Retirement Concerns on Aging ​

Are you getting to that point in life where age has become a concern? Read on!!! A new AAMC study projects a significant physician shortage in the United States, with estimates indicating a shortfall of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034[2]. This comprehensive analysis reveals concerning gaps across both primary care and specialty fields that will impact healthcare delivery nationwide. ## The Growing Physician Gap The latest projections from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) highlight a critical healthcare workforce challenge. According to their recent report "The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections From 2021 to 2036," the United States faces a physician shortage of up to 86,000 by 2036[1]. This actually represents a decrease from earlier projections in 2021, which estimated the shortage could exceed 120,000 physicians by 2034[5]. ## Breaking Down the Shortages The physician shortage spans across multiple specialty areas: - Primary Care: Projected shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 physicians, including family medicine, general pediatrics, and geriatric medicine[2] - Surgical Specialties: Estimated shortfall between 15,800 and 30,200 physicians in areas like general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic surgery[2] - Medical Specialties: Expected shortage of 3,800 to 13,400 physicians in fields such as cardiology, oncology, and infectious diseases[2] - Other Specialties: Projected gaps of 10,300 to 35,600 physicians in areas including anesthesiology, neurology, and emergency medicine[2] ## Driving Factors Several key factors are contributing to this growing physician shortage. Population growth is a significant driver, with the U.S. Census Bureau projecting the population to reach 363 million by 2034[4]. Additionally, an aging population plays a crucial role—about two-thirds of the population growth by 2034 will be people 65 or older, who typically require more medical care[4]. The physician workforce itself is aging rapidly, with 35% of physicians reaching retirement age within the next five years[4]. This "medicine's great resignation" compounds the already challenging situation. ## Addressing the Gap AAMC leadership emphasizes that increased investment in physician training is essential to address these shortfalls. "Both sustained and increased investments in training new physicians are critical to mitigating projected shortfalls of doctors needed to meet the healthcare needs of our country," notes AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD[1]. Expanding graduate medical education slots represents a vital strategy to help close this gap. However, since it takes up to a decade to properly educate and train a physician, immediate action is necessary to prevent more severe shortages in the future[4].