AI is Changing Everything: World Economic Forum Report. It Will Upend Consumer Health Also (Part V)

In our previous blog, we discussed the dramatic drop in the cost of using Large Language Models (LLMs) and the warnings from the World Economic Forum (WEF) about the significant impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have, based on their “Future of Jobs Report” issued on January 7, 2025. Since that post, I’ve given a brief presentation on AI, attended a biotechnology luncheon on genetics and drug discovery (where the first question to the panel was about AI), and participated in an AI Summit at our local State College—my alma mater. The event was incredibly well-attended, and the discussions merged AI with Robotics and even included a bit on Cybersecurity.

New College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing in Florida

The intersection of AI and Cybersecurity has been top of mind for me, especially after hearing that just a few days ago, the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa announced the creation of The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing with a historic $40M donation. One thing that crossed my mind was: why wasn’t robotics included in the focus? Still, it’s clear that universities are racing to keep up with the fast-evolving field of AI.

Mr. Bellini, who made the generous gift, was quoted saying:

“The future of warfare, economic power, and national security is digital. Cyberattacks are the new missiles, and AI is the arms race of our time. Right now, America is under siege in cyberspace every nanosecond of every day. We are failing to produce the talent and technology needed to defend ourselves. That changes today. Tampa and USF are stepping up to lead the charge in securing our nation’s future.”

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Future Employment Report 2025

The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report outlines a concerning future for the workforce. According to the report, by 2030, 170 million new jobs will be created, but 92 million will be lost. Additionally, 44% of the workforce will need to be retrained. These changes come on top of recent warnings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that AI has exposed 60% of jobs in advanced economies, 40% in emerging economies, and 25% in low-income economies.

In terms of industry impact, companies are already adjusting. Google reports that AI generates 25% of all new code. Meta plans to replace many mid-level jobs with AI tools. Moreover, 92% of the top 500 companies in the U.S. plan to increase their investment and use of AI in the next three years.

Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence, I still encounter professionals and potential investors who dismiss AI as a passing fad, or worse, as a bubble. While I no longer feel the need to correct these views directly, I’m confident that AI is neither a fad nor hype. If it is a bubble, it will only grow larger—and there are plenty of justifiable reasons for that.

Core Skills in 2030

A look at the WEF’s Future of Jobs Survey 2024 (Figure 3.6) reveals the key skills expected to be in demand in 2030. According to the survey, many skills that are currently considered core will see increased importance in the coming years. Employers will need workers who are not only proficient in technology, but also in adaptability, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. AI proficiency is already becoming a baseline requirement in various industries.

How About Healthcare?

As I continue to attend conferences and professional events—whether in general business, healthcare, health science, or genetics—I can’t help but wonder how AI will impact healthcare professionals. Will AI replace jobs, or will it empower those who can use it effectively? While I’m not blind to the dangers of AI in healthcare, I also recognize its potential.

In healthcare, there’s a constant stream of news touting how AI is nearly as effective as doctors. However, when we dig deeper, we find that the cost-benefit analysis often doesn’t favor AI—at least not yet.

For instance, PubMed Research shows that from 2019 to 2022, there were just three published articles on AI and medicine. By 2023, that number surged to 363, and by 2024, it had skyrocketed to 1,210. I wonder if we’ll surpass that number by the first quarter of 2025. With this explosion of articles, it’s clear that we’re in the midst of rapid progress. However, the problem lies in the fact that many of these studies are carefully curated to achieve a specific outcome. One article I reviewed concluded that although AI was more accurate than doctors in a given study, “there was no clear advantage in time efficiency, as case completion times remained statistically unchanged across conditions.”

Setting Standards for AI in Healthcare

As AI becomes more integrated into clinical settings, we need to set clear standards. Specifically, AI needs to meet the following criteria to have a meaningful impact on healthcare:

1. Accuracy: AI must always be more accurate than the doctor.

2. Time and Cost Efficiency: The cost of implementing AI and the time spent curating it should result in faster and better outcomes. This could mean doctors seeing more patients or working fewer hours without sacrificing care quality.

3. Liability and Risk: AI companies will need to indemnify doctors in case the AI makes an error, as physicians could be held liable for mistakes made by AI tools. This is particularly critical given the risks involved in malpractice, losing a medical license, and reputational damage.

AI Can Change the Consumer Experience

While there are concerns about AI’s role in clinical care, it’s already transforming the consumer experience in healthcare. We’ve been discussing the potential value of having most, if not all, of a consumer’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) data in one place—what we call the Universal Health Record (UHR)™. This centralized system, powered by carefully curated AI (not the typical LLMs), could revolutionize how consumers engage with their healthcare providers.

The UHR would empower consumers to understand their health better, connect more effectively with healthcare providers, and even explore relevant clinical trials. Additionally, it could provide consumers with the means to challenge insurance company denials for services, care, or medication. Our ultimate goal is to empower consumers and advance healthcare science in a world that is increasingly complex and, at times, hostile to their needs.

In conclusion, the integration of AI into healthcare, and indeed all industries, is accelerating at a pace that’s hard to ignore. The key will be to navigate this transformation carefully, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. While AI is not without risks, its potential to improve the consumer experience in healthcare is undeniable.