As the integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace continues to evolve, many professionals are questioning how to effectively “AI-proof” their careers. While the technology is still in its early stages, industry experts suggest that the impact of automation will vary significantly across different sectors, with human-centric roles often proving the most resilient.
In the healthcare sector, Hira Malik, a superintendent pharmacist and co-founder of Oushk Pharmacy, notes that while administrative roles—such as prescription processing, medical secretarial work, and call handling—are vulnerable to automation, prescribing clinicians remain essential. Malik emphasizes that doctors, nurses, and pharmacists carry the ultimate responsibility for patient safety and treatment decisions. While AI can assist by flagging risks or organizing data, it cannot replace the clinical judgment required for patient care. Similarly, Dr. Riaz Agha, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, argues that plastic surgery is too individualised for total replacement, though he acknowledges that specialties like radiology are more susceptible to AI-driven diagnostic tools. His advice is that future doctors should learn how to use AI “properly and understand both its strengths and limitations”.
Education and childcare are also identified as fields where human interaction remains irreplaceable. Sharath Jeevan, founder of Oxford University’s Generational Success Lab, asserts that teaching is a strong career choice because students will always require trusted adult relationships. Likewise, Brett Wigdortz, CEO of the childcare agency Tiney, highlights that parents prefer human beings to care for their children, making childminding one of the careers least likely to be entirely overtaken by technology.
The legal profession is currently undergoing a significant transition as AI takes over routine tasks such as document review, drafting, and form completion. Pierre Proner, chief executive of Lawhive, suggests that while these tasks are well-suited for AI, the roles of junior lawyers will not disappear but will instead evolve. He expects junior staff to focus earlier on legal judgment, client interaction, and the supervision of AI agents. Brett Dixon, vice-president of the Law Society of England and Wales, agrees, noting that automation could allow junior lawyers more time to engage with complex legal issues. Furthermore, Proner suggests that by lowering the cost of delivering legal services, AI could potentially increase the overall availability of legal jobs. However, AI will not eliminate entry-level legal jobs. Some legal areas that are less routine, such as family law or litigation, are less directly affected by AI. However, Proner believes AI agents are still extremely competent at helping a lawyer prepare for a court case, and for running the back office of a law firm more efficiently.
For those entering the workforce, the consensus among experts is clear: proficiency in AI is becoming as essential as traditional digital skills. Employers are increasingly evaluating candidates based on their ability to work alongside AI, including their familiarity with AI prompts and agents. As traditional training paths shift due to automation, graduates are encouraged to embrace these new tools to stay competitive in an shifting professional landscape.
She says the impact will fall on admin-led healthcare roles where staff are working with set forms, records or patient queries, rather than making clinical decisions. In online pharmacy, that could include checking consultation forms, chasing missing details, processing prescription requests, triaging standard patient queries or routing cases to a pharmacist. While these positions are unlikely to disappear completely, many of the tasks they involve could become automated.
According to Agha, radiology is a speciality “which is particularly vulnerable”. He says: “There have now been many studies showing that AI can interpret scans with extremely high levels of accuracy and reliability. That does not necessarily mean radiologists disappear, but their role may evolve significantly.”
