‘It’s going to drive quality’: AI more of a help than a threat, young professionals say

Tess Duke, a second-year medical student at Trinity College Dublin, argues AI will never fully replace human connection in healthcare. She highlights AI’s benefits in reducing false positives in mammograms and diagnosing conditions like endometriosis earlier, though she stresses the need for human oversight in reviewing results and patient interactions. Duke, who plans to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, believes AI may assist in ultrasound analysis but doubts it will replace human care in maternal and neonatal contexts. The Department of Enterprise’s 2024 report, *Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?*, found that while two-thirds of professionals work in roles highly exposed to AI, they are also the most likely to adapt by integrating AI tools to increase productivity. The report emphasizes the need for workers to develop skills to use AI effectively as a supporting technology. Accountancy, often perceived as vulnerable to AI disruption, shows mixed reactions. A 2023 survey by Chartered Accountants Worldwide revealed 80% of students and young professionals believe AI will benefit their careers, compared to just 47% of those over 55. Recruitment firm Morgan McKinley noted AI’s growing impact on graduate hiring, while Tufts University research estimated 8% of accountants could face job loss. Nifemi Roberts, a 27-year-old UCD graduate and former PwC trainee, now works at Dublin-based fintech Fenergo. She observes AI streamlining tasks like summarizing meetings and interpreting Revenue regulations, calling it a tool for low-value but necessary work. Roberts acknowledges AI’s limitations but sees it as a starting point for more efficient decision-making, aligning with her company’s focus on AI integration. Despite concerns about AI errors and bias, Duke and Roberts both view the technology as a complementary asset. Duke expects ongoing improvements in AI research to address ethical issues, while Roberts highlights its role in freeing professionals from repetitive tasks. Both emphasize human judgment remains essential in fields requiring empathy and complex decision-making.