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AI Is Not Going to Replace Doctors, It’s Going to Empower Them: Dr Mehmet Oz
During a visit to AtlantiCare, CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA, called for rural health systems to modernize IT infrastructure through the $50 billion Rural Transformation Fund, including through artificial intelligence (AI).
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CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, MBA, delivered a clear message during his visit to AtlantiCare in Atlantic City, New Jersey: artificial intelligence (AI) is not here to replace health care professionals—it’s here to support them.
Touring a federally qualified health center and meeting with health system leaders and elected officials, Oz highlighted how AI and digital tools can help rural and underserved communities overcome long-standing infrastructure and access challenges.
“AI is not going to replace doctors, it’s going to empower doctors,” he exclusively told The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) during the tour. “It’s not going to take nurses out of the equation, it’s going to give nurses information that supports navigation tools to make their jobs more efficient.”
Oz emphasized the growing need for modern IT infrastructure in rural hospitals, many of which lack basic digital capabilities to keep up with rising patient demand. He also pointed to the $50 billion Rural Transformation Fund as a chance to rebuild essential infrastructure and increase patient engagement.
“There are many parts of the system that are broken, but I don’t want to waste this crisis,” he said. “I think we have a wonderful opportunity to address the underlying infrastructure challenges that our nation faces, and programs like this are shining examples of how we can do that well.”
Oz described AI as a tool that can “nudge” patients, reinforce provider instructions, and improve communication between visits. However, he warned that these benefits depend on ensuring providers have access to technology and training, calling for smarter investments that combine human-centered care with digital efficiency.
Michael Charlton, MHL, president and CEO of AtlantiCare, and State Senator Vincent Polistina (R, New Jersey) echoed support, citing the region’s rural needs and commitment to medical workforce development. At the center of the conversation was a shared belief that technology must enhance—not erode—compassionate care.
“There are ideas in other parts of the country that could be used here as well,” Oz said. “If we do this together, we’ll lift all the boats, because the tide’s coming in.”
