AI can replace doctors but not nurses, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says

Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind Technologies

AI might be creeping into every corner of our lives, answering emails, editing photos, writing code — but can it really take over our hospitals too? According to Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, the answer is complicated.

Speaking about the future of artificial intelligence, Hassabis said that some of the most dramatic changes are expected in the next five to ten years. And healthcare, he believes, is at the heart of that transformation.

When asked if AI could one day perform all the tasks that humans can, he made a striking observation: while AI might be able to do the work of doctors, it can’t replace nurses.

Why the difference? Hassabis explained that AI systems are getting incredibly good at processing medical data — faster and often more accurately than humans. Machines can now read scans, sift through test results, and even suggest treatment plans. In the near future, this kind of support could become a regular part of a doctor’s toolkit, or in some cases, even take over certain diagnostic responsibilities.

But nursing, he said, is different. Nurses don’t just deliver medication or monitor vital signs — they provide emotional support, reassurance, and a human connection that patients often need the most. “AI can’t hold someone’s hand,” is the sentiment behind his message. In other words, there’s no algorithm for empathy.

His comments come as the world grapples with AI’s rapid growth. Tech leaders like Amazon’s Andy Jassy and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang have warned of major disruptions to the job market. Some roles will disappear, others will evolve, and entirely new ones may be born.

But at least in healthcare, Hassabis believes one thing is clear: robots might help you get a diagnosis, but it’s a nurse who’ll help you feel better.