Physician shortages and medical deserts are intensifying health disparities in the United States, particularly affecting older Americans and marginalized communities. The lack of diversity among healthcare providers exacerbates the issue, as studies indicate patients from underserved groups are more satisfied and adhere better to medical advice when treated by doctors with similar life experiences.
The American Medical Association President, Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH, has emphasized the urgency of the national physician shortage, which is already limiting access to care for millions. The shortage is expected to worsen, with a projected shortfall of at least 37,000 physicians. Contributing factors include administrative burdens, burnout, and a broken Medicare payment system.
Women and underrepresented individuals in medicine (URiM) are more likely to express interest in working with medically underserved populations, suggesting that cultivating a diverse pipeline of physicians is crucial for addressing healthcare needs and disparities.
Racial and ethnic disparities in health and healthcare persist, with Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations faring worse than White people across various health measures. These disparities are rooted in structural and systemic inequities, including social determinants of health.
Medical deserts, areas with inadequate access to healthcare services, are prevalent in both rural and urban settings. These deserts are often found in regions with higher rates of Medicaid and Medicare patients or those without health insurance. Over 1,000 hospitals have closed since 1975, predominantly in rural areas, further limiting access to emergency and specialized medical services.
Efforts to address the physician shortage include increasing residency training options, providing greater student loan support, and creating smoother pathways for foreign-trained physicians. Additionally, policies such as the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021 aim to add more federally-supported medical residency positions[3][18].
To realize health equity and meet the nation’s healthcare needs, it is imperative to address the physician shortage and the underrepresentation of certain groups in the healthcare workforce, while also tackling the broader social and economic factors that drive health disparities.
