1. Despite predictions, AI won’t replace radiologists anytime soon

The long-held prediction that artificial intelligence would replace radiologists has not come to pass, at least at leading institutions like the Mayo Clinic. Despite early warnings from AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton that radiology jobs would vanish within five years due to AI, radiologists remain in strong demand. Instead of displacing professionals, AI has become a tool to enhance their work by improving image quality, automating routine tasks, and assisting in identifying abnormalities, while radiologists continue to interpret results, advise colleagues, and provide nuanced patient care.

At the Mayo Clinic, the adoption of AI has focused on supporting radiologists rather than replacing them. The department has grown by 55% since 2016 and invested in a dedicated AI team that collaborates closely with clinicians. For example, Dr. Theodora Potretzke uses an AI tool to measure kidney volume quickly and accurately, saving her 15 to 30 minutes per case and improving consistency. AI models are integrated throughout the workflow, from enhancing image capture to flagging potential abnormalities, allowing radiologists to prioritize cases and provide more informed interpretations.

Looking ahead, experts see AI and radiologists working as partners, combining their strengths. The Mayo Clinic is developing algorithms that detect conditions like pancreatic cancer years earlier than traditional methods, illustrating AI’s potential to uncover subtle patterns beyond human vision. Leaders like Dr. John Halamka and Dr. Hinton emphasize that AI will soon be a standard part of medical imaging, boosting efficiency and accuracy while keeping human expertise central to patient care.

(The New York Times, May 14)

2. New study finds 1 in 10 physicians suffering from burnout

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that about one in 10 US internal medicine physicians report experiencing a high degree of burnout. The research, led by Dr. Nathan Houchens of the University of Michigan Medical School, surveyed 629 physicians across various geographic regions, clinical settings, and facility types. Results showed that nearly 10% of respondents met the criteria for significant burnout across all three key domains.

The study found no meaningful differences in burnout rates based on work environment or specialty. Physicians at community medical centers, Veterans Affairs facilities, and academic medical centers reported similar levels of burnout, as did primary care doctors and hospitalists. Likewise, burnout prevalence was comparable among those working exclusively in inpatient or outpatient settings. Geographically, rates were generally consistent across most US regions except in the West, where burnout was notably higher at just above 15%.

These findings highlight that burnout among internal medicine physicians remains a widespread issue unrelated to specific practice contexts or geographic location. The study emphasizes the ongoing challenge healthcare systems face in addressing physician well-being and underscores the need for broad strategies to support internal medicine doctors across all settings.

(Physicians Weekly, May 7)

3. How AI is helping facilities fight physician burnout 

As it turns out, artificial intelligence might be one of the best scribes in the room. With physicians spending up to 55% of their day wrangling documentation instead of treating patients, AI is stepping in to lighten the load, and it’s making a difference.

Voice AI and ambient clinical intelligence tools now go above transcribing. They understand context, terminology, and even specialty-specific lingo. Some systems passively listen to patient visits and auto-generate structured notes. Early results show up to 30% burnout reduction and productivity boosts that save physicians over 40 hours a month. Clinicians are finding more time for care, less time with keyboards.

From streamlining referrals to real-time decision support, AI replaces busywork, not physicians. While hurdles like integration and privacy remain, healthcare leaders are betting that AI can help providers focus on what only humans can do: care, connect, and use their judgment.

(Unite AI, April 28)

4. Should nurse practitioners consider an adult-gerontology acute care NP certificate?

With the over-65 crowd on track to outnumber kids by 2034, nurse practitioners are sharpening their skills to meet demand in high-acuity hospital settings. Cue the rise of the adult-gerontology acute care NP certificate (AGACNP). It might be a mouthful, but it’s a game-changer for NPs who want to level up.

The AGACNP certification deepens clinical expertise and confidence by providing targeted education in advanced judgment, diagnostic reasoning, and autonomous practice. For working NPs, programs like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s (UWM) 12-month, mostly online certificate are designed to balance career, life, and education, with practicum placements supported by the school. Alumni praise the program for enhancing their skills and preparing them for hospital-based roles, emphasizing that specialty certification matches the complexity of patient needs in acute care.

Specialty certification is fast becoming the norm for acute care roles. And with hospitals nationwide searching for advanced practice providers trained to manage older and critically ill patients, this credential can give NPs a serious edge.

(University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, May 13)

5. What can you expect from semi-retirement?

Post pandemic, more and more physicians are considering semi-retiring: Staying licensed and working a little, while having the vast majority of time for themselves. After 25 years of semi-retirement, former chief medical officer Anthony Ellis has a few things to say about stepping back without fully stepping away. He’s traded boardrooms for hiking trails and reports better health, more time with family, and a surprising sense of peace. The only catch? Retirement math doesn’t always go as planned.

Ellis underestimated inflation, healthcare costs, and kid-related curveballs like helping with grad school tuition. That meant staying in the part-time game a little longer than expected. His current financial playbook includes no life or disability insurance and an investment strategy focused on protecting his money while generating steady returns.

He doesn’t miss the admin stress or 60-hour weeks; he just wishes he could return and give himself some advice. He recommends knowing what you’re retiring to, not just what you’re retiring from. Purpose matters whether it’s a second home, a travel goal, or a slower-paced clinic schedule. Retirement’s not perfect, but it can be great with the right mindset and a solid spreadsheet.

(White Coat Investor, May 19)

6. PA Salaries and Influence Continue To Rise

Physician assistants are seeing a solid pay bump in 2025. The American Academy of Physician Associates reports that median compensation jumped over 5% to $134,000, up from $127,000 in 2023. Hourly rates also climbed to $75. According to AAPA President Jason Prevelige, it’s a sign that employers increasingly trust PAs to deliver high-quality care amid rising patient demand.

The report breaks it down by geography and specialty. While California, Hawaii, and Alaska offer top-line salaries, adjusted cost-of-living numbers favor Oklahoma, Michigan, and Missouri. Hospital-based PAs earn a median of $140,000, and nearly 90% of all PAs continue to practice in metro areas. In rural regions, primary care is still the name of the game.

Telehealth is also having a moment. Nearly half of PAs used telemedicine in 2024, compared to just under 10% before the pandemic. Among primary care PAs, usage hits 76%. With almost 60% of the profession under age 40, the growth potential and earning power are strong.

(American Academy of Physician Associates, April 30)

7. Rural rotations help close physician gaps in northern Minnesota

Sanford Health is giving emergency medicine and psychiatry residents from Hennepin Healthcare a month-long taste of small-town practice to chip away at the rural physician shortage. In Bemidji, Minnesota, residents work and live in a community of about 15,000, gaining hands-on experience with rural care’s unique pressures and opportunities.

From stabilizing patients for transfer to making critical decisions without on-demand specialists, the rotation builds skills that city-based training often skips. Sanford sweetens the deal with furnished housing and local engagement, and early results are promising. Some residents say the experience sparked interest in rural practice or a return visit.

The program supports broader efforts by the AMA to tackle rural staffing shortfalls, as many current providers eye retirement. By partnering with an academic center, Sanford can train more residents than a solo rural program would allow. Plans are in motion to add internal medicine and surgery rotations next. 

(American Medical Association, May 1)