According to Time Magazine, the United States is experiencing a physician shortage largely due to the extensive requirements of becoming a physician, and the shortage is only expected to get worse. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the US could see a shortfall of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033.
“The physician shortage in the US has significantly affected healthcare, including longer wait times for appointments, limited access to care in underserved areas, increased burden on existing healthcare providers, and higher healthcare costs,” notes Dr. Adedayo Akande, President of University of Health Sciences Antigua. “Patients may experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, and those in underserved areas may not have access to a primary care physician.”
But the problem doesn’t stop there: “This leads to a reliance on emergency departments and clinics for routine care,” Akande explains. “Due to the heavier workload, existing healthcare providers may experience burnout and decreased job satisfaction.”
Why is there a physician health shortage?
“The current physician shortage in the US has multiple underlying causes, including demographic shifts, increased demand for healthcare services, and changes in physician practice patterns,” Akande says. “The aging baby boomer population has led to a greater need for healthcare services. As a result, there is an increased demand for physicians.”
Akande also points toward increased specialization and administrative burdens, as well as an uneven geographic distribution of medical doctors. “Rural and underserved areas have fewer physicians than urban areas,” he says. “The high cost of medical education and the burden of student loan debt also discourage medical students from pursuing primary care specialties or practicing in underserved areas.”
The US isn’t the only country experiencing this problem. Akande describes the physician shortage as “a global issue affecting many countries, particularly those with aging populations.” However, he notes that some countries have taken steps toward solutions.
“Some countries have increased funding for medical education and expanded medical school enrollment, while others have streamlined the medical licensing process to attract more foreign-trained physicians,” Akande says. “Some countries have also implemented telemedicine and other technologies to improve access to healthcare in remote and underserved areas.”
What can the US do about it?
Akande suggests the US could incorporate similar reforms to good effect. “Increasing funding for medical education and expanding loan repayment programs could help attract more students to primary care and underserved areas,” he says. “Streamlining the medical licensing process for foreign-trained physicians could also address shortages in certain specialties. Finally, implementing telemedicine and other technologies could improve access to healthcare in underserved areas and help address the growing demand for healthcare services.”
Still, Akande warns that implementing these changes is likely to bring additional challenges. “It’s important to note that different countries have different healthcare systems and cultural norms, so the US may need to adapt these approaches to fit its unique circumstances,” he says. “Additionally, addressing the physician shortage will require a multi-faceted approach involving medical schools, healthcare providers, policymakers, and government officials.”
Since thousands of aspiring doctors with impressive academic credentials apply to medical schools every year, the problem isn’t a lack of desire. But the highly limited number of available slots acts as a bottleneck.
At the University of Health Sciences Antigua, Akande’s staff and faculty do their part to alleviate the physician shortage by recruiting and training students who would like to practice medicine in the US. “Our curriculum is modeled after US medical schools and meets the requirements of US medical licensing exams,” he explains. “Additionally, we partner with US-based hospitals and clinics to provide clinical training opportunities for students. This gives them exposure to the US healthcare system and increases their chances of obtaining a residency. These partnerships also help us build relationships with US healthcare providers, which leads to job opportunities for graduates.”
Ensuring Physicians’ long-term success
The University of Health Sciences Antigua supports aspiring physicians and ensures their long-term success in the medical profession in several ways. First of all, the institution provides mentorship and career guidance to students.
“We connect them with experienced physicians who can provide advice and guidance on career paths, residency options, and job opportunities,” Akande says. “This support can help students make informed decisions about their careers and improve their chances of success in the medical profession.”
In addition, the University of Health Sciences Antigua offers clinical training and research opportunities. “This helps our students gain practical experience and develop clinical skills, as well as explore various areas of medicine,” Akande explains.
The University also helps students meet US licensing standards. “Our curriculum prepares students for US medical licensing exams such as the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE),” Akande says. “This increases the chances of their students obtaining a residency and practicing medicine in the US.”
Moreover, the University of Health Sciences Antigua supports students holistically, offering Student Support Services such as mental health counseling, academic advising, and financial aid resources. “This helps students navigate the challenges of medical school and succeed academically and professionally,” Akande explains.
Solving the physician shortage
Akande notes that both international and US medical schools play important roles in addressing the physician shortage in the US. Yet, more can still be done.
“There is a need for increased investment in medical education and policies to address the distribution and diversity of the physician workforce,” he comments. “Solving this issue will require a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing the number of medical residency slots, expanding loan repayment programs, and encouraging physicians to practice in underserved areas.”
