Physician Adoption of AI Doubles as Confidence in Technology Grows

New AMA survey finds over 80% of doctors now use AI, up from 38% in 2023, as they see benefits but also express concerns

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:19am

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A new survey from the American Medical Association's Center for Digital Health and AI found that physician adoption of augmented intelligence (AI) has more than doubled since 2023, with over 80% of doctors now using AI in their practices. While physicians are cautiously optimistic about AI's potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and work efficiency, they also have concerns about patient privacy, the integrity of the patient-physician relationship, and potential skill loss - especially among early-career doctors.

Why it matters

The rapid growth in AI adoption among physicians highlights the technology's increasing role in transforming medical practice, but also raises important questions about how to ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly to enhance rather than replace the expertise of human doctors.

The details

The AMA's annual Physician Survey on Augmented Intelligence found that the average number of AI use cases per physician has grown from 1.1 in 2023 to 2.3 in 2026, with the most common applications centered on medical research summarization and clinical documentation. While over 75% of doctors now believe AI improves their ability to care for patients, up from 65% in 2023, 40% still have balanced attitudes that are equally excited and concerned about the technology. Top concerns include patient privacy, the patient-physician relationship, and potential skill loss, especially among early-career doctors.

  • The AMA has conducted the Physician Survey on Augmented Intelligence annually since 2023.
  • The 2026 survey results were released on March 12, 2026.

The players

American Medical Association (AMA)

The AMA is a professional association of physicians and medical students that advocates for the medical profession and provides resources and education to support doctors.

John Whyte, MD, MPH

The CEO of the AMA, who emphasized the importance of designing AI to enhance rather than replace physicians.

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What they’re saying

“AI has quickly become part of everyday medical practice. Physicians see real promise in its ability to support clinical decisions and cut down on administrative burden. But as this technology advances, it is critical that augmented intelligence be designed to enhance – not replace – physicians.”

— John Whyte, CEO, American Medical Association

What’s next

The AMA's Center for Digital Health and AI will continue to advocate for the development of high-quality, clinically validated AI that is deployed responsibly and with patient safety as the top priority.

The takeaway

While the rapid growth in physician adoption of AI reflects the technology's increasing role in healthcare, it also highlights the need to ensure AI is designed and implemented in a way that enhances rather than replaces the expertise of human doctors, addressing key concerns around patient privacy, the patient-physician relationship, and potential skill loss.