AAMC updates physician shortage projections

The nation faces a shortage of between 61,700 and 94,700 physicians by 2025, according to updated projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The projected shortfalls range from 14,900-35,600 for primary care physicians and 37,400-60,300 for physicians in non-primary care specialties. The findings are largely consistent with projections reported by the association last year. “These updated projections confirm that the physician shortage is real, it’s significant, and the nation must begin to train more doctors now if patients are going to be able to receive the care they need when they need it in the near future,” said AAMC President and CEO Darrell Kirch, M.D. The AHA supports the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 1148/H.R. 2124), legislation that would end the 19-year freeze on Medicare-funded residency positions.