OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes that healthcare jobs, particularly those requiring deep human connection like nursing, will likely be immune to AI disruption. According to Altman, roles that involve empathy and human interaction, such as nursing, will persist despite advancing AI capabilities. This is because people want human connection, especially in times of need, no matter how good AI advice may be.
The healthcare sector is emerging as a safe harbor for professionals, with 5.2 million new jobs projected over the next decade. Senior care and disability services are expected to grow by 21%, adding over 528,000 jobs by 2034. In August 2025, the sector added 31,000 jobs, with a 12-month average of 42,000 jobs per month.
While healthcare enjoys relative protection, other sectors face more immediate disruption. Customer support roles conducted via phone or computer may face significant disruption, with Altman predicting that AI will take over these jobs. Programming jobs, however, present a more complex scenario, with AI tools increasing developer productivity while creating uncertainty about long-term employment impacts.¹ ²
Altman emphasizes that emotional intelligence and empathy remain distinctly human advantages in an increasingly automated world. Companies prioritizing emotional intelligence outperform peers by 85% in sales growth, highlighting the continued value of human interpersonal skills.
