The Hire Connection: 5 Signs The Physician Shortage Is Already Here

Medical news sources have been warning of the impending physician shortage for years. They have cited various numbers, such as the AAMC's prediction that the U.S. will be short approximately 46,000-90,000 physicians by 2025. However, as professional medical recruiters who spend every day in the medical recruiting field, we can attest that the physician shortage is not a far-off danger looming in the distance - it's already here. Consequently, it's more important than ever to enlist a professional medical recruiting firm to help you stay ahead of the curve.

5 Signs The Physician Shortage Is Already Here

1. Many Of Today's Physicians Are Close To Retirement
Because many of today's physicians are part of the baby boomer generation, there is a staggering number of physicians who are quickly approaching retirement. According to a 2015 report from Becker's Hospital Review, one in three U.S. physicians is over the age of 65. As these individuals retire, they will leave a significant hole in the physician workforce.

2. The Number Of Elderly Individuals Seeking Consistent Primary Care Is Increasing
Unfortunately, many of the people seeking medical help are also a part of the baby boomer generation. A report by KevinMD estimated that the geriatric population would double between 2014 and 2016. At the same time that a huge generation begins to need consistent primary care, the doctors they rely on are beginning to retire (and, in some cases, start to need professional care themselves).

3. More People Have Health Insurance
Thanks to the introduction of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, more Americans purchased health insurance than ever before. This increased coverage has led to a significant increase in the number of patients seeking care at private and public healthcare facilities - a trend that we expect to continue in the future. Though it was surely an accidental consequence, the introduction of the Affordable Care Act has definitely contributed to the physician shortage.

4. There Are Not Enough Residency Training Openings
The number of medical schools has increased since the early 2000s, leading to a larger number of medical school graduates. Unfortunately, this alone is not enough to combat the physician shortage - in order to become licensed, practicing physicians, these graduates must complete residency programs. However, the number of available residency programs has not increased (mainly because of budgeting issues).

5. The Number Of Up-And-Coming Physicians Is Not Keeping Up With The Number Of Retiring Physicians

Though there may be a greater number of graduates with the letters "MD" after their names, the poor supply of residency positions has prevented the number of new physicians from offsetting the number of retiring physicians. It takes any given student a minimum of 7-8 years of schooling and residency training after their undergraduate degree before they can become licensed, practicing physicians. With amount of time required to become a doctor, the new physicians coming into the workforce are not able to keep up with the older ones who are leaving.

Contact The Hire Connection For Help Overcoming The Physician Shortage!

The shortage is already here, but we haven't seen the worst of it yet. The patterns are expected to continue over the next decade, culminating at the worst physician shortage the United States has ever seen. Don't get caught without the staff you need to run a successful practice - contact our physician recruiting experts today to begin recruiting the best practitioners in the job market. We will be here to take the weight off of your shoulders!

The Hire Connection Team