Projected physician shortage continues to grow

The estimated shortage of US physicians in primary and specialty care by 2033 continues to grow according to data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

The projected shortages of between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians by 2033 increased from last years estimated shortage of between 46,900 to 121,900 physicians by 2032

The sixth annual study by the AAMC included supply and demand scenarios but was conducted prior to the start of the pandemic.

“This annual analysis continues to show that our country will face a significant shortage of physicians in the coming years,” said AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD in a press release. “The gap between the country’s increasing health care demands and the supply of doctors to adequately respond has become more evident as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenge of having enough doctors to serve our communities will get even worse as the nation’s population continues to grow and age.”

Read the full report here.