competing with younger students in some contexts
- Longer timeline to practice and earn physician-level income
Why It’s Worth It: Despite the challenges, thousands of career changers successfully become physicians every year. The combination of meaningful work, job security, intellectual challenge, financial stability, and the privilege of helping people makes medicine uniquely rewarding.
Your Next Steps: Getting Started
1. Research Medical School Requirements
Academic Prerequisites:
- Undergraduate degree (any major, though science background helps)
- Prerequisite science courses (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.)
- Competitive GPA (varies by school; Caribbean medical schools often more flexible)
Standardized Testing:
- MCAT examination (required for most medical schools)
- Preparation timeline typically 3-6 months
Clinical Experience:
- Volunteer or shadowing experience in healthcare settings
- Demonstrates commitment and understanding of medicine
2. Evaluate Your Caribbean Medical School Options
When researching Caribbean medical schools for your career change to medicine, focus on:
Accreditation:
- Verify the school is properly accredited for U.S. medical licensing
- Check ECFMG eligibility and state medical board recognition
Clinical Training Sites:
- Confirm access to U.S.-based clinical rotations
- Evaluate the quality and locations of affiliated hospitals
Support for Non-Traditional Students:
- Ask about resources for career changers
- Inquire about flexibility in program structure
Financial Transparency:
- Understand total cost of attendance
- Explore financial aid and payment options
3. Connect with ACSOM
Ready to explore whether ACSOM’s Caribbean medical school program is right for your career change to medicine?
Talk to Our Admissions Team:
- Discuss your background and goals
- Understand prerequisite requirements
- Review timeline and program structure
- Ask questions specific to your situation
Connect with Current Students:
- Hear firsthand from career changers in our program
- Learn about the reality of medical school as a non-traditional student
- Understand what to expect throughout your medical education
Evaluate Your Fit:
- Assess whether ACSOM’s approach aligns with your needs
- Consider our clinical partnerships and residency outcomes
- Determine if our student support services match your requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really compete with younger students who took pre-med courses recently?
A: Yes. While you may need to refresh some science knowledge, career changers often excel in medical school due to superior study skills, professional discipline, and genuine motivation. Many Caribbean medical schools, including ACSOM, provide academic support to help bridge any gaps.
Q: How do Caribbean medical school graduates compete for residency positions?
A: Caribbean medical school graduates (international medical graduates or IMGs) do face additional challenges in the residency match compared to U.S. medical school graduates. However, thousands successfully match annually by: maintaining strong academic performance, scoring competitively on USMLE exams, securing strong letters of recommendation during U.S. clinical rotations, and applying strategically to appropriate programs. ACSOM provides comprehensive residency preparation and advising to maximize your chances.
Q: Is becoming a doctor worth it financially, especially if I’m leaving another well-paying career?
A: This depends on your current income, age, and specialty choice. Generally, physicians earn enough to justify the investment despite the training period. However, you should create a detailed financial model considering: lost income during training (7-10 years), cost of medical education ($200,000-$300,000+), expected physician income in your chosen specialty ($200,000-$500,000+), and years of practice remaining. For most career changers, we recommend starting no later than your mid-30s.
Q: Will AI make doctors obsolete by the time I finish training?
A: No credible healthcare experts predict AI will replace physicians in the foreseeable future. More likely, AI will continue evolving as a powerful tool that enhances physician capabilities rather than replacing human doctors. The fundamental need for human judgment, empathy, physical examination, procedural skills, and medical accountability ensures physicians remain essential. You’re entering the profession at a time when technology makes the work more sustainable, not obsolete.
Q: What’s the difference between attending a Caribbean medical school versus a U.S. medical school?
A: The core medical education is similar—both teach the same foundational science and clinical skills required for U.S. medical licensing. Key differences include: more accessible admissions at Caribbean medical schools (opportunity for career changers), potentially more affordable tuition at some Caribbean schools, clinical rotations at varied U.S. sites rather than one home institution, and additional considerations in the residency match process as an international medical graduate. Both pathways successfully produce licensed, practicing physicians.
Q: How long does it take to become a doctor through a Caribbean medical school?
A: The timeline includes: 4 years of medical school (basic sciences + clinical rotations), 3-7 years of residency training (depending on specialty), and optional fellowship for subspecialization (1-3+ additional years). Total time from starting medical school to independent practice: 7-11+ years. This timeline is identical whether you attend a Caribbean medical school or U.S. medical school.
Take Your Next Step Into Medicine
The physician shortage is real. The demand is urgent. The opportunity is waiting.
If you’ve been considering a career change to medicine, now is the time to take action. While others worry about AI taking their jobs, you could be building a career that combines stability, meaning, and the privilege of healing.
Ready to Explore Becoming a Doctor?
For Career Changers and Non-Traditional Students:
The American Canadian School of Medicine was created by physicians who understand the challenges and rewards of medical training. We’re committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds—including career changers—as they pursue their calling to become physicians.
Don’t let fear of change or uncertainty about the path hold you back from a career that could transform your life and the lives of countless patients.
Contact ACSOM today to discuss your path to medical school:
???? Email: admissions@acsom.edu.dm
???? Phone: [Contact Number]
???? Website: www.acsom.edu.dm
American Canadian School of Medicine
Created by physicians for future physicians
Stay Informed About Medical Careers
Subscribe to ACSOM updates to receive:
- Information about medical school admissions for career changers
- Guidance on the path to becoming a doctor
- Healthcare career trends and physician demand updates
- Resources for non-traditional medical students
- Success stories from ACSOM graduates
About American Canadian School of Medicine
ACSOM is an accredited Caribbean medical school providing accessible pathways to medical education for students pursuing physician careers. We specialize in supporting career changers and non-traditional students with comprehensive academic preparation, U.S.-based clinical training, and dedicated guidance through medical licensing and residency matching.
Our Mission: To train compassionate, competent physicians who address global healthcare needs while supporting students from diverse backgrounds in achieving their medical career goals.
Why Students Choose ACSOM:
- Accessible admissions for career changers and non-traditional students
- Accredited medical education recognized for U.S. licensing pathways
- Comprehensive U.S. clinical training network
- Transparent outcomes and dedicated student support
- Affordable medical education without compromising quality
- Focus on physician shortage specialties and underserved areas
For professionals considering Caribbean medical schools for their career change to medicine, ACSOM offers the support, training, and opportunities you need to successfully become a doctor.
Related Resources
Explore More About ACSOM
Getting Started:
- ACSOM Admissions Requirements
- How to Apply to Caribbean Medical Schools
- Tuition & Financial Aid Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Programs:
- ACSOM’s Medical School Curriculum
- Foundation Program for Academic Preparation
- Clinical Rotations at U.S. Teaching Hospitals
Special Pathways:
Student Support:
References & Data Sources
All statistics and projections in this article are sourced from authoritative healthcare workforce organizations:
- World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2023. “69 million new jobs created and 83 million eliminated by 2027.” Link
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Press Release (June 10, 2025). “Projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.” Link
- World Health Organization — Global health workforce shortfall ~10–11 million by 2030. Link
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Healthcare Occupations. “About 1.9 million openings projected each year, 2024–2034.” Link
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OOH — Physicians and Surgeons. “3% growth (2024–2034); ~23,600 openings/yr, largely from replacement needs.” Link
- AAMC, The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2021 to 2036 (March 2024). Link
- HRSA, State of the Primary Care Workforce, 2024 (Nov. 7, 2024). Link
- CMS National Health Expenditure (NHE) 2023 Highlights. “U.S. health spending ~$4.9T (17.6% of GDP) in 2023.” Link
- JAMA Network Open (2025) on ambient AI documentation reducing burnout. Link
- Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Oct. 24, 2024. Link
- Graduate Medical Education policy and funding. AAMC Link
The American Canadian School of Medicine provides transparent, evidence-based information about medical careers and pathways to becoming a doctor. This article reflects current healthcare workforce data and our commitment to supporting career changers in their journey to medical practice.
