The physician shortage is a daunting issue that affects every one of us. For healthcare professionals, it means increased stress. Facilities face the challenge of maintaining the same high-quality care they have always provided with fewer hands to help. The growing shortage poses a serious risk to those seeking healthcare — in short, everyone.
Although possible solutions are already being discussed by healthcare professionals, we know projections may seem overwhelming. The good news is that there are solutions on the horizon.
In the following sections, we will explore the projected physician shortage by specialty along with key statistics, projections, and potential solutions to help those in the healthcare field navigate this challenge and prepare for the future.
Table of Contents
- Are There Physician Shortages Among Various Specialties in the US?
- Common Reasons for Physician Shortages in the US
- Projections Regarding Physician Shortages by Specialty
- Solutions for Facing Physician Shortages
- Combat Physician Shortages With the Help of Trusted Locum Staffing
Are There Physician Shortages Among Various Specialties in the US?
Yes, physician shortages are a growing concern across various specialties in the United States, and several factors contribute to this trend. Key drivers include inadequate funding, the COVID-19 pandemic’s toll on healthcare systems, physician burnout, and the rising cost of medical education. Projections estimate a shortfall of 37,800-124,000 physicians within the next decade.
To better understand the scope of the biggest physician shortages by specialty and their impact on healthcare delivery, let’s explore the medical specialties that are projected to face the most significant challenges in the future.
Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery will face a significant shortage in the coming years, largely due to the growing demand for care driven by an aging population and comorbidities. Two-thirds of older Americans suffer from cardiovascular disease, and widespread diseases such as obesity only increase the number of cardiothoracic patients.
With the US elderly population expected to nearly double by 2030 and the increase of obese patients, the demand for cardiothoracic care will only intensify.
Primary Care
Statistics show that more than 44,000 primary care physicians will be needed by 2035. To counteract the projected shortages, primary care residency production must increase by 21%. This number may substantially increase if reductions to the ratio of population per primary care physician take place.
Psychiatry
The psychiatrist shortage is exacerbated by low job satisfaction and high burnout rates among mental health professionals worldwide. Approximately 5% of professionals treat only inpatients, and about 15% provide only child and adolescent services.
After the American Psychiatric Association was established in 1944, a great number of professionals chose psychiatry as their field of specialty, but now there is a substantial proportion of professionals who are nearing the end of their careers without as many needed replacements on the horizon.
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is projected to experience a significant physician shortage by 2035, with supply expected to decrease by 12% while demand increases by 24%. This creates a 30% workforce inadequacy, with notable geographic disparities — rural areas are projected to have 77% workforce adequacy, while metro and nonmetro regions face only 29% adequacy.
This projected shortage, driven by a combination of an aging workforce and increasing demand for eye care, could significantly impact access to care, particularly in underserved areas.
Nephrology
The increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease, an aging population, and the rising burden of diabetes and hypertension are putting significant pressure on this specialty.
Additionally, nephrology has seen declining interest among medical trainees, compounded by insufficient exposure to the field during medical education and limited career incentives.
Cardiology
The growing and aging US population, combined with an increase in cardiovascular disease and the public being more informed about cardiac conditions, may lead to patients seeking direct access to cardiology specialists.
Innovations in cardiac procedures and new medications with potential side effects are also driving demand for specialized cardiologists with advanced skills.
Allergy & Immunology
Allergy and immunology is projected to face a physician shortage due to a growing demand for specialists and a decline in supply. It was projected that the number of allergists/immunologists would decrease by 7% from 2006 to 2020, while demand for their services was expected to rise by 35%.
This supply and demand mismatch is partly attributed to limitations in graduate medical education (GME) funding, particularly due to a rule from the 1990s that caps the total number of GME slots, further hindering efforts to train new specialists.
Occupational Medicine
Occupational medicine is projected to experience a significant physician shortage in the coming decade, with an estimated need for 4,600 to 6,700 board-certified or eligible physicians, but a supply of only 1,200 to 1,500. This shortage, totaling a deficit of 3,100 to 5,500 physicians, is due in part to the evolving nature of the specialty and the limited number of professionals entering the field.
To address this gap, graduate specialty training in occupational and environmental medicine would need to increase by three to five times its current capacity.
Common Reasons for Physician Shortages in the US
The US physician shortage by specialty is driven by several key factors, many of which are interconnected:
- Many doctors are nearing retirement age, and there are not enough younger physicians entering the workforce to replace them. For instance, 45% of all practicing neurosurgeons are more than 55 years old.
- Long hours, high patient volumes, and constant administrative work are taking a toll on doctors, leading some to cut back on hours or leave the profession altogether because of physician burnout.
- The average medical school student graduates with nearly $200,000 in debt, which can deter medical students from pursuing specialties that offer lower salaries.
- The demand for healthcare services is growing rapidly and putting more pressure on an already stretched physician workforce. Physicians report needing at least 50% more time with patients when conducting physical examinations.
Projections Regarding Physician Shortages by Specialty
According to the Health Resources & Services Administration’s projections, these issues are expected to result in a nationwide shortage of approximately 81,180 full-time equivalent (FTE) physicians by 2035.
- Among the most significant gaps are primary care physicians, with a projected shortage ranging from 17,800 to 48,000 physicians by 2034.
- Thoracic Surgery: Only 69% of the required supply is projected, resulting in a 31% shortage.
- Ophthalmology: Only 70% of the required supply is projected, creating a 30% shortage.
- Nephrology: Only 79% of the required supply is projected, leading to a 21% shortage.
- Cardiology, General Internal Medicine, Urology: Only 83% of the required supply is projected, causing a 17% shortage.
- Anesthesiology: Only 93% of the required supply is projected, resulting in a 7% shortage.
Solutions for Facing Physician Shortages
Physician shortages are a real concern; therefore, several solutions have been proposed:
- Increasing funding for residency programs: Programs may start accommodating more trainees, particularly in rural or high-need areas.
- Leveraging interdisciplinary teams: Assigning more responsibilities to nurse practitioners and physician assistants will help doctors manage routine care.
- Implementing work-life balance policies: These are aimed at reducing physician burnout and enhancing job satisfaction, particularly in high-stress specialties.
- Forgiving student loans: If medical students were relieved of financial burdens, they might be more likely to choose specialties that are currently underserved instead of making career decisions based on their debt load.
- Partnering with Trusted Locum Staffing: Hiring locum tenens can help alleviate physician shortages by providing flexible staffing solutions that ensure healthcare facilities can maintain adequate staffing levels and meet care needs.
At Trusted Locum Staffing, we specialize in providing “white glove” concierge services that make the entire hiring process effortless for both healthcare professionals and facilities. Reach out to Trusted Locum Staffing today to simplify your staffing solutions so you can be ready for the future of healthcare.
Trusted Locum Staffing Offers Solutions for Dealing With the Physician Shortage Across Different Specialties
Tackling the physician shortage calls for innovative solutions, and partnering with Trusted Locum Staffing offers valuable benefits for PA, MD, and NP professionals as well as healthcare facilities, all while ensuring high-quality care.
Here are some of the ways Trusted Locum Staffing can help address the physician shortage and provide effective solutions for you and your healthcare facility.
Wide Pool of Talent
Our talented advisors assist healthcare facilities in quickly finding qualified candidates to meet the demands of various specialties while providing flexibility in staffing and helping to address shortages effectively.
With a broad range of professionals available, facilities can secure the right fit for their specific needs, ensuring quality care for patients.
Flexible Staffing
Locum tenens professionals offer healthcare facilities the ability to adjust staffing levels based on current needs without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.
Whether covering for a physician on leave, filling gaps during peak times, or managing short-term increases in patient volume, locum tenens allow for quick, efficient staffing solutions.
Quick Hiring Process
Unlike traditional hiring, which can involve lengthy recruitment cycles and delays, the process of securing locum tenens professionals is streamlined and efficient. Facilities can rapidly connect with qualified candidates, often filling healthcare staffing gaps in a matter of days.
The streamlined process not only saves valuable time but also reduces the stress and administrative burden of managing staffing shortages.
Trusted Locum Staffing can help make this process even faster with our streamlined credentialing process, concierge care, and 24/7 support and advocacy services.
Continuity of Care
Locum tenens professionals help maintain continuity of care by quickly integrating into existing healthcare teams. These experienced professionals are trained to familiarize themselves rapidly with patient histories, treatment plans, and facility protocols, ensuring that patient care remains seamless.
As a result, patients experience minimal disruption in their treatment, which leads to improved long-term health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
Cost-Effectiveness
By utilizing temporary professionals, facilities can avoid the significant costs associated with permanent hires, such as recruitment fees, employee benefits, and long-term salaries. Locum tenens physicians also provide financial flexibility, allowing facilities to pay for coverage only when needed.
This allows the resources to be allocated efficiently while maintaining quality care without the additional financial burden.
Combat Physician Shortages With the Help of Trusted Locum Staffing
The physician shortage is a growing challenge, but you can be part of the solution by partnering with a locum tenens staffing agency.
Trusted Locum Staffing ensures a hassle-free experience by taking care of all the details, including travel planning, compliance assistance, payroll, and malpractice coverage. This allows your facility to focus on providing exceptional, high-quality care.
Reach out to us today for access to the best locum tenens professionals.
