Nvidia and the Rise of Radiologists: AI Boosts Employment

Artificial Intelligence: An Opportunity for Employment

Artificial intelligence is often perceived as a threat to jobs, but certain sectors, such as radiology, reveal a different reality. Far from destroying jobs, AI seems to be transforming and revitalizing certain professions.

Radiology: A Booming Sector

In 2020, the profession of radiologist appeared to be under threat from advancements in AI, particularly in the recognition of anomalies in X-rays. Pessimistic forecasts predicted the disappearance of the profession within five years. However, by 2026, the United States saw a record number of radiologists. In 2025, radiology residency programs offered 1,207 positions, marking a 4% increase compared to 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics even forecasts a 5% growth in radiology by 2034. In 2025, this medical specialty was the second highest-paid in the United States, with an average income of $520,000.

The Impact of AI on Radiology Demand

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, discussed this evolution during a podcast with Joe Rogan on December 3, 2025. Nvidia, a global leader in AI, has observed a colossal wave of innovations in radiology. With 700 FDA-approved models, AI has spurred demand for medical imaging. Patients, while trusting the models, still seek the advice of radiologists for consultation and care. Additionally, insurers often require human validation for reimbursement of consultations, further reinforcing the need for radiologists.

Reevaluating Alarmist Discourse on AI

The example of radiologists invites us to question the anxiety-inducing narratives surrounding AI. Unemployment rates in advanced AI countries, such as the United States (4.4%), China (5.3%), and South Korea (3.4%), show that the end of work is not imminent. Even in professions considered at risk, such as software development, the situation is far from catastrophic. In France, only 3% of developers reported being unemployed according to the 2025 Stack Overflow report.

Towards an Optimistic Future with AI

AI could profoundly transform our society, but it could also pave the way for a new Renaissance. It could free workers from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more exciting projects. Kai-Fu Lee, former president of Microsoft Asia and Google China, envisions that by 2050, AI will have liberated humanity from repetitive tasks, as well as from hunger and poverty. Thus, AI could indeed be a valuable ally for the future of work.

A Telling Example: Radiology

In 2020, the profession of radiologist seemed particularly threatened by advancements in artificial intelligence, especially in the United States. The progress in anomaly recognition in X-rays was exponential, and some pessimists predicted the end of this profession within five years. However, by 2026, the number of radiologists in the United States had never been higher. In 2025, radiology residency programs offered a record 1,207 positions, a 4% increase compared to 2024. Moreover, vacancy rates reached historic levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics even estimates that radiology will grow by 5% by 2034. In 2025, radiology was the second highest-paid medical specialty in the United States, with an average income of $520,000.

Growing Demand for Radiologists

This positive evolution for radiologists is explained by Jensen Huang, the head of Nvidia, during a podcast with Joe Rogan on December 3, 2025. Nvidia is the largest global company focused on artificial intelligence. A colossal AI wave has emerged in radiology, with 700 FDA-approved models and dozens of tools for detecting nodules, strokes, and breast and lung cancers. This wave has led to massive demand for medical imaging. People trusted the models, but they also wanted radiologists for consultation and care activities. Additionally, insurers often required validated human oversight to reimburse consultations. The end result: a tremendous victory for radiologists!

Questioning Alarmist Narratives

This example should prompt us to reflect and question the proliferation of alarmist narratives about artificial intelligence that predict the end of work. These narratives fuel a catastrophism that stifles reflection. Let’s first look at the unemployment rates in the most advanced countries in AI and robotics:

• USA: 4.4%
• China: 5.3%
• South Korea: 3.4%

We are far from the end of work! Even for professions often cited as threatened, such as software developers, the situation is not as dire. In France, according to the 2025 Stack Overflow report, only 3% of French developers reported being unemployed.

A Radically Optimistic Scenario

What would another scenario for employment look like? An optimistic scenario. Obviously, the wave of AI will profoundly change our civilization. Many jobs will be transformed, and some will be completely eliminated. But this could also lead to a new Renaissance. Imagine a world where everyone has the same powers as a leader like Steve Jobs, but on their own scale. A world where you have completed all the tedious parts of your job to focus on exciting projects. This world is not impossible. Work is an ultra-malleable concept that history has shaped for 3,000 years. Kai-Fu Lee, former president of Microsoft Asia and Google China, has the right words: "By 2050, artificial intelligence will have freed us from all routine tasks, just as it has from hunger and poverty." So, long live AI!