Physician shortage narrows as industry adds GME slots, APPs

June 11, 2021

ALEX KACIK

The projected physician shortage narrowed as more students gain access to graduate medical education and a growing number of advanced practice practitioners join the workforce, according to a new report.

By 2034, there will be an estimated shortage of 17,800 to 48,000 primary-care physicians and 21,000 to 77,100 specialists, the Association of American Medical Colleges projected. That was down from its 2020 report, which indicated that there would be a shortage of 21,400 to 55,200 primary-care physicians and 33,700 to 86,700 specialists by 2033.

PROJECTED PHYSICIAN SHORTAGES

A new report estimates a physician shortage of between 37,800 to 124,000 by the year 2034

See full article for interactive graph here.

ESTIMATED SHORTAGES IN 2034

By physician type

Type Low estimate High estimate
Primary care 17,800 48,000
Non-primary care 21,000 77,100
Medical specialties 3,800 13,400
Surgical specialties 15,800 30,200
Other specialties 10,300 35,600
Hospitalist* -7,000 -2,700

* Includes hospitalists trained in primary care only