I left full-time traditional Chinese medicine for AI engineering. My base pay rose 30% — and breaking in wasn't difficult.

In an era where technology intertwines with every field, one former traditional Chinese medicine physician is making waves as an AI engineer at a medtech startup in Singapore. Benjamin Leong, 31, transitioned from a clinical career to the tech industry, experiencing a significant 30% increase in his salary. Leong's journey began with a fascination for medicine, which initially led him to traditional Chinese medicine after he didn't gain admission to medical school. His interest in programming was piqued during a biostatistics course, but it wasn't until 2020 that he committed to developing his coding skills. A rigorous 16-hour Python programming course ignited a passion for programming that he hadn't fully pursued before. By 2022, Leong was balancing his medical practice with part-time studies in computer science. This dual focus allowed him to connect with a medtech AI company, aligning his medical knowledge with his burgeoning tech skills. In 2024, he officially stepped into his role as an AI engineer. The shift from treating patients to engaging in project management and technical problem-solving has been a notable adjustment. While physicians primarily focus on direct patient care, Leong now navigates the complexities of coding, version control, and collaborative workflows in a startup environment. He emphasizes that effective communication with clinical professionals remains crucial, as his background helps bridge the gap between the technical team and healthcare providers. Despite the challenges of project management and long-term planning in his new role, Leong finds fulfillment in shaping the products that can benefit clinicians and patients alike. He still occasionally practices traditional Chinese medicine, maintaining a connection to his roots. With a base salary of around $4,000 Singapore dollars (approximately $3,100), Leong reflects on the risks of joining an early-stage startup. However, his financial stability and passion for AI provided the confidence needed to make this significant career shift. He believes that the barriers to entering the AI field have diminished, with abundant online resources and tools like ChatGPT available to aspiring learners. A willingness to learn and adapt is now more important than ever, as the industry continues to evolve rapidly.