NEJM: Physician Shortages in the Specialties Taking a Toll

The physician shortage has not been lacking in recent press, particularly with the impending changes healthcare reform promises to contribute to the current shortage. Although most of the press has targeted the primary care shortage, there is a shortage in specialists and surgeons as well. The aging population and retirement of the baby boomers is one factor that will contribute to the increase in specialists, particularly those that specialize in older adult care. Some of the obvious specialties that care for older adults are Cardiology, Critical Care, Diagnostic Radiology, Oncology, and Orthopedic Surgery. Shortages in Dermatology, General Surgery, Neurology, Psychiatry, Urology, and Vascular Surgery are also predicted to increase in demand and therefore shortage. There is also a significant shortage amongst pediatric physicians in nearly all specialties. The shortage of specialists has translated to more competitive employment offers, particularly in underserved areas. In its June 2010 report on non-primary care specialty shortages, AAMCs Center for Workforce Studies ventured a dire prediction for the decade ahead: a current deficit of 33% in surgical specialties, and an undersupply of 33,100 surgeons and other specialists by 2015, increasing to 46,100 by 2020. In addition, one third of U.S. practicing physicians are expected to retire over the next decade. Suggestions for how to address the specialty shortage range from training incentives to early medical students to government assistance. Read the full article in the New England Journal of Medicine, or click here: http://www.nejmjobs.org/career-resources/physician-shortages-in-the-specialties-taking-a-toll.aspx