The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians, with the largest disparities being in the area of specialty doctors.

The study conducted in 2019 prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but published this month, also focused on the rise in clinician burnout. Even before the pandemic, 40% of U.S. physicians felt burned out at least once a week.

AAMC Report Reinforces Mounting Physician Shortage

Other highlights:

·      More than two out of every five active physicians in the U.S. will reach the age of 65 or older within 10 years.

·      Primary care shortages will range between 17,800 and 48,000 physicians.

·      Within specialties, surgical shortages will be one of the highest, between 15,800 and 30,200 physicians. (e.g., general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic surgery)

·      Medical specialties (e.g., cardiology, oncology, infectious diseases, pulmonology): Between 3,800 and 13,400 physicians.

·      Other specialties (e.g., anesthesiology, neurology, emergency medicine, addiction medicine): Between 10,300 and 35,600 physicians