The Psychological Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Physicians: A Practical Overview

By  Campion Quinn, MD

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the practice of medicine, from faster diagnoses to streamlining administrative tasks. Yet, for many physicians, integrating AI into their work comes with its own psychological hurdles. This essay explores these challenges and opportunities with relatable examples, actionable insights, and a focus on balancing the benefits and drawbacks of AI adoption.

Stress and Anxiety: Adapting to Change

Fear of Job Displacement

Imagine this: during the COVID-19 pandemic, AI systems quickly analyzed thousands of chest X-rays and CT scans, sometimes faster and more accurately than human radiologists. For example, AI tools achieved 96% accuracy in diagnosing lung conditions within seconds​.[1] While these tools are designed to assist—not replace—clinicians, the rapid pace of adoption has left many physicians wondering, “Will I still be needed in ten years?”

Overwhelmed by Technology

Adapting to new AI tools often feels like learning a foreign language. For example, electronic health record (EHR) systems enhanced with AI can provide real-time decision support but are notoriously difficult to navigate. Physicians already juggling full schedules might see learning these systems as an unwelcome burden​.[2]

Pressure to Keep Up

AI promises improved accuracy, but this can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. Take IBM Watson Health, which analyzes medical literature and patient data to recommend treatment options. If an AI suggests a course of action that contradicts a physician’s intuition, the pressure to meet AI’s “high standards” can be stressful.

Cognitive Overload: Too Much Data, Too Little Time

AI excels at presenting information—sometimes too much of it. For example, decision-support tools integrated into EHRs can generate pages of data, from predictive models to medication adherence scores. While this information is invaluable, sorting through it all can leave physicians feeling like they’re drowning in data​.²

Physicians often find themselves navigating between their own expertise and AI recommendations. For example, IBM Watson Health, a medical AI system, can analyze vast amounts of medical literature and patient data to suggest treatment options. According to Dr. Craig Thompson, president and CEO of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, "Watson, in preparation for this project, read every medical textbook available in the world. It then read the vast majority of medical journals for which they could get a license."[3]

This extensive knowledge base allows Watson to provide evidence-supported suggestions for patient care. The system's ability to process information quickly and comprehensively could lead to situations where its recommendations differ from a physician's initial assessment. As noted in one source, "Watson can read and analyze concepts in millions of pages of medical information in seconds, identify information that could be relevant to a decision facing a clinician, and offer options for the decision maker to consider."[4]  If the AI system flags a high probability of a rare disease based on patient symptoms, but your clinical judgment tells you otherwise. The mental strain of balancing these conflicting inputs can lead to stress and decision fatigue.

Impact on Professional Identity and Autonomy

Erosion of Autonomy

AI tools, like clinical decision support systems, often suggest specific treatment paths based on large datasets. While helpful, some physicians report feeling sidelined when algorithms override their clinical instincts. A common sentiment is, “Am I still in control of patient care?”​¹

A Shift in Identity

Many physicians’ roles as decision-makers are central to their professional identities. As AI takes on tasks like interpreting medical images or recommending treatments, some fear their unique skills could become less valued over time.

Opportunities: Enhancing Confidence and Reducing Burnout

Sharper Diagnoses

One area where AI truly shines is diagnostics. Consider AI systems in dermatology that analyze skin lesions. These tools have shown accuracy comparable to or exceeding that of board-certified dermatologists.[5] Knowing that AI has their back in challenging cases can boost physicians' confidence and ease the emotional burden of uncertainty​.¹

Less Time on Paperwork

AI can also reduce the administrative load. Tools like Nuance’s Dragon Medical One use voice recognition to transcribe notes directly into EHRs. Imagine finishing patient documentation in half the time, freeing up hours for direct patient care​.²

Ethical and Emotional Challenges

AI introduces complex moral questions. For example, physicians remain legally accountable if an AI tool recommends a treatment that results in harm. This can create significant stress, especially as physicians may lack complete control over the technology’s recommendations​.¹ Additionally, AI systems trained on biased datasets risk perpetuating healthcare inequities, further adding to physicians' moral burden.

Trust and Balance: Building Confidence in AI

Trust in AI systems takes time. Physicians must see consistent, reliable results to overcome skepticism. User-friendly designs and transparent algorithms can also go a long way in bridging this trust gap. For example, AI tools that clearly explain the reasoning behind their recommendations help physicians feel more in control​.²

Actionable Takeaways for Physicians

1. Start Small: Use AI for simple, repetitive tasks, such as automating appointment scheduling or transcribing patient notes.

2. Invest in Education: Attend workshops or webinars to familiarize yourself with AI technologies relevant to your specialty.

3. Advocate for Better Tools: Push for AI systems that are intuitive and designed with physician input.

4. Focus on Empathy: Use the time saved by AI to enhance patient relationships, focusing on listening and communication.

5. Collaborate with Colleagues: Share experiences and strategies for integrating AI into your practice to learn from each other.

Conclusion: Navigating AI with Confidence

AI is a powerful tool with the potential to enhance patient care, reduce administrative burdens, and improve diagnostic accuracy. However, its integration into healthcare also presents challenges, from stress and cognitive overload to ethical dilemmas. By embracing thoughtful implementation, investing in training, and advocating for patient-centered design, physicians can harness AI to complement—not replace—their expertise.

[1] Ghadiri P, et al. Primary care physicians’ perceptions of artificial intelligence in adolescents’ mental healthcare. BMC Primary Care. 2024;25:215.

[2] Waheed MA, Liu L. Perceptions of family physicians about applying AI in primary healthcare: Case study from Qatar. JMIR AI. 2024;3:e40781.

[3] Miller A. The future of health care could be elementary with Watson. CMAJ. 2013 Jun 11;185(9):E367-8. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.109-4442. Epub 2013 Apr 15. PMID: 23589429; PMCID: PMC3680569.

[4] Kohn MS, Sun J, Knoop S, Shabo A, Carmeli B, Sow D, Syed-Mahmood T, Rapp W. IBM's Health Analytics and Clinical Decision Support. Yearb Med Inform. 2014 Aug 15;9(1):154-62. doi: 10.15265/IY-2014-0002. PMID: 25123736; PMCID: PMC4287097.

[5] Esteva A, et al. Dermatologist-level classification of skin cancer with deep neural networks. Nature. 2017;542(7639):115-118.