Can one achieve the same quality in using a medium format when using a digital camera and imaging software?

HI,
I am a great fan of b&w photography and considering purchasing a camera to
just do that. I am torn between going for a medium format or just going for
a high pixel digital camera. I know most of you here would argue you could
never replicate the quality of what you'll get on a negative in a digital
picture, but isn't that what the future is going to be as far as newer model
cameras are concerned?
Apkesh