Emerging Challenges
Despite these advances, the medical field faces systemic pressures in 2026:
Workforce Shortages: A projected global shortfall of 11 million health workers is driving the urgent adoption of automation and robotics to maintain clinical throughput.
AI Governance: With the rise of "shadow AI" (unauthorized AI use by staff), 2026 is being called the "Year of Governance," as institutions implement strict frameworks to ensure algorithmic transparency and patient safety.